Sudden death highlights service delivery failures

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – In a stark reminder of the service delivery crisis in Maluti-a-Phofung, 67-year old Qwaqwa resident Zacharia Mofokeng tragically lost his life while on a routine trip to fetch water.

Early in the morning, Mofokeng set out with a wheelbarrow from his home in Ward 32 to the nearest borehole, drilled by Gift of the Givers. Located approximately 1.8 kilometres away, this borehole is a crucial water source for residents due to persistent shortages.

On his return, Mofokeng collapsed and died, leaving his family and community grieving and calling for urgent intervention.

Mofokeng’s death sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by residents of Maluti-a-Phofung, where water and other basic services have become increasingly scarce.

His daughter, Joyce Mofokeng, is devastated by the loss, noting that on his return from the borehole Mofokeng said he was exhausted and then immediately collapsed.

“My father went to fetch water near Phereng then just before he reached our home he said he was tired then he collapsed and that was it. We have been without water for almost six to seven years now,” she said.

Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Alison Oates commented on the incident, calling it a tragic consequence of years of inadequate service delivery.

“The lack of reliable water supply is not only an inconvenience, it’s a threat to residents’ lives. People in Maluti-a-Phofung are forced to survive under conditions that should be unthinkable in a democratic society. It is unacceptable that residents have to rely on charity organizations like Gift of the Givers for access to essential resources,” Oates added.

Late Zacharia Mofokeng.

The municipality has faced growing criticism over issues ranging from water and sanitation shortages to deteriorating road conditions and inconsistent electricity supply. Water scarcity, however, has been particularly acute, with many residents spending hours at boreholes and water distribution points, often traveling long distances to collect this basic resource.

Meanwhile, Mofokeng’s death has intensified calls for immediate government action. Communities can no longer be ignored and this tragic incident must serve as a wake-up call for authorities to address infrastructure failures and to restore reliable access to water and other basic services.

In Ward 32, Mofokeng’s loss has struck a chord with residents who see his death as a somber reflection of their daily struggle. Community members are now looking to their leaders for decisive action that will prevent similar tragedies in the future. Mofokeng’s journey for water must stand as a reminder that no one in Maluti-a-Phofung, or anywhere in South Africa, should have to put their life at risk to access a basic human right.