Mohokare Local Municipality

Named after the Mohokare River (known as the Caledon River in English), which forms the border between South Africa and Lesotho, the municipality is a reflection of South Africa’s rural heritage and challenges in achieving balanced development. Despite its small population and limited economic activity, Mohokare is striving to improve the living conditions of its residents through better service delivery and developmental planning.

Mohokare Local Municipality Geographic and Demographic Profile

Mohokare covers an area of approximately 8,515 square kilometers, making it one of the larger municipalities in terms of land area in the Free State. The municipality consists of three main towns:

• Zastron (Municipal Seat)

• Rouxfontein

• Smithfield

These towns serve as administrative and service centers for the surrounding rural areas and farms.

According to the 2011 Census and updated estimates, Mohokare has a population of around 35,000 to 40,000 people. The demographic profile is largely Black African, with small minorities of White, Coloured, and Indian/Asian residents. The predominant language spoken is Sesotho, followed by Afrikaans and isiXhosa.

Governance and Administration

The municipality is governed by a Municipal Council composed of elected representatives from various political parties. The council is led by a Mayor, a Speaker, and a Municipal Manager who handles the administrative affairs.

The council consists of 13 seats, distributed through a mixed-member proportional representation system:

• 7 councillors are elected through ward representation.

• 6 councillors are elected from party lists to ensure proportionality.

As of the most recent elections, the African National Congress (ANC) holds the majority of seats, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also having a presence.

The municipal offices are located in Zastron, which also hosts council meetings and community engagement programs.

Economy and Employment

The economy of Mohokare is predominantly agricultural, with vast tracts of land used for livestock farming (particularly sheep and cattle) and some crop production. The region’s fertile soils and river systems support subsistence and small-scale farming, which is a critical source of livelihood for rural households.

Other economic activities include:

• Tourism: Attractions such as the Aasvoëlberg (Vulture Mountain) near Zastron, traditional rock art sites, and nature reserves offer potential for eco-tourism.

• Retail and Services: Local businesses and shops serve the community, although options are limited compared to urban centers.

• Government Services: Local government is a significant employer in the area.

Despite these activities, unemployment remains high, especially among youth and women. Many residents depend on social grants and informal trade for survival. Economic growth is hampered by limited investment, poor infrastructure, and low levels of education and skills.

Infrastructure and Service Delivery

Mohokare Local Municipality faces considerable challenges in providing reliable and equitable services to all residents. Key areas of service delivery include:

Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water is available in most urban areas, but rural communities often experience shortages and rely on boreholes, rivers, or water tankers. Sanitation infrastructure is uneven, with many homes lacking flush toilets and proper sewage systems.

Electricity

Most towns are connected to the national electricity grid via Eskom, but some rural areas still lack reliable access to power. Illegal connections and frequent power outages remain issues.

Roads and Transport

Road infrastructure is generally poor, with many gravel roads in rural areas becoming impassable during rainy seasons. Maintenance is an ongoing challenge due to budget constraints.

Housing

There is a significant housing backlog, particularly in informal settlements. Many residents live in RDP houses or self-built dwellings. The municipality is working with provincial authorities to accelerate housing delivery.

Health and Education

Public health facilities are limited, with clinics and a few hospitals providing basic services. Schools exist in all three towns, but resources are often inadequate, and educational outcomes lag behind national averages.

Social Development and Community Services

Mohokare has several initiatives aimed at social upliftment, including:

• Youth empowerment programs

• Skills development workshops

• Support for people living with disabilities

• HIV/AIDS awareness and support

Libraries, sports fields, and community halls are available in some towns, but many facilities are under-maintained or underutilized.

Financial Management and Audit Performance

The municipality has faced scrutiny for its financial management practices. Reports from the Auditor-General have consistently highlighted issues such as:

• Irregular and unauthorized expenditure

• Weak internal controls

• Late submission of financial statements

Despite efforts to improve governance, capacity constraints and political interference have affected service delivery and development planning. Transparency and accountability remain critical areas for improvement.

Environmental Management

Given its location near river systems and mountainous terrain, environmental sustainability is essential for Mohokare. Key environmental concerns include:

• Soil erosion and overgrazing

• Waste management challenges

• Water pollution from sewage and agricultural runoff

The municipality collaborates with environmental NGOs and provincial departments to promote conservation and sustainable land use practices.

Developmental Plans and Strategic Vision

Mohokare’s long-term vision is to become a “people-centered, economically sustainable municipality” that offers quality services and a decent standard of living for all its residents.

Development planning is guided by the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which outlines priorities such as:

• Improving basic service delivery

• Creating job opportunities

• Developing infrastructure

• Promoting tourism and agriculture

• Enhancing governance and public participation

Projects under the IDP include:

• Road rehabilitation and stormwater systems

• Expansion of water supply infrastructure

• Upgrading waste management facilities

• Support for small-scale farmers and cooperatives

Funding is sourced from municipal revenue, Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), and equitable share transfers from the national government.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges

• High levels of poverty and unemployment

• Poor infrastructure and service delivery backlogs

• Weak financial controls and governance issues

• Limited economic base and investment

• Skills shortages and education deficits

• Inadequate healthcare and social services

Opportunities

• Potential for agricultural development and agro-processing

• Untapped tourism attractions and heritage sites

• Youth empowerment through skills training and entrepreneurship

• Renewable energy projects (e.g., solar farms)

• Public-private partnerships for infrastructure development

Resident Queries

Fun Things To Do At Mohokare Local Municipality

Mohokare Local Municipality, nestled in the Xhariep District of the Free State province, offers a variety of attractions for visitors seeking both natural beauty and cultural experiences. Here are some highlights to consider:​

Conclusion

The Mohokare Local Municipality represents the complex realities of rural governance in South Africa. While facing significant developmental challenges, the municipality also has numerous opportunities to uplift its communities through strategic planning, effective service delivery, and citizen engagement.

As the municipality continues to build capacity, attract investment, and prioritize transparency, it can serve as a model for rural transformation and inclusive development in the Free State and beyond.