By Thulane Madalane
Groblersdal: On Thursday Elias Motsoaledi Local MunicipalityMayor Cllr David Tladi delivered the State of the Municipality Address at the Groblersdal Rugby Stadium, presenting a comprehensive overview of recent achievements and future plans for the area. The event was attended by local dignitaries, traditional leaders, municipal officials, and residents eager to hear about developments within their community.
The session commenced with performance by local artists such as Maredi, setting an uplifting tone for the proceedings. In his address, Cllr Tladi emphasized the importance of accountability in local government, stating, “One of the objects of Local Government is to provide for democratic and accountable government for local communities.” He highlighted the municipality’s resilience in overcoming challenges from natural disasters and economic difficulties over the past year, noting the significance of public participation in contributing to the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget discussions. He affirmed that consultations had been held across all 31 wards.
Commemorating Nelson Mandela International Day, Cllr Tladi recalled Mandela’s message about collective responsibility in combating poverty and inequality. “It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized,” he said, emphasizing the need for community action. The Mayor reported that during the past financial year, the municipality completed five major road projects funded by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), with a total budget allocation of R71 million.
Addressing electrical supply, Cllr Tladi announced that approximately 95.2% of households in the area now have access to electricity, attributing this success to the dedicated efforts of the local government and the ANC’s commitment to improving the lives of residents. “We must ensure that every household has access to basic services, as access to electricity is not just a utility; it is a pathway to economic opportunity,” he stated.
In terms of waste management, the Mayor outlined improvements to refuse collection and street-cleaning initiatives, emphasizing the municipality’s focus on maintaining a clean environment. He reported that the municipality has provided weekly refuse removal services to over 7,126 households in the area and highlighted ongoing efforts that are part of a R8.8 million budget for free basic electricity to support residents.
Cllr Tladi also discussed the implementation of a CCTV monitoring system designed to enhance community safety. He noted that these surveillance efforts have led to the arrest of 121 suspects and the recovery of 100 stolen vehicles, indicating a positive impact on crime reduction. “Through technology and community partnership, we are making our neighborhoods safer,” he asserted.
Looking ahead, Cllr Tladi detailed plans for the upcoming 2025/26 financial year, which include additional road upgrades totaling R55 million, electrification projects for underserved areas with a budget of R8 million, and continued investments in infrastructure. He announced that R27 million in disaster relief funds had been allocated to rehabilitate infrastructure damaged by flooding in previous years.
He encouraged residents and stakeholders to remain engaged and united, stating, “Serving together is growing together; the future lies in our hands.” The State of the Municipality Address served as a platform for reflection on achievements and a call to action for the community to collaborate in shaping a better future for the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality.
