BY ERIC MATOME KGOMO
Hendrina: The newly inaugurated Executive Mayor of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM), Cllr Diphale Motsepe, has vowed that he will be serving all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation. Motsepe was speaking during his inauguration ceremony held at Eco-Park in Hendrina on Thursday 8 April. Motsepe, who served different portfolios in the municipality for the past ten years, was appointed executive mayor following the passing of Bagudi Tolo, who succumbed to Covid-19 complications earlier this year. “History has taught me that through collaborative, robust and engaging debate as a collective, we can build realistic plans that are achievable and can be delivered to our people. This is a cause I personally have advanced and I still subscribe to,” he said.
Motsepe said it is high time that employees in the municipality prepare to continue delivering on the promises made by the previous and current council. “We are also willing to accelerate the pace of delivery. I want to assure the residents of Steve Tshwete that, we will be a government for every single one of you,” informed Motsepe.
The executive mayor emphasized that their clarion call to the people is to encourage them to participate in the affairs of the municipality, so that they can influence and add value to the IDP and service delivery initiatives.
Highlighting some of service delivery successes, Motsepe indicated that they have constructed a multi-purpose community centre in KwaZamokuhle, in response to the pleas of residents. The centre will be a one stop shop that caters for a variety of needs. “We are developing Kwa-Zamokuhle Stadium as one of our legacy projects. Hundred beneficiaries have been relocated to serviced sites in Extension 9,” explained Motsepe. Furthermore, the executive mayor said they have built another multi-purpose community centre in Rockdale, to cater for the growing community. “All our community parks have been upgraded with ablution facilities. We have finished building a taxi rank in Middelburg, our sporting facilities in Eastdene have been upgraded and we are also upgrading the facilities at the Middelburg Dam,” detailed Motsepe. He added that the construction of the Reabota Flats by the department of Human Settlement is also underway. “The premier is also set to visit Steve Tshwete Municipality for the sod- turning ceremony of the Middelburg Hotel and Conference Center, as all preparations for the construction of the establishment have been finalized,” he said. The executive mayor said they have finalized work regarding the allocation of Dennesig South stands and plans are at an advanced stage for the servicing of Middelburg Mall and surrounding mines with regard to waste management by the municipality. “Precinct plans to reduce space between Mhluzi and Middelburg town in order to create an alternative area are in final stage, which will serve as a Social hub for job creation. Furthermore, we have set our goals very clear on the achievement of five critical pillars of our strategy to deliver services,” he said. Motsepe said they have developed service delivery strategies and have improved on what worked well for the municipality in the previous years. “A budget has been set aside for the replacement of asbestos water pipes and the infrastructure that is aging,” he said. The executive mayor encouraged people to adhere to Covid-19 protocols during the midst of this deadly pandemic. “We dare not let our guts down, as we continue to face a serious possibility of a third wave that can cause a recurrence of infections and fatalities,” he said.
