MINISTER MANTASHE VISITS RENERGEN’S VIRGINIA GAS PROJECT IN MATJHABENG
The Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha, welcomed the Honourable Minister of
Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr. Gwede Mantashe, on his official visit to the Renergen Virginia Gas Project located in
the town of Virginia.
This significant engagement underscored the Virginia Gas Project's growing importance in South Africa’s energy landscape
and its broader role in economic development, energy security, and industrial innovation.
Minister Mantashe was joined by local government leaders and Renergen executives, including CEO Mr. Stefano Marani and
COO Mr. Nick Mitchell....
The delegation received a comprehensive overview of the project’s operations, including active gas wells, LNG and helium
processing facilities, and new drilling developments.
Mr. Marani highlighted Renergen’s strategic vision and the company’s leadership in pioneering domestic helium and
liquefied natural gas (LNG) production.
Mr. Mitchell elaborated on the technical milestones and logistical challenges the project has overcome, and the growing
socio-economic benefits for the region, including job creation, skills development, and local supplier participation.
In his remarks, Minister Mantashe described helium as “magic that can change the world”, emphasising its critical role
in advancing global technology and its strategic value for South Africa.
The Minister praised the project as a catalyst for energy independence, investment attraction, and industrial
development.
Executive Mayor Khalipha, accompanied by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for LED, Cllr. Mojalefa Buti, warmly
welcomed Minister Mantashe and expressed sincere appreciation for his ongoing support of energy initiatives in
Matjhabeng.
The Executive Mayor reaffirmed the municipality’s dedication to becoming a key destination for investment and called on
national leadership to continue championing economic development opportunities within the region.
During a media briefing, Executive Mayor Khalipha underscored the transformative impact of the gas project in
Matjhabeng. He spoke of its contribution to infrastructure development, employment creation, local SMME growth, and
energy production.
The Mayor also extended an invitation to the President of the Republic to visit Matjhabeng, in support of the
municipality’s growing investment agenda.
Mayor Khalipha further highlighted other major initiatives underway in the region, including:
• The handover of the Welkom Cargo Airport site to private investors,
• The launch of a new mining operation in Hennenman,
• Multiple solar energy projects currently in development, and
• The upcoming Matjhabeng Investment Summit scheduled for August 2025.
These projects reflect Matjhabeng Municipality’s bold and focused drive to attract sustainable investment, create jobs,
and build a resilient local economy.
Also in attendance was the Executive Mayor of Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Cllr. Ntakumbana, who thanked
Minister Mantashe for his visit and echoed the importance of the Virginia Gas Project for both the district and the
national economy.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to ensure the success of the Virginia Gas Project
and to support the broader development goals of the Matjhabeng community.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#LeaveNoOneBehind
#gas
ILLEGAL CATTLE SLAUGHTERING AND STOLEN MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE DISCOVERED IN DOORN, WELKOM
Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s Bylaws Enforcement Team responded afternoon to a complaint about the illegal
slaughtering of cattle in the Doorn area, Welkom. The matter was initially reported by Environmental Health Inspectors
from the Lejweleputswa District during a routine inspection....
Upon arrival at the premises, officials uncovered a number of serious irregularities. These included:
• Evidence of illegal cattle slaughtering under unhygienic conditions.
• Discovery of stolen Eskom transformers and electrical cables.
• Tampering with the municipality's electrical meter.
• Municipal cabling found on the property, believed to have been stolen from another location.
The occupant of the house was immediately arrested by law enforcement. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full
extent of the criminal activities.
This incident highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between various government departments in safeguarding
public health and municipal infrastructure.
Attached are photographs documenting the findings at the scene.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#LeaveNoOneBehind
Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha Hosts Mayoral Imbizo in Meloding.
Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha, alongside Ward 6 Councillor Khepeng, Ward 8 Councillor Sotenjwa, and Ward 5
Councillor Helepi, convened a Mayoral Imbizo with the residents of Meloding.
The purpose of the engagement was to update the community on ongoing projects, the municipality’s service delivery
campaign, and current and upcoming investments in Matjhabeng — including the opening of new mines (Gold 1) and the
establishment of Renewable Energy Hubs....
In his address, the Executive Mayor announced that 14 pump stations will be officially handed over on the 26th of June
2025. He added that more contractors will be appointed for the refurbishment of additional pump stations in various
wards.
This initiative forms part of a Ministerial intervention following a request by the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to
address persistent sewer challenges.
However, the Mayor raised concerns over the deliberate sabotage and vandalism of key municipal infrastructure, which
continues to hinder progress. He urged residents to protect public assets and report any acts of vandalism.
He also encouraged the community to avoid flushing inappropriate materials that cause blockages in sewer lines and
systems.
Residents were called upon to act as community custodians, safeguarding both pump stations and wastewater treatment
plants.
On the topic of investment, Mayor Khalipha emphasized the municipality’s aggressive strategy to attract economic
development despite the decline of the mining sector.
He outlined a vision of transforming Matjhabeng into a hub of investment — creating jobs, expanding economic
opportunities for local SMMEs, enhancing skills development, and supporting academic growth.
The Executive Mayor highlighted the importance of prioritizing local businesses in all projects and economic
opportunities. However, he stressed that this must not come at the expense of quality and competence.
Furthermore, he clarified that regional favoritism in employment will not be tolerated in Matjhabeng’s catalytic
projects. All towns within Matjhabeng will be included, with the host town receiving a larger share of the benefits.
The Mayoral Cleaning Campaign is set to begin on Monday in Meloding and will be rolled out across all wards.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#LeaveNoOneBehind
Teams from Matjhabeng Local Municipality conducted a series of electricity cut-offs and monitoring operations yesterday
in Ventersburg, as part of Operation Patala. This initiative targets households, state-owned properties and commercial
properties with outstanding municipal accounts.
This effort forms a critical part of the Municipality’s Financial Recovery Plan, aimed at improving revenue collection
and restoring financial sustainability.
The continued delivery of quality services depends on the responsible payment of municipal bills by all customers.
Non-payment severely hampers our ability to maintain infrastructure, provide basic services, and meet our financial
obligations.
We urge all account holders with arrears to visit the municipal offices without delay to make payment arrangements or settle
their debts in full to avoid disconnection.
Once accounts are settled or satisfactory arrangements are in place, reconnection will be facilitated accordingly.
We appreciate the cooperation of all paying customers and call on all residents and businesses to partner with us in building
a financially stable and service-driven municipality.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#LeaveNoOneBehind
#OperationPatala
Today’s Highlights: Official Site Handover of Welkom Airport
Today marks a significant milestone with the official site handover of Welkom Airport , a major step forward in
the revitalization and development of this critical transport hub.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#LeaveNoOneBehind
The Matjhabeng Local Municipality has responded promptly to a fire that broke out at the Villa Gino Flats in SeemeeuPark,
Welkom.
Emergency response teams, including fire and rescue services, were swiftly dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze and
ensure the safety of residents and nearby structures.
At this stage, the Municipality is unable to disclose further details regarding the incident in order to preserve the integrity
of the ongoing investigation being conducted by law enforcement authorities.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
#buildingthematjhabengwewant
#ServiceDeliveryToThePeople
#LeaveNoOneBehind
