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There’s growing confusion in the Alfred Nzo Region over who built the new TebeTebe bridge — and why so many political parties are now trying to claim the victory.
The bridge officially opened on 18 November 2025 in Umzimvubu Local Municipality. But with the 2026 Local Government Elections approaching, the project has become a political flashpoint.
What triggered the confusion?
The issue began when the Democratic Alliance (DA) published a statement celebrating the bridge handover, implying it followed their oversight visits and pressure.
Read it here: New Umzimvubu Bridge Opens in Tebe-Tebe
Soon after, the ANC Alfred Nzo Region hit back, calling the DA’s claim “opportunism” and emphasising that the bridge came through a formal submission to the Presidential Welisizwe Programme.
Read the response: ANC Hits Back Over DA’s Bridge Claims
Meanwhile, residents and community leaders say the bridge was physically built by the SANDF engineers, under the national rollout of rural infrastructure upgrades.
Who really built the bridge?
Here’s a breakdown of key players involved:
| Role | Organisation | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Funder & mandate | Presidency (Welisizwe Programme) | National-level planning and budget |
| Implementing agents | SANDF Engineering Corps | On-site construction and technical delivery |
| Submitting party | ANC-led Umzimvubu Municipality | Original request and project motivation |
| Political oversight | DA (opposition party) | Oversight visits and public communication |
This mix of roles is normal under GNU governance, but creates confusion during election season — especially when victories are politicised.
Why this matters before the 2026 elections
The IEC has launched its “Road to 2026” campaign for upcoming municipal elections, and infrastructure delivery will be a key issue.
🚧 Projects like the TebeTebe bridge are being used by all major parties to show leadership, delivery, or accountability.
As election debates heat up, voters are being urged to focus on facts, not just party spin.
🔗 IEC Info: Road to the 2026 Local Government Elections
