MAHIKENG - Mahikeng, once regarded as a showcase of world-class infrastructure, is struggling with years of deterioration, leaving residents and businesses increasingly frustrated with the state of the North West capital.
Pothole-riddled roads, water shortages, sewage spillages and inconsistent waste collection have become part of daily life in the city, which residents say is slowly losing its appeal.
Residents say the city’s decline has been ongoing for years, with many pointing to the period after 1994 as the beginning of a steady deterioration in municipal infrastructure and services.
Several once-prominent facilities have also fallen into disrepair. The iconic Mmabatho Stadium, which previously hosted international sporting events, now sees little activity beyond learner drivers using its parking areas to practise.
The deterioration is also raising concerns about the city’s ability to attract and retain investors, with businesses warning that Mahikeng is losing its economic appeal.
Residents say the provincial capital should be setting the standard for municipal performance, rather than battling basic service delivery failures.
While government has repeatedly promised to restore Mahikeng to its former glory, residents are still waiting to see meaningful improvements.