The Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha, today joined members of the Methodist
Church of Southern Africa – Northern Free State and Lesotho District , in a peaceful march aimed at raising awareness
about the urgent need to confront social ills in our communities.
Held under the powerful theme “Becoming Alternative Men in a Despondent World,” the march highlighted the critical role
of men in building a society free from violence, injustice, and moral decay....
A key moment in the programme was the handing over of a memorandum to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Welkom.
The memorandum strongly emphasised the protection of women and children, calling for safer and more secure communities,
and included a firm denouncement of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Executive Mayor Khalipha commended the church for its leadership and advocacy, reaffirming the municipality’s support
for partnerships that seek to build a just, safe, and caring society.
#StopGBV
#SafeCommunities
#MatjhabengAtWork
#BuildingTheMatjhabengWeWant
The Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha, today convened a meeting of the
Political Steering Committee to review the progress report on the implementation of the municipality’s Audit Action
Plan.
These bi-weekly meetings play a critical role in promoting accountability, transparency, and operational efficiency
within the municipality.
The Audit Action Plan, developed in response to the Auditor-General’s report, outlines key corrective actions to
strengthen financial management, improve governance systems, and enhance overall service delivery.
...
The session was also attended by an official from the Office of the Auditor-General, who presented five key
recommendations. The Executive Mayor, Members of the Mayoral Committee, and Senior Management committed to implementing
these recommendations as part of their ongoing improvement efforts.
The continued work of the Political Steering Committee, under the leadership of Mayor Khalipha, reflects a firm
commitment to ethical governance, service excellence, and sustainable development.
#BuildingTheMatjhabengWeWant
#MatjhabengAtWork
The Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha, officially delivered the welcoming
remarks at the 53rd Annual Young Men’s Guild (YMG) District Convention for the Northern Free State and Lesotho, held at
St Luke Methodist Church in Welkom.
In his address, Mayor Khalipha warmly welcomed delegates from across the district, expressing sincere gratitude to the
leadership of the Methodist Church for choosing Matjhabeng — and Welkom in particular — as the host city for this
significant spiritual gathering. He described the convention as a source of inspiration and unity, bringing together men
of faith to reaffirm their commitment to spiritual growth, community service, and moral leadership.
...
The Mayor acknowledged the pressing challenges facing the municipality, especially in relation to service delivery,
infrastructure, and unemployment.
He used the platform to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to accelerating progress through targeted interventions
and community partnerships.
“While we recognise the difficulties, we are not standing still,” he said. “We are intensifying our efforts to restore
dignity through responsive, ethical, and people-centred governance.”
Mayor Khalipha further praised the Methodist Church — and the Young Men’s Guild in particular — for their continued role
in building morally upright communities.
He encouraged faith-based organisations to remain vocal and active in the fight against gender-based violence ,
substance abuse, crime, and other social ills plaguing society.
“The Church must continue to be the moral compass of our communities,” he urged. “We need your voice, your prayers, and
your actions to stand against the erosion of family values and community safety.”
family values and community safety.”
He concluded by extending his best wishes for a successful convention, calling on delegates to leave Matjhabeng
spiritually uplifted and socially re-committed to building a more just, compassionate, and united society.
He was accompanied by the MMC for Local Economic Development, Cllr. Mojalefa Buti.
As we celebrate this day, we also acknowledge the work that is being done in order to continue the strive to achieve
equal employment standards.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#AtYourService
#LeaveNoOneBehind
The Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha, today chaired a strategic Ordinary
Mayoral Committee (MAYCO) meeting focused on restoring service delivery, enforcing accountability, and driving community
development across the municipality.
In his opening remarks, Executive Mayor Khalipha made it clear that the current standard of municipal services is
unacceptable.
Residents are facing collapsing roads, blocked sewers, unreliable refuse collection, and general
infrastructure failures. This situation is not only unfair but also unsustainable—and immediate action is required.
...
Departments responsible for Infrastructure and Community Services were given the opportunity to present practical,
time-bound solutions to address these challenges.
These solutions must be implementable, measurable, and responsive to community needs.
Among the most urgent priorities is the collapse of Constantia Road at the entrance to Thabong, which
has deteriorated due to persistent sewer spillages.
MAYCO resolved to urgently develop a rehabilitation plan and to engage with Vaal Central Water—the implementing agent
for sewer projects in Matjhabeng—to fast-track interventions. The sewer failures must be resolved in tandem with the
road repairs.
Similarly, the T-8 Pump Station, which is currently non-functional and contributing to sewer blockages, must undergo
immediate technical assessment and repairs.
In Nyakallong, frustrations over the stagnant Voël Pan issue were acknowledged. The Executive Mayor reiterated that the
municipality is finalising an intervention plan that will deliver visible progress and move beyond empty promises.
MAYCO also received and reviewed several key reports, including progress and expenditure updates on the Municipal
Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) for the 2024/2025 financial year, as well as
reports from the Community Services Department, Infrastructure Directorate, Local Economic Development, and Strategic
Support Services.
The meeting concluded with several firm resolutions. The municipality will engage the Department of Human Settlements to
accelerate interventions in Hani Park and Ward 22 (K10). A comprehensive township cleaning programme will be developed
and implemented to restore basic hygiene and environmental dignity.
The Finance Department has been directed to request technical and financial support from the Provincial Treasury to
assist with a Municipal Financial Recovery Plan.
Operation Patala, the municipality’s revenue collection initiative, will be strengthened but will only be rolled out in
conjunction with improved and visible service delivery to residents.
Ward Committees will also be deployed to help identify and register indigent households to ensure that vulnerable
residents are prioritised in service provision.
Executive Mayor Khalipha concluded the meeting with a clear message: Matjhabeng residents are not asking for
miracles—they are asking for clean streets, functioning infrastructure, and a municipality that listens and delivers.
“There will be no excuses,” he said. “Only delivery.”
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#AtYourService
Matjhabeng Local Municipality today joined the nation in commemorating Freedom Day, with Executive Mayor Cllr.
Thanduxolo Khalipha leading the celebrations at the Thabong Community Centre.
The event was held under the national theme: “United in Resilience for the Defence of Our Freedom and Democracy.”
The celebration brought together local residents, Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs), councillors, municipal
officials, and various stakeholders to reflect on the progress made since South Africa’s first democratic elections in
1994 – a historic moment that marked the dawn of freedom and equality for all citizens.
...
The occasion was graced by the presence of the Speaker of the Free State Legislature, Honourable Mxolisi Dukwana, who
delivered a powerful keynote address.
In his message, Honourable Dukwana underscored the critical need for ethical,
responsive, and people-centred leadership in the public sector.
“As we mark 31 years of democracy, let this be a moment of reckoning,” he said. “We cannot continue to undermine our
communities with poor service delivery, corruption, and inaction. Those entrusted with public office must lead with
integrity and accountability. Public funds must serve their rightful purpose – to improve lives and restore dignity.”
Honourable Dukwana further urged all spheres of government to reflect deeply on their role in advancing the values of
freedom, justice, and equality – values won through the sacrifices of many.
Echoing this call, Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to turning the ideals of
freedom into a lived reality for every resident. “Freedom must not only be remembered – it must be felt in our homes and
communities,” he said. “It must mean access to quality education, clean water, electricity, proper sanitation, and safe
public spaces.”
The Mayor emphasized that the struggle for freedom continues through service delivery, economic upliftment, and the
creation of opportunities for all.
He highlighted key municipal initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges,
including the development of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the revitalisation of the Welkom Airport – both of
which are expected to attract investment and stimulate job creation in the region.
In a further show of commitment to service improvement, Executive Mayor Khalipha announced that the municipality remains
committed to its undertaking of recruiting 200 General Workers and will prioritise the filling of all critical vacancies
to enhance capacity and delivery across departments.
“This Freedom Day, we recommit to building a municipality that listens, that acts, and that serves. Our residents
deserve nothing less than a responsive, transparent, and effective local government,” Mayor Khalipha concluded.
The day’s programme also featured vibrant cultural performances by local artists, showcasing the rich heritage and
resilience of the people of Matjhabeng.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#AtYourService
#LeaveNoOneBehind
