WATCH | Tzaneen residents cry foul as officials scramble to fix roads ahead of Mboweni's funeral

TZANEEN - Some residents in Tzaneen, Limpopo, have accused the local government of playing into the political gallery as officials make last-minute preparations for former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni's funeral.

Mboweni died almost a week ago after suffering a short illness.

The 65-year-old has been granted a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on Saturday.

The Mopani District Municipality is scrambling to get its house in order as the area prepares for high-level delegates expected to attend Mboweni's funeral. 

Potholes are being patched up and some of the main routes between Mboweni's childhood home and private residence are getting a fresh paint job. 

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A local business owner - Noel Chauke - says he hasn't seen this much activity from the local government in almost a decade.

"Even us, we were surprised and we are happy now when they start to fix this road. We are happy when there’s a politician’s funeral because we know we’ll get basic services," said Chauke.

Chauke said basic services like water and electricity have become a hot commodity and a luxury, calling on the government to take better care of local communities.