Ga-Maguduza Access Road exists only in speeches, not budgets
STERKFONTEIN – Sterkfontein community, in Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) Ward 29, are demanding accountability from the municipality after sections of an alleged approved road paving project were left incomplete, with no explanation given to residents.
Residents claim they were told in 2024 that Phase 2 of the Ga-Maguduza Access Road would follow Phase 1 of the project. On paper, the story is different.
The second phase vanished from Elias Motsoaledi Municipality’s 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The next time it appears is in 2031 projections. For residents of Sterkfontein Newstand and Ga-Maguduza Sections, that 5-year gap feels like a broken promise.
Herbert Radingwana, EMLM Councillor, Herbert Radingwana of the Bolsheviks Party of South Africa (BPSA), has written to the Elias Motsoaledi Municipal Manager, Reginah Mahlakwane, demanding urgent answers on the incomplete Mokumong to Maguduza Access Road Project.
According to Radingwana, the road was listed for paving in the municipality’s 2024/2025 IDP, and residents were told during public meetings it would be done in phases until the full route was finished.
“During EMLM Mayor Cllr David Tladi’s IDP and budget presentation at Ramogwerane Community Hall in 2024, EMLM Ward 29 residents were told Phase 1 would run Mokumong to Seroka Bus Stop, and Phase 2 would continue to Ga-Maguduza Section,” he said.
While part of the road has been constructed, Radingwana says the remaining section, serving Ga-Magutuza, remain unfinished.
“No clear communication has been given to affected communities on the project’s status. Residents of EMLM Ward 29 deserve answers. The IDP is not merely a document for public meetings and political speeches. It is a legally adopted programme of action that reflects the priorities identified by communities themselves,” he said.
In his letter to the Municipal Manager, sent on Tuesday 9 June 2026, Radingwana asked for specifics.
He demands to know what budget was allocated to the project, how much money has been spent, why was the approved route not complete, was any lawful decision taken to alter the project and he also wants to know when will the outstanding sections be completed?
Radingwana stressed that the issue goes beyond politics. “It is about service delivery, transparency, and respect for the communities that participated in the IDP process and continue to wait for the development that was promised to them,” he said.
He has requested a formal written response from the Municipal Manager within seven business days.
If the municipality fails to provide satisfactory answers, Radingwana says he will support escalating the matter to provincial government structures and other oversight bodies.
“Residents of Mashabela, Ga-Magutuza, Mokumong, Seroko and surrounding areas have participated in IDP consultations in good faith and now expect the municipality to honour its commitments,” said Radingwana.
EMLM Spokesperson, Simon Makua, highlighted the gap between what Ward 29 residents asked for and what was finally approved in the IDP.
According to Makua, residents made their priorities clear during the public participation process.
He added that the community requested paving of the road from Mokumong to Maguduza via Mashabela Road to Seroko Taxi Rank. That submission reflected the Ward 29 community’s main infrastructure needs and was recorded as part of the planning inputs.
“However, the project adopted by Council is different. Chapter 6, page 288 of the approved 2024/2025 IDP lists the formally registered project as ‘Upgrading of Mokumong Access Road to Marateng Taxi Rank 5.2 km. That is the description used for budgeting and implementation. The approved allocation stands at R10,989,800 for 2024/2025 and R16,710,200 for 2025/26,” Makua said.
Makua stated that Cllr Radingwana, who serves on the Section 79 Infrastructure Services Committee, is noted as having oversight access to municipal reports and project information through that role.
On the specific question of any planned upgrades to Ga-Maguduza Road, Makua said there is currently no upgrade underway.
“The municipality is currently re-gravelling the road as a temporary measure because there is insufficient budget for full upgrading,” Makua explained.
