MATJHABENG LOCAL MUNICIPLAITY MARKS MILESTONES IN DEVELOPMENT OF WELKOM AIRPORT WITH OFFICIAL SITE ACCESS CEREMONY.
Matjhabeng Local Municipality today hosted an official site access ceremony to mark the commencement of environmental
and technical processes at the Welkom Airport.
This milestone event highlights the Municipality’s commitment to transparent, lawful development and its preparedness to
attract catalytic investment into the region.
The site earmarked for transformation into a cargo-oriented logistics hub and industrial complex, forms a strategic part
of Matjhabeng’s broader vision for a Special Economic Zone.
Located adjacent to the planned expansion of the Welkom Aerodrome, the airport site is a vital anchor for the SEZ's
infrastructure and economic impact.
Having secured lawful access, the appointed developer will now proceed with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs),
geotechnical investigations, and other statutory processes, in full compliance with South African legislation.
Municipal leadership emphasised that the Welkom Airport development is central to a long-term structural effort to
revitalize the local economy, promote clean energy industries, and generate sustainable employment opportunities. The
SEZ, bolstered by strategic partnerships such as Renergen’s Virginia Gas Project, positions Matjhabeng as an emerging
hub for green logistics, advanced manufacturing, and helium-based innovation.
The significance of holding the ceremony during Youth Month was not lost on the attendees. “In the spirit of June 16, we
affirm the right of young people to a future shaped by opportunity and purpose,” said Executive Mayor Cllr Thanduxolo
Khalipha. “This handover is not just a procedural milestone but a declaration of intent to build, to include, and to
grow.”
Further updates on stakeholder engagements and investment developments will be shared as the project progresses through
its implementation phases.
The ceremony was attended by councillors, Members of the Mayoral Committee (MAYCO), the Acting Municipal Manager,
municipal officials, representatives from the business community, and members of the media.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#LeaveNoOneBehind
Executive Mayor Khalipha Sets the Tone at Matjhabeng Youth Day Celebration
On June 16, 2025, Matjhabeng Local Municipality hosted its Youth Day commemoration at the Thabong Community Centre in
Welkom. The event was led by the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha, who set the tone with a powerful message of
hope, progress, and opportunity.
The celebration was graced by Honourable Mathabo Leeto, Member of the Executive Council (MEC), and Hon. Olga Seate,
Member of Parliament, who joined the Municipality in honouring the legacy of the 1976 youth.
In his keynote remarks, Mayor Khalipha reflected on the historical significance of Youth Day and outlined several
transformative initiatives aimed at empowering young people. These include major investments in renewable energy,
mining, tourism, and the revival of the Welkom Airport , multi-billion rand projects expected to create economic growth
and prioritize youth employment.
MEC Leeto delivered the keynote address, paying tribute to the courage of the 1976 generation and acknowledging the
strides made since democracy. She urged today’s youth to embrace government programmes, think creatively, and take
charge of their futures by creating their own opportunities.
The MEC also addressed pressing social issues, including gender-based violence, malnutrition, unemployment, substance
abuse, and teenage pregnancy, warning that the latter can hinder a young person’s potential.
She encouraged youth to be inspired by past struggles and commit themselves to building a better South Africa.
The event offered young people access to career guidance, health services, and direct engagement with government
officials. It was a powerful reminder that youth development is central to the Municipality’s agenda, and that the
future depends on a generation that is proactive, innovative, and responsible.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#LeaveNoOneBehind
Exhibitors at Matjhabeng Local Municipality Youth Day Celebration .
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#LeaveNoOneBehind
Umhlobo Wenene FM Breakfast Show: Empowering Youth at Bafeng Lerato Centre
Umhlobo Wenene FM’s flagship breakfast show iBreakfast Eyondlayo Ekuseni (BEE) broadcasted live today from the Bafeng
Lerato Centre in Riebeeckstad, Matjhabeng, in honour of Youth Day.
The broadcast celebrated the centre’s vital role in supporting and empowering young people from Welkom and the
surrounding areas.
Founded by Mme Esther Mashanagaza, Bafeng Lerato Centre is a community-based orphanage and youth empowerment hub
dedicated to nurturing the potential of Matjhabeng’s youth.
The centre provides educational support, skills development, and recreational activities, offering a safe and nurturing
environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive....
Its strong focus on leadership and social development has made it a beacon of hope and opportunity in the region.
The live broadcast provided an inspiring platform filled with motivational conversations, artistic performances, and
messages of encouragement aimed at uplifting the youth of Welkom. It also reinforced the critical role of
community-driven initiatives in shaping a brighter future for young people.
Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr Thanduxolo Khalipha, participated in a live interview during the
event. He reflected on the significance of Youth Day and outlined key projects poised to benefit the youth. These
include major investments in renewable energy, mining, tourism, and the revival of Welkom Airport—multi-billion rand
initiatives that promise to unlock economic and employment opportunities, with the youth being prioritised as key
beneficiaries.
Cllr Khalipha also invited the public to the official Youth Day commemoration event to be held at the Thabong Community
Centre, an initiative organised by the Office of the Executive Mayor to further celebrate and empower the youth of
Matjhabeng.
The collaboration between Umhlobo Wenene FM, Bafeng Lerato Centre, and Matjhabeng Local Municipality underscores the
power of unity in driving positive change.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#youthempowerment
YOUTH MONTH COMMEMORATION – 16 JUNE 2025.
Young people from Matjhabeng are cordially invited to join Executive Mayor Cllr Thanduxolo Khalipha in commemorating
Youth Day under the theme:
“Gear Up for Greatness”
📅 Date: Monday, 16 June 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Venue: Thabong Community Centre, Matjhabeng
This year’s commemoration is hosted by the Office of the Executive Mayor as part of Youth Month 2025, which is
celebrated under the national theme:
"Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation."
Come and experience a vibrant celebration filled with inspiration, entertainment, and opportunities!
🌟 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
🔹 Keynote Address by:
Cllr Thanduxolo Khalipha, Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality
🔹 Exhibitors & Services:
Explore career development resources, skills empowerment opportunities, and services from various stakeholders —
available from 10:00 AM to 13:00 PM
🔹 Live Performances & Entertainment Featuring:
🎧 DJ Fantas
🎤 2Point1
🎧 Pastor the DJ
🎶 Betusile Mcinga
🎙 Mafa Bavumao (MC)
🎤 Puleng Phoofolo
🎤 Biki Mafabatho
R4 to R7 Billion Solar Energy Investment Headed to Matjhabeng: A Game-Changer for Local Economy and Sustainability.
In a bold and visionary move, Matjhabeng Local Municipality is set to become a cornerstone of South Africa’s green
energy future. The Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha, along with Members of
the Mayor’s Committee (MAYCO) and Mulilo Energy Holdings, engaged with local business leaders on Wednesday to discuss
the transformative economic opportunities arising from a major renewable energy initiative coming to the region.
Mulilo Energy Holdings, a key player in the energy sector, is set to invest a staggering R 4 to R7 billion in renewable
energy infrastructure within Matjhabeng....
This multi-billion-rand investment will significantly contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions
while offering substantial economic prospects for local entrepreneurs and businesses.
The project will not only enhance the region’s energy capacity but also position Matjhabeng as a pivotal hub in South
Africa's rapidly growing green energy sector.
This ground-breaking project encompasses the development of:
* Two (2) Solar Energy Facilities
* Two (2) Battery Energy Storage Systems
These cutting-edge facilities will play a critical role in addressing South Africa's increasing energy demands while
supporting the country's transition to a greener, more sustainable energy future.
The first phase of the project will see the development of the Middlepunt Solar PV Plant, setting the stage for the
full-scale implementation of these projects in the coming months.
During the engagement session, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha emphasised the Municipality's unwavering commitment to creating
an environment conducive to local economic growth.
He reassured local business that this initiative would not only provide energy solutions but also open doors for local
businesses to benefit from a wide range of opportunities, from construction and procurement to maintenance and
operational roles.
Cllr. Khalipha urged local entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities that would arise from the project, but also stressed
the importance of quality work and accountability.
“When we are given the opportunity to lead in these projects, we must ensure that we deliver with the highest standards,
without compromising on quality. This is how we build a sustainable future for our municipality and create lasting
legacies,” he said.
The significance of this investment cannot be overstated. It marks a defining moment for Matjhabeng, as the municipality
shifts towards a more sustainable and economically resilient future.
Beyond the immediate job creation and business opportunities, the renewable energy projects will also contribute to a
reduction in the municipality's carbon footprint, aligning Matjhabeng with the global move towards cleaner, renewable
energy sources.
This renewable energy initiative is part of a broader strategy to drive economic transformation in the region, unlocking
new opportunities for growth, employment, and innovation.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#LeaveNoOneBehind
