Swellendam Roadblock Controversy Raises Red Flags

GOOD Statement by Bongani Sonqwenqwe, GOOD Overberg District Councillor:

The GOOD Party notes with concern the growing public backlash and rising community unease following allegations regarding the legality and procedural integrity of recent traffic enforcement roadblocks in Swellendam.

At the centre of the controversy is the Municipality’s outsourcing of mobile paypoint systems to an external service provider, enabling on-the-spot payments for traffic fines. Social media reports suggest that residents are being pressured to pay immediately, effectively denying them the opportunity to contest or appeal alleged traffic violations through due legal process.

While the Municipality has defended the system, noting that similar mobile paypoints are used in other municipalities across South Africa. This response sidesteps the core issue, residents are not questioning the existence of the system, but rather how it has been implemented, who is handling public funds, and what safeguards are in place to protect their rights.

In light of these concerns, the GOOD Party has formally written to Municipal Manager Anneleen Vorster requesting urgent clarity on the following:

• The length and terms of the contract between the Municipality and the mobile paypoint service provider;
• Whether the service provider is paid a fixed fee or compensated based on a percentage of revenue collected;
• How on-the-spot discounts, reportedly offered to those who pay immediately, are being regulated;
• Whether residents are being compelled, either directly or indirectly, to settle fines on the spot without the option to follow legal appeals processes.

Until these questions are addressed transparently and with supporting documentation, calls for accountability and public clarity will persist.

In the meantime, the GOOD Party urges Swellendam residents to remain engaged, to seek information through verified channels, and to continue demanding fair, transparent, and lawful treatment from their local government.

GOOD Skills Training: GOOD emphasizes the importance of skills training for the workforce.

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