Today marked the initiation of an impactful endeavor as the Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha extended a warm welcome to 100 enthusiastic participants hailing from various towns within the Matjhabeng.
These individuals embarked on their inaugural day of service as integral members of The Municipal Cleaning and Greening project, funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
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This program stands as a testament to our collective commitment to combatting environmental degradation and eradicating the scourge of litter and illegal dumping within our communities.
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With a steadfast dedication to our environment's well-being, these participants will be diligently working across designated areas within Matjhabeng, with a primary focus on enhancing and maintaining the cleanliness and aesthetics of our surroundings.
Nine males were charged for illegal dumping yesterday and fined R2000 each.
This after scores of pamphlets were found in an open manhole on the corner of Finch and Fiskaal streets, which feeds the Major Pump Station.
The perpetrators, who are employed by a pamphlet distributing company admitted to putting pamphlets in manholes to ease work load.
The Municipality will calculate the cost of the damage done to infrastructure and the company will then be charged.
Matjhabeng wishes to issue a warning against such acts as perpetrators will face the full might of the law.
Those charged will appear in court soon.
Residents are also encouraged to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement officials or to Matjhabeng Local Municipality on 057 391 3911.
TToday, 21 February 2024, the Free State Provincial Government has convened a two day preparatory Lekgotla at President
Hotel in Bloemfontein.
The Planning and Budgeting Lekgotla takes place just a few days before the Hon. Premier of the Free State, Dukwana
Mxolisi is scheduled to deliver the much anticipated 2024 State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Phuthaditjhaba, QwaQwa
on the 29th of February 2024.
Lekgotla takes place a day after His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, announced ,29 May 2024, as the official day
for the country’s General Elections. The elections come during the year when the country celebrates 30 years of
democracy and the election will also mark the end of the 6th administration....
Lekgotla seeks to give guidance to SOPA by aligning and coordinating the collective needs of the people of the Free
State into a consolidated provincial plan. Furthermore, Lekgotla will undertake a deep analysis of the state of service
delivery i.e. work that has been done in relation with the 2023 SOPA injunctions. Robust engagement that are anticipated
at the Lekgotla will set the tone for the year ahead, highlight strategic priority area, shape and give strategic
direction to the content of SOPA.
In his opening remarks at the EXCO Lekgotla, Premier Mxolisi Dukwana reiterated the need for Lekgotla to ask difficult
questions in order to arrive at the best possible solutions for prevail socio-economic challenges such as unemployment,
underdevelopment, corruption and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) confronting the people of the Free State.
"There is an urgent need to steer this ship to a different destination wherein a prosperous Free State that caters for
the needs of the people will be realised. The Free State has so much potential and it is incumbent on all us to make
sure that the lives of our people are changed for the better" the Premier said.
Matjhabeng Executive Mayor, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha addressed the media on critical issues in the Municipality.
Projects are set to be the cornerstone of accelerated service delivery as well as local economic development.
The energy, water & sanitation, and human settlement sectors are earmarked for bringing development to the locality.
Minister for Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokhopa will soon be visiting the Municipality to introduce a new solar
project that is set to assist in reducing loadshedding and address other electricity related challenges.
The ongoing water and sanitation Ministerial intervention has made significant progress as contractors have been
appointed to address challenges which have been prioritized for this financial year.
Allanridge, Henneman and Virginia have been prioritised as a matter of urgency with the aim of addressing challenges
directly linked to residents' human dignity.
New life has also been breathed into legacy projects in the human settlement directorate such as G-Hostel, through the
intervention of the Mnistry, Provincial Premier as well as MEC responsible for the directorate in the Free State.
Steering committees have been established to monitor the implementation of all projects as an added quality and time
management measure....
Through the auspices of the previous Investment Summits hosted by the Municipality, numerous investors have come forward
with proposals to invest in the locality; including 'Phakisa City' which is set to be established between Welkom and
Odendaalsrus. Preparations are now at final stages and investors will also be expected to report on progress made at
regular intervals.
All developments coming to the locality will not only boost the local economy but also address the critical issue of
unemployment by providing much needed employment opportunities for residents.
Internal capacity building continues to be prioritized to bring stability to the institution. As such, permanent
Directors have been appointed in most directorates. Improved relations are also being sought with the trade unions in
the institution to foster unity as well as improve the delivery of services to the Matjhabeng community.
Revenue collection continues to plaque the Municipality as it is below the anticipated monthly target; greatly
contributing to the institution's strained financial state. As a result, measures such as Operation Patala as well as
discounts on arrear accounts are being implemented to encourage the payment of services in order to ensure the smooth
running of the institution.
The Municipality aims to install smart meters to encourage payment as well as improve the accuracy of the billing
system.
"We are working tirelessly to ensure we bring accelerated service delivery to our people through reliable accountable
governance. Although we still face many challenges, notable strides have also been made. This is a journey and we will
be victorious in the end", reiterated the Executive Mayor.
Matjhabeng Local Municipality would like to thank all Munistries and Provincial Government structures that are working
with unwavering zeal and enthusiasm to ensure the locality achieves its ideal. Your selfless actions do not go
unnoticed.
The Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha, is currently engaging with the
community of Ward 13 in Thabong through his Mayoral Imbizo, reinforcing the commitment to fostering a collaborative
relationship with the residents.
During his address, the Executive Mayor emphasised the municipality's key priorities for the current financial year,
focusing on Infrastructure Development, Local Economic Development, and the Safety and residents.
Addressing immediate concerns in Ward 13, the Executive Mayor announced the appointment of contractors to tackle sewer
challenges and urged residents to actively contribute by refraining from dumping waste in the drainage system to protect
essential infrastructure....
Highlighting the municipality's dedication to road improvement, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha informed residents that a
contractor is to be appointed for the construction of a 3KM road, valued at over R29 Million, which includes the fixing
of Constantia Road. He urged residents to remain vigilant against potential issues related to Construction Mafias.
He also revealed to residents that the municipality has improved in MIG spending and remains committed to spending all
monies committed in this regard.
Furthermore, he strongly condemned the senseless killings and violence against women and children, particularly in the
wake of the tragic incident involving a 5-year-old in Virginia. He called for unity in the community to stand against
such acts of cruelty.
Today marks the second and final day of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality Strategic Planning at Toronto Hall in Welkom.
Strategic Commissions Assemble for Community Progress
Determined to boost overall growth and improve governance, specialised commissions have gathered to discuss important aspects within the municipality. Led by capable Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs), these commissions are dedicated to addressing crucial elements essential for our community's well-being and advancement....
1. Local Economic Development and Land Use:
Chaired by MMC Mojalefa Buti and MMC Matinte Radebe, this commission is focused on developing strategies that promote local economic growth and responsible land use. Leveraging the expertise of these dedicated leaders, the municipality aims to create an environment conducive to sustainable progress.
2. Municipal Institutional Development & Transformation, Good Governance & Public Participation:
Under the leadership of MMC Sebata Mosoue, MMC Thandi Monjovo, and MMC Mojabeng Radebe, this commission explores institutional development, transformation, and the improvement of governance structures. With a focus on public participation, the commission aims to strengthen municipal institutions, fostering transparency and inclusivity.
3. Municipal Financial Viability and Management:
Guided by MMC Hlobohang Mokhomo and MMC Keabotsa Moipatle, this commission tackles the critical aspects of financial viability and management. By implementing sound financial practices, the municipality aims to ensure stability, accountability, and efficient resource management for the community's benefit.
4. Basic Service Delivery:
MMC Khoarai Tlake, MMC Xolile Masina, and MMC Buda Ramalefane lead the commission dedicated to Basic Service Delivery. Concentrating on essential services, this commission works towards optimizing the delivery of fundamental amenities, ensuring residents receive quality services for an improved quality of life.
As these commissions deliberate on these vital areas, their collaborative efforts underscore the municipality's dedication to progress, sustainable development, and effective governance. Through teamwork and strategic planning, the goal is to pave the way for a lively, resilient community where every resident can thrive.
