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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has positioned itself as the party that will rescue South Africa from economic collapse, as such, the party has a six-point plan to turbocharge the economy and reduce the cost of living.
As part of the rescue mission, the Leader of the Democratic Alliance Mr John Steenhuisen, flanked by the Provincial Leader Dr Roy Jankielsohn, will today, Monday, 18 August 2025, visit three businesses in Welkom facing different challenges affecting productivity and run the risk of shutting down if things persist as they are.
According to Charity McCord, the Media Manager for Steenhuisen, the DA Leader will champion the DA’s six-point plan to turbocharge the economy—a blueprint for lowering the cost of living, fixing failing municipalities, securing reliable energy and water, repairing infrastructure, creating jobs, and attracting investment.
“His visit comes as businesses in the Matjhabeng municipality battle collapse under ANC mismanagement. From water-shedding and power cuts to chaotic billing, broken roads, and sewage crises, local employers are forced to divert millions into survival measures that should be provided through competent governance.
Steenhuisen will meet business leaders at three major employers in Welkom—Alma Nursery, Fresh Bake, and Sparta Beef—to highlight how urgent reform can turn failing towns into growth engines once again,” said McCord.
Alma Nursery (70 jobs) has faced illegal land invasions, crippling power cuts, and ten consecutive days without water.
Fresh Bake (400 jobs) supplies national retailers but is hobbled by water-shedding, billing disputes, excessive rates, and absent refuse and sewage services.
Sparta Beef (1 300 jobs) processes 130 tonnes of beef per shift yet has had to spend tens of millions on solar, generators, and water storage to stay afloat, while farmers avoid local roads due to their state of decay.
Steenhuisen will be joined by DA Free State Provincial Leader Dr Roy Jankielsohn MPL, Matjhabeng Constituency Head George Michalakis MP, Provincial Cogta Spokesperson Dave McKay MPL, Provincial Transport Spokesperson Jafta Mokoena MPL, Provincial Finance Spokesperson David van Vuuren MPL, and DA Councillors.
