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Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha Prioritize Service Delivery as Key for Matjhabeng Residents

Story Teller News May 3, 2025

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Welkom – The Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality Thanduxolo David Khalipha appreciated Cllr. Hlobohang Mokhomo by extending heartfelt gratitude for serving as Acting Executive Mayor over the past eight months. Under incredibly challenging conditions, he demonstrated commendable leadership and ensured stability and continuity in governance. His commitment laid a firm foundation for the work we now intensify. On behalf of the municipality and the people of Matjhabeng, I sincerely thank him for his service and leadership.

The Executive Mayor said the most immediate task is to fast-track service delivery and restore public confidence in local government — this is not optional; it is essential. We are under no illusions about the scale of the challenges, but we are equally determined to respond with urgency, clarity, and coordination.

Road conditions, worsened by recent rains, are being addressed through intensified pothole repairs and rehabilitation projects. Significant work has already been done in Nyakallong, Kutlwanong, Thabong, Mmamahabane, Phomolong, and the upgrading of Constantia Road. Our teams are on the ground daily, working to improve mobility and access.

The ongoing sewer spillages are unacceptable. We are addressing them through the Ministerial Intervention Projects — refurbishing pump stations, repairing collapsed sewer lines, and upgrading wastewater treatment plants. A meeting with Vaal Central Water, the implementing agent, will be held to ensure progress and enforce accountability. Delays or poor performance will not be tolerated, as this work is fundamental to restoring the dignity of our people.

We are prioritising the repair and maintenance of streetlights — essential for safety, security, and dignity. A ward-by-ward plan is in place to restore lighting and reclaim our streets for safe community use. We have declared war on illegal dumping. Clean-up operations are already underway in Wards 11, 23, and 24, with further rollouts planned across all towns. We call on residents to work with us — stop illegal dumping, adhere to waste collection schedules, and take pride in your environment. A clean Matjhabeng is everyone’s responsibility.

We strongly condemn the vandalism of public infrastructure that is essential for service delivery. Acts of destruction set back our progress and rob communities of their dignity. We will be working with law enforcement to root out this criminal behaviour. We are enhancing collaboration between our Public Safety Directorate and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify the fight against violent crimes, especially those affecting women and children. Community safety remains our top priority.

Local Economic Development is another priority. We will soon host an Investment Summit to attract new investment while strengthening current business activity in the municipality. Special attention is being given to the realisation of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Phakisa, and the redevelopment of Welkom Airport as key growth drivers.

Revenue collection is critical to our survival. We are intensifying Operation Patala to improve collection rates, enhance billing accuracy, and promote a culture of payment. Without revenue, services will collapse. We must all play our part.

At the heart of our success is a capable and ethical institution. All departments must work together with a shared purpose. Every employee must recommit to punctuality, professionalism, and performance. We are rooting out ghost workers, enforcing performance agreements, and implementing consequence management without fear or favour.

We aim to rebuild a municipality that is functional, responsive, and efficient — a municipality that truly works for its people.

Our programme is aligned with national and local priorities. We are guided by the 2021 Local Government Manifesto and the 2024 ANC Election Priorities, which emphasise clean governance, capable municipalities, and people-first development. Our mandate is to ensure that local government becomes the engine of service delivery and community empowerment.

In the coming days, the Office of the Executive Mayor and the Municipal Manager will convene a roundtable with all political parties in Council. Our residents must come before our differences — unity in action is crucial.

We are also rebuilding relations with organised labour, particularly SAMWU and IMATU, to foster labour peace, mutual respect, and open dialogue. Engagements with the business sector, civil society, faith-based organisations, and traditional leaders are underway to build a shared development agenda.

A motivated and committed workforce is the backbone of any successful municipality. We will launch a comprehensive team-building and reorientation programme to boost morale and align staff with our service delivery goals. We are cultivating a culture of accountability, professionalism, and excellence — where public service is not seen as a favour, but as a sacred duty to the people of Matjhabeng.

We are under no illusions about the road ahead — but we are clear in our direction. The era of excuses is over. This administration is about action, delivery, and results. Let us work together — the Council, the administration, the workforce, and the community — to build the Matjhabeng we all deserve clean, safe, functioning, and people-centred.

He further conlcuded that the following will be attended to by the Municipality as a matter of urgency and service delivery to the residents of Matjhabeng.