Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Tshwane mayoral candidate Omphile Maotwe has outlined plans to improve the metro’s roads, water systems, and healthcare services. During an interview on 702, Maotwe discussed how the municipality could improve service delivery, create jobs, and manage its finances. She emphasized the need for Tshwane to build its own capacity to provide services rather than relying on contractors and intermediaries. Maotwe, who is also the EFF’s treasurer-general, acknowledged that budget constraints would make delivering on the party’s promises a challenge.
Maotwe argued that municipalities should invest in revenue-generating projects and use their spending to create jobs, particularly through local small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The EFF’s manifesto proposes allocating at least 80% of municipal procurement to local SMMEs, cooperatives, and township enterprises involved in manufacturing-related economic activities. To achieve this, Maotwe suggested that municipalities should purchase goods directly where possible and outsource only work they lacked the internal skills to perform.
The EFF wants to reduce Tshwane’s reliance on contractors and intermediaries, which Maotwe believes is costly and inefficient. She questioned why municipalities should permanently outsource services such as water provision instead of developing their own capacity to deliver them. Maotwe used the example of purchasing goods, stating that municipalities don’t need tenderers or service providers to procure goods on their behalf.
Maotwe promised to prioritize fixing roads that fall under municipal responsibility, distinguishing them from roads managed by provincial or national government. She emphasized that residents in poorer and rural parts of Tshwane deserve the same investment as those in wealthier areas. The party wants to address gravel roads that become difficult to use during rainy weather, potentially preventing residents from traveling and ambulances from reaching people who need assistance.
Healthcare emerged as a particular challenge during the interview, with Maotwe acknowledging that the city needs more ambulances, better-equipped facilities, longer clinic operating hours, and additional personnel. The EFF manifesto promises to enforce a maximum ambulance response time of 20 minutes in urban areas. However, Maotwe did not provide a figure for the number of working ambulances Tshwane needs or the cost to address the shortfall.
Maotwe cited Tshwane's total budget of R55 billion, with just over R500 million allocated to health, as a major constraint. She said provincial government would also need to assist because it operates clinics and hospitals in the city. The EFF’s pledge to publish municipal tenders, awards, and contracts, and enforce consequences for corruption, was also discussed during the interview.
Maotwe maintained that the EFF would pursue measures outlined in its manifesto if it wins an outright majority. The party plans to blacklist companies and individuals found guilty of wrongdoing and hold them accountable for corruption. Maotwe emphasized that the EFF did not govern any municipality outright and had only limited responsibilities in coalition governments, but would take action if given the opportunity.
Key points
- EFF Tshwane mayoral candidate Omphile Maotwe cites budget constraints as a major challenge to delivering on the party’s promises.
- The EFF plans to prioritize fixing roads, improving water services, and upgrading healthcare facilities in Tshwane.
- Maotwe emphasizes the need for Tshwane to build its own capacity to provide services rather than relying on contractors and intermediaries.
