Articles Maluti-a-Phofung
Kids Christmas surprise
Executive Mayor spends Christmas with kids
Glad in her Father Christmas attire, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, earlier this morning dished out gifts to the newborn babies at the Elizabeth Ross Hospital.
Later on, she joined hundreds of excited children celebrating Christmas Day with their parents at the Phuthaditjhaba Park where she advised the children to respect the adults, to dream big and aim for the stars.
“In life, you have to respect others so that you earn that respect back. Do not be controlled by the situation around you, but continue to aim for the stars. Don’t stop dreaming big because you can be anything you want to be in life,” she said.
Today’s activities formed part of the Mayoral Special Programmes.
Water project
Water Project Launch in Ward 1 Makgolokoeng.
Over 1700 households will receive water from their taps after the completion of this project.
At this stage, 672 houses are now getting water.
The project was funded by the Department of Human Settlements under
“Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme” (UISP). Thirty-three (33) local labourers were appointed to this project and
R2,6m was spent in wages.
Thirteen (13) sub-contractors were appointed at the value of R 3,5m
for single connections, R6,9m for double connections totaling R10,39m.
It must be noted that of the 13 sub-contractors, 4 were women
owned. Each sub-contractor appointed on average 5 labourers.
The area had been without water for over 30 years. The project started in July 2023.
Substation
Tsheseng Substation 22 December 2024
The contractor is on site and repair work is currently underway.
Another update will follow as soon as the work is completed.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sanitary pads
As she gave out over 500 sanitary pads to girl learners from Manthatisi, Lekgulo and Mathabo, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, encouraged them to always do their best despite all the challenges they face.
Men march against Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in Ward 10 Tseki, Qwaqwa, which is statistically ranked number one in terms of GBVF reported cases in Maluti-A-Phofung.
#16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence #NoToGBVF #NoToViolence
She added: “Remember you have all the right to say ‘NO’. Take charge of your life and don’t rush into doing things you will later regret. Always strive to be the best in life and as your parents, we will always be there to support you. You are the architects of your own lives.”
The Mayoral Service Delivery Imbizo for Councillors
HOW TO REGISTER A TUCKSHOP:
Requirements:
a) the full personal details, gender, disability, identity number, physical and postal address of the business
b) the location of the business and supporting documents like where the business is registered to trade, trading plan area, the trading bay or allocated market space;
c) a full description of the goods or services authorised to sell or provide;
d) a distinguishing registration number;
e) citizenship status, passport number, Section 22 Asylum Seeker permit, Section 24 Refugee permit, a valid visa allowing a foreign national to be in the Republic to work or conduct business;
f) any other information that may be required by this by-law or any other law;
g) a sworn affidavit stating that he or she is not engaged in the trade of illegal goods as defined in this by-law and that his or her business operations are within applicable norms and standards;
h) tax clearance certificate issued by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) indicating that the applicant is registered as a taxpayer;
i) proof of lawful occupation of the premises in the form of a title deed or a lease agreement in the name of the applicant or a permission to occupy the premises issued in favour of the applicant by the relevant authority, where applicable;
j) A written consent from the owner of the premises or the relevant authority for the applicant to conduct the intended business from the premises concerned, where applicable and;
k) Security clearance issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS)
Prohibitions and Restrictions:
A person may not carry out a business activity:
• adjacent to a building in which similar business is conducted by another person;
• in a space where they also sleep overnight;
• that buys goods from an establishment that does not comply with relevant regulations;
• that sells expired items;
• by knowingly purchasing goods from suppliers that are engaged in the trade of illegal goods.
Enquiries:
Mr Sipho Tshabalala
Director: LED, SMMEs, Tourism, Agriculture & Rural Development.
T: 058 718 3774
C: 078 076 8676
The Mayoral Service Delivery Imbizo for Councillors
As she gave out over 500 sanitary pads to girl learners from Manthatisi, Lekgulo and Mathabo, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, encouraged them to always do their best despite all the challenges they face.
“You are important and don’t ever forget that,” she said.
She added: “Remember you have all the right to say ‘NO’. Take charge of your life and don’t rush into doing things you will later regret. Always strive to be the best in life and as your parents, we will always be there to support you. You are the architects of your own lives.”
The Mayoral Service Delivery Imbizo for Councillors
The Mayoral Service Delivery Imbizo for Councillors
The imbizo was aimed at information sharing and providing updates to the Councillors. This was done by the government departments and entities currently involved in service delivery projects.
The presenters included:
• SANRAL
• Department of Water and Sanitation
• Vaal Central Water Board
• MAP Project Management Unit (PMU)
• MAP Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
“To effectively deal with service delivery issues, we have agreed to have similar meetings on a monthly basis. This means we have effectively established a service delivery war room to tackle all the challenges,” said the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato.
The meeting also served as an introduction of the new Municipal Manager, Advocate Motsoahae Mofokeng.
Skip Loader
The Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, has just received a skip loader truck to improve refuse removal in the municipality.
“As promised about three weeks ago when we received a front loader and a bulldozer, here is a brand new skip loader truck to help in cleaning up all the wards in Maluti-A-Phofung,”
Said the Executive Mayor.
“This is just the beginning. More vehicles like a compactor are still coming,” she added.
The delivery of this truck comes merely a day after the Executive Mayor presented a comprehensive plan on service delivery at a special Council meeting that was held yesterday.
Christmas Celebrations
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
with the Executive Mayor
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Motsepe Foundation
• 31 October 2024
GIFTS DISTRIBUTION POINTS @ 08H30:
* Phetha School
* Bolata Tribal Office
* Salvation Army
* Roman Catholic Church Phuthaditjhaba
* Machaea School
* Teboho School
* Letlotlo School
* Tsebong Educare Centre
* Nexus (Tshiame)
Cable Theft
A cable thief has been caught in Ward 2 Mphatlalatsane last night.
He was found with skinned cables and a link stick which means he could switch off the power lines as part of his criminal activities.
When questioned by the police, he revealed he makes R4000.00 a day by vandalising water and electricity infrastructure.
“We thank all that were involved in the arrest of this thief who is causing us serious problems by vandalising and stealing critical infrastructure,” said the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato.
“People like him must be dealt with accordingly and we have trust in our courts of law that they will send a clear message that vandalism is a serious criminal offence. It does not only destroy infrastructure, but it leaves communities vulnerable and desperate due to lack of water and electricity supply,” she added.
She also pleaded with community members to continue being vigilant and to report any acts of vandalism to their nearest police station.
The suspect is detained at the Makoane SAPS and will appear in court soon.
Educational awareness programme
The Council Speaker, Cllr. Mandlenkosi Dlamini, in partnership with the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB), conducted a successful education and awareness programme on the delimitation process.The MDB, as led by the Chairperson Thabo Manyoni, emphasised that "consultations and education are key elements of ensuring that all stakeholders know about the ward delimitation process and the role each must play". The workshop was attended by Councillors, Community Development Workers (CDW), Ward Committees, Traditional Leaders and officials responsible for demarcation matters in the municipality. #MDB#worktoserve
Free State Provincial Government
Free State Provincial Government Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae earlier today engaged beneficiaries and subcontractors of the several roads construction projects in Qwaqwa.
She was accompanied by MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula.
***
Highlights of the engagement:
Premier Ma-Queen Letsoha-Mathae:
“We must never commit a mistake of not involving our traditional leadership in projects like these ones. They play a very important role”.
“Councillors do not have the right to change procedures agreed on about provincial projects”.
“Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) must not hire, but just facilitate the process of ensuring all the selected people get their job opportunities.”
“All subcontractors should comply with all the legal requirements like SARS clearance.”
“There were over 260 applications for subcontractors and we can only have 44 doing the work as required.”
“Only Qwaqwa people must benefit from this project.”
***
MEC Jabu Mbalula:
“We are changing how construction should take place and these roads should be built to contribute towards growing the local economy.”
“Roads should be constructed in such a way that they provide different economic opportunities and jobs to the immediate communities along which they are constructed.”
“Roads construction must benefit people living in the area.”
“Roads should also benefit small contractors in the area and give them the opportunity to grow.”
“We must emphasise that there’s a need for gender equity in the beneficiaries as well as in the subcontractors as it applies in parliament and legislatures.”
***
Executive Mayor Malekula Melato:
“All of our subcontractors should use this opportunity to grow.”
“These projects are all over Qwaqwa so I am glad that a lot was clarified for the benefit of all beneficiaries.”
“Many of the beneficiaries are women who ensure that they keep their families alive through the work they do.”
“We have many women emerging as contractors and that warms my heart.”
“We are going to ensure that as Councillors, we should never get involved, especially in delaying progress at these projects.”
Women Economic Empowerment
The Presidency, in partnership with the Free State Premier's Office, National Empowerment Fund, Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality and other stakeholders, hosted an empowerment workshop for Women in Business at the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Hall earlier today.
This capacity building initiative is in response to Pillar 5 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Pillar 5 sets out to address women's unequal economic and social position, through access to economic opportunities including government and private sector procurement, employment, housing, access to land, financial resources and other income generating initiatives.
This capacity building initiative was set to improve women's readiness to participate economically through public procurement and gain access to technical and financial support available from various institutions.
"To grow our economy and accelerate development, women must take their rightful place as active participants in the economy. Women must be business owners, producers, employers, and employees." said Prof. Olive Shisana, a Special Advisor to the President on Social Policy.
"We are grateful to see this kind of workshops directed to women, especially in Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality, where we truly need to enhance their financial capabilities. We would like to thank the Presidency and all stakeholders for thinking about Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality and for holding hands with us to change the narrative that women are not capable of leading." said Cllr. Mary Crockett, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Social Development during her opening and welcome address. She was accompanied by the Ward 27 Councillor, Cllr. Thuso Mabuya.
There were presentations from the Treasury, municipalities, SABS, SEDA, UN Women SA, NEF, and other stakeholders. These were followed by the interactive sessions where women voiced their concerns and were also afforded opportunities to ask questions and provided with answers and solutions.
NYDA
The National Development Youth Agency (NYDA) in partnership with the municipality today held the National Youth Service Roadshow at the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Hall.
The Roadshow titled, ‘Enhancing Youth Employability through National Youth Services’ was aimed at reducing the high rate of unemployment that the youth of South Africa continue to face.
This event connected young people with opportunities for community service, skills development, and future employment.
“I would like to thank the NYDA for partnering with us to develop strategic initiatives aimed at empowering our youth by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to transition into the workforce. Our mandate is simple, we are on a mission to minimise the rate of unemployment. I am glad to see how our young people turned up in great numbers. To us, it means they are willing to improve their lives." said the Executive Mayor Cllr. Malekula Melato during her address.
The Executive Mayor further said: “Young people, do not lose hope. Keep pushing until something happens. As a government, we have plans and strategies and it’s our responsibility to ensure all these are acted into reality. For example, look at NSFAS. That’s one of the strategies to empower the youth. Remember, you are tomorrow's leaders and should be exposed to all available government resources that are meant to empower you."
The Executive Mayor was accompanied by the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), Cllr. Mary Crockett and Cllr. Thuso Maboya, the Ward Councillor.
Heritage Day
The Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, spent Heritage Day working in Harrismith with Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Elsabe Rockman.
The purpose of the MEC’s visit was to engage the farmers in a meeting at the Intabazwe Multipurpose Hall and then assessing the damage caused by the snowfall in the Mabate Communal Land and N3 Commonage areas.
The MEC requested the municipality to provide lists of farmers needing immediate relief like fodder, water and medication for their animals.
“We are grateful that MEC and her department are here today as many farmers here have lost cattle, sheep, goats, grazing land, fences and infrastructure,” the Executive Mayor said.
“There are so many challenges here facing farmers. Many of them do not have enough shelter to protect their animals against extreme weather conditions. But on top of the list is stock theft and we believe working together, especially with Marena, we can prevent these criminal activities,” she added.
The MEC was accompanied by the HOD Dr Masiteng.
Employment fund
During our term of office, we are prioritising the delivery of basic quality services to the community of Maluti-A-Phofung. If you would recall, when I stepped into the office as the new Executive Mayor in June, I said that I am equal to the task. The reason was because, I am, first, a resident of Maluti-A-Phofung and I understand the challenges that we face. This has made it easier for me to know where to start and how to start addressing those challenges," said the Executive Mayor Cllr. Malekula Melato while addressing Ward 16 residents earlier today.
She added: “We are concerned about unemployment here and we are working tirelessly to curb and eradicate poverty and unemployment. You are aware that electricity and water have been our greatest challenges in the last few years, but I can tell you that we are working hand in hand with Eskom Hld SOC Ltd and Vaal Water Central to stabilise those important basic services. Eskom has already started doing work in Kestell that will in the next few days be followed by Harrismith and Qwaqwa a little later on.”
The Executive Mayor expressed her excitement about improving infrastructure and communities.
“Today we are gathered here to give our people opportunities for employment that will benefit their families. Please use this opportunity to work hard and give your best in this project. I wish you all the best,” said the Mayor.
About 20 people were selected for the first phase of the Elizabeth Ross Road Construction Project and this was done through a generally accepted ‘fudua’ method.
This is one of the projects that were earlier this year launched by the Free State Provincial Government. They include the nearly completed Motebang Road, which starts at Setsing to BP Garage in Namahadi and few more others.
#publicparticipation #100daysmayoralprpgramme #buyelectricity #saveyourmunicipality
Casual day
As part ofhe #100DaysMayoralProgramme, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, will be spending her #casualday at the Itsoseng Self-Help Association in Beirut and Dimakatso Disability Centre in Intabazwe.
Alongside South Africa’s 30 years of democracy, the Casual Day fundraising project for persons with disabilities celebrates its own 30 years of inclusivity, resilience, and compassion.
The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) views this anniversary as a moment of reflection and appreciation, and a jumping off point to further shape a future where inclusivity is not just a concept, but a lived reality.
The 2024 theme: “I SEE YOU”.
According to the NCPD: “The theme ‘I SEE YOU’ goes beyond the ordinary act of seeing with eyes; it’s about recognising the inherent worth, dignity, and uniqueness of each of us. Seeing the challenges, seeing the potential, seeing people for who they are. We urge everyone to look beyond the surface and truly acknowledge the essence of each person that makes up the rich tapestry of our nation. Let’s build a society where everyone is seen, heard, and valued for their unique contributions.”
#inclusivity #disabilityawareness #disability
#worktoserve
Harrismith
the Executive Mayor today spent the day in Harrismith as part of the #100DaysMayoralProgramme.
“There’s a lot that we still have to do for our communities considering the service delivery complaints that we receive,” said the Executive Mayor.
“At this moment, we are in Wilge Park for the cleaning campaign. This will later go to all areas like Intabazwe, Khalanyoni and so on. Added to that, there’s the pothole patching project and the road marking project,” she said.
She added that there’s also a project to fix street poles and lights to ensure safety for all residents.
“Dark places lead to unfortunate incidents of criminality which is something we don’t want. Street lights maintenance is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with decisively,” she added.
“Long term projects like the fixing of substations and dams will soon follow as we have clear plans,” the Executive Mayor emphasised.
She also closed illegal car washes that do not heed to the call to #savewater. She was joined by her Members of the Mayoral Committee, Councillors, MAP workers, and the general public members.
Sanitation
The Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, will be spending much of next week in Harrismith as part of her #100DaysMayoralProgramme. She revealed this during her unannounced visit at the MAP offices in Harrismith yesterday afternoon.
“Come Tuesday next week, I am setting up an office in Harrismith where I will be periodically operating from, but I will be spending time on the streets patching up potholes, cleaning up the environment and ensuring car washes save water and follow proper channels to register as businesses with the municipality, among others,” she said.
She added: “The reason why I started talking with car wash owners in Harrismith yesterday and will continue to do so in the whole municipality, is that we cannot allow any loss of cleaned water. We are faced with serious water shortages, and we must urgently deal with this problem. We should account for every drop as we use a lot of money to purify and pump to all our residents. It is our responsibility to ensure all of us save water.
The Executive Mayor, accompanied by the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Dr Tseliso Ntili, and the entire entourage, also paid an unannounced visit to the Elizabeth Ross Hospital in Qwaqwa to assess reported water leakages.
“Elizabeth Ross has been experiencing water leakages and we found that an electrical minisub was constructed on the main water pipeline. As a result, the leaking pipe cannot be reached. Fortunately, we will have a multidisciplinary approach to the matter as Departments of Health and Public Works and Infrastructure are already involved,” she said.
The Executive Mayor also announced that she will be embarking on a campaign to save water and pleaded with residents in the three towns of Harrismith, Kestell and Qwaqwa to join in.
Fika Patso Dam
the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, joined the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) Steering Committee that visited Fika Patso Dam and the Nuwejaarspruit Pump Station in Harrismith.
The Steering Committee comprises of water professionals and stakeholders. It meets monthly and is tasked with ensuring all residents get reliable water supply from their taps. Today’s meeting was different as they went out on site visits at the water projects.
“Today’s programme was a real eye opener to get deeper into the technical issues of ensuring all residents ultimately get water from their taps,” said the Executive Mayor.
“The visits have given me the real sense of what is happening in the water provision projects that are so desperately needed,” she said.
The Fika Patso Water Purification plant is practically complete and is expected to be handed over to the municipality soon.
From the purification plant, the Steering Committee went up to the actual dam where the water levels have gone down to 55%.
“These water levels have called for all residents to use water sparingly hence the restrictions that have been introduced by MAP Water. Let us all play our part in saving every drop.”
While there, the DWS Provincial Head, Dr Tseliso Ntili, expressed deep concern with lack of rain in the region.
“We will have serious problems if it doesn’t rain in the next few months as Fika Patso Dam supplies over 85% of Qwaqwa,” said Dr Ntili.
The site visit ended at the Nuwejaarspruit Pump Station in Harrismith that is scheduled to be completed by the end of next week.
For both the sites, the Executive Mayor made this observation: “On site security is on top of the agenda to ensure both the safety of these key infrastructural developments and uninterrupted water supply to all affected areas.”
Mayco meeting
The Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, chaired the Second Ordinary Mayoral Committee (MAYCO) meeting.
The Mayoral Committee‘s primary task is to assist the Executive Mayor in exercising her powers to render basic quality services to the communities.
The MAYCO was strategising on efficient and effective ways to speed up service delivery.
Matters that were under discussion were, among others, Section 80 reports of the following committees:
● Community Services
● Municipal Infrastructure
● Financial Services and
● Municipal Manager's Report.
"We should be concerned in a manner in which services are rendered to our communities. Our role is to intensify all the ways available to render the best services,” Executive Mayor said.
She added: “Let us ensure that all municipal infrastructure is secure at all times so that we do not move around repairing the vandalised infrastructure instead of progressing even further in creating more infrastructure, better roads, and uninterrupted flow of water and electricity. Let us be in charge.”
Home affairs
the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, paid an unannounced visit to the Phuthaditjhaba Home Affairs offices to see for herself if there was water in the building. Previously, the building was in the news because of lack of water that led to Home Affairs being unable to render the required services.
She was delighted to see that there has been a big improvement as the Home Affairs Manager also reported the same.
The Executive Mayor, accompanied by MMC for Electricity and Road Infrastructure, Cllr. Ditaba Nhlapo; and MMC for Finance, Cllr. Peter Khumalo, also embarked on opening water valves around Phuthaditjhaba.
Honey Sucker
Earlier today, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, launched the 6500 VIP Toilets Honey Sucker Project.
In Makwane, Nkgono Mamokoena said that she was thankful that the municipality was helping out to clean and empty their toilets.
“As a pensioner, I am glad I won’t have to pay the R500 for the honey sucker from my pension grant and wish the municipality could come here a few more times,” she said.
After listening to Nkgono Mamokoena, the Executive Mayor said that she was grateful to see residents acknowledge the services provided by the municipality.
“It is such a good feeling when residents welcome such services by the municipality. Of course, we cannot do everything all at once, but we will continue to do our best to deliver all the services,” said Executive Mayor.
The Executive Mayor and her MMCs also went to Makeneng where the project is already underway.
All wards will benefit accordingly.
Bibi Cash & Carry
Earlier today, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, graced the occasion of the Grand Opening of the new Bibi Cash and Carry at the Setsing Plaza.
She cut the ribbon with the Managing Director, Tommy Makhatho. They were supported by representatives of the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), Bakoena Royal Council and MMCs for Local Economic Development (LED) and Community Services, Cllrs. Masetjhaba Lakaje-Mosia and Bridget Lebesa, respectively.
Bosotho Day
It was celebrations galore today at the Basotho Cultural Village (BCV) as the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation hosted the Basotho New Year’s Celebrations. This year’s celebrations coincided with Basotho celebrating 200 years.
The MEC Ntombizanele Sifuba committed to preserving the heritage of Basotho through various projects and programmes.
“We will continue to celebrate our Sesotho authors like Dr KPD Maphalla, Thomas Mofolo and many others. We will also continue supporting our Basotho museum,” she announced.
The programme was dominated by music and dance. There were also exhibitions from various institutions like the Department of Correctional Services that displayed vegetables grown by offenders. Also on display were artifacts and clothing from local grafters.
The event was attended by Marena and Mafumahadi from different royal houses from as far as Thaba Nchu and Vrede.
Bophelo Day Care Centre
The Free State Department of Education is not only about the Grade 12 results.
This was said by the MEC Dr Mamiki Mabuya during the #MandelaDay2024 67 Minutes commemoration at the Bophelo Day Care Centre in Turffontein Ward 16.
“Today is a very important day for the Free State Department of Education as we celebrate the father of the nation, Ntate Nelson Mandela, the principles and the values that he stood for”, said Dr Mabuya.
“You might be wondering why we chose this centre instead of a high or a primary school. It is because we want to ensure that we build a strong education foundation for our children and this is where it all starts. The department is not only for Grade 12 results,” she said.
“Again, we chose this centre because Nelson Mandela stood for the poor and the vulnerable as the centre is one of the 23 that we are going to give special attention to empower as part of our priorities,” she added.
The MEC also added that the centre was not complying with the requirements for departmental funding, but will ensure that it does by the end of this year.
In introducing the MEC, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, emphasised the importance of celebrating the day with the future leaders.
“These young ones need to be raised properly through speaking life to them. Parents and their caregivers must make them proud and avoid using bad words and insults as they can already register these on their minds,” she said.
Except for the repair work done on the centre’s windows, painting of walls and playing slides, four trees were planted. The centre also received mattresses, chairs, tables, blankets, toys, story and colouring books and many more from the Chinese Consul-General in Johannesburg and the Free State Department of Education.
The event was also graced by the presence of Morena E Moholo wa Bakoena Moremoholo Motebang Mopeli and the Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District Director Lindi Sedibe.
Sewage Spillage
The Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, launched the Sewage Spillage Eradication Project in Ward 33 at Mandela Park.
The project is aimed at ensuring a safe environment for all residents while restoring their dignity.
“We have heard our communities and we are sensitive to the fact that many have been struggling with sewage spillages for years now and for that, we truly apologise. This area and many others around all wards are always moist because of this and we will ensure they get our full attention,” she said.
“As previously promised, together, we can do more.”
This project will reach all Wards in the municipality.
The Executive Mayor also visited the water reticulation site in the Industrial Area 1 in Phuthaditjhaba as well as the water pipe installation in Ward 19 Thaba Bosiu.
“We are eagerly waiting for the completion of this 16 km water pipe installation that will be supplying the Thaba Bosiu-Qoqolosing-Joala Boholo areas with water through the Mangaung reservoir,” she said.
This project currently employs 24 people and will reach up to 54 by completion in April 2025. It is replacing old asbestos pipes with GPR (ground penetrating radar) pipes that are more resistant to chemicals, water, oil, gases, heat, ultra violet rays and other unfavourable environmental conditions.
Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) accompanied the Executive Mayor.
Water Dissconnection
Free State Department of Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi spent his Friday in Maluti-A-Phofung as part of the #MandelaDay2024 Free State Provincial Government programme.
The highlight of the day was the switching off of the illegal water connection at Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital (MMMRH).
It was discovered that residents near the Manapo fence had illegally connected to receive water from the hospital and this was disturbing the supply to Manapo.
In responding to the switching off of this illegal connection, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, said that it was good as it would enable those residents to come report themselves at the municipal offices so that they can also start paying for services.
“We are going to have a public participation session with the affected residents in Ward 7 and see what solutions we can come up with,” she emphasised.
The MEC ended the day with the unveiling of the new sign board at the hospital entrance.
He was hosted by the MMMRH Board Chairperson, Paratlane Motloung.
Pothole Rescue
With the 100 Days Mayoral Programme in full swing, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, visited some pothole patching projects.
“It is clear to see that our municipality has become a construction site and there’s more to come,” she said while checking progress on Mampoi Road.
“As you can see, there’s a lot of activity here and elsewhere. For example, the Namahadi residents can bear witness that our Free State government is also playing a big role in fixing that road and others. This potholes patching project is also in Elite, De Bult, Riverside, Kenzi Town with more wards coming on board soon,” she said.
The Executive Mayor also announced that the cleaning of 6500 VIP toilets in all affected wards will be starting soon and the unblocking of sewage spillages programme will be starting on Friday 26 July 2024.
She was accompanied by MMCs for Electricity and Roads Infrastructure, Cllr. Ditaba Nhlapo and for Social Development, Cllr. Mary Crockett.
GCIS(Government commuincation information system
The Namahadi Thusong Service Centre at the Charles Mopeli Stadium has since yesterday been the hive of activity with the Government Communication Information System (GCIS) bringing services closer to the communities.
Members of the public could access services from the Department of Home Affairs, SASSA, Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, Free State Department of Human Settlements, Department of Employment and Labour, South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
Speaking during an interview on QwaQwa Radio 87.6-100,3fm, after visiting a number of information stations and exhibitions, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, emphasised the importance of the Thusong Service Centre since it was opened in 2000.
“This centre has been providing an important service of bringing information closer to our communities since we know that knowledge is power. Being knowledgeable protects one’s dignity which is what our government has been doing in the last 30 years of democracy,” she said.
“We also have a role to play as a municipality by ensuring that the centre, the surrounding areas and all wards receive reliable water and power supply. I am sure many have now seen Vaal Central Water vehicles in our municipality as they are busy helping us fix our water supply network,” she added.
The Executive Mayor also said that there was no time to waste as roads in many areas including Wards 7, 18, 25,27,28,29, etc. are currently being fixed.
“Providing quality services is on top of our list hence we are also working on improving the capacity of the SS1 substation as it was also mentioned by the Honourable Premier and the MEC of Cogta.”
“It’s all hands on the deck for everyone,” she concluded.
The Thusong Service Centre will be in Makoane next to Rantsane School on Wednesday and Thursday and in Tsheseng on Friday from 09:00-16:00.
Mandela Day Intiative
Over 150 senior citizens celebrated the Nelson Mandela Day in style when the Executive Mayor and Morena E Moholo wa Bakoena Moremoholo Motebang Mopeli hosted them at the Bakoena Royal House in Namahadi.
In acknowledging their presence, the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Malekula Melato, said that the elderly are very close to her heart.
“With your support, then together we will be able to deal with the service delivery challenges. Mme Mofumahadi Mathokoana said it here, not once, but three times that I should listen. That is what I am going to do,” she said
“You might have seen as you came here that the main road going through Namahadi to Charles Mopeli Stadium is already under renovations and we will do more in terms of reliable water and electricity supply and roads in our villages,” she said.
Earlier on in welcoming all the guests, Mme Mofumahadi Mathokoana Mopeli said the day was a blessing and a rare moment of having two former Executive Mayors in the presence of the current.
“It is a blessing that today on Mandela Day we see the three of us together,” she said referring to herself as the former Executive Mayor of Maluti-A-Phofung and to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) Masetjhaba Lakaje-Mosia who was accompanying the current Executive Mayor Melato.
Community leader and former teacher, Mme Maholela, gave a motivational talk and encouraged the senior citizens to always talk life to their children and grandchildren.
“Let us acknowledge every minute we are able to raise our heads up from our pillows. Celebrating Mandela Day is an acknowledgment of lives well lived. Let us also pray to God every night to never forget us in our old age,” Mme Maholela said.
Morena E Moholo wa Bakoena wished the Executive Mayor well in her role.
“We are thankful for the role you have been entrusted with and we wish you success,” Morena E Moholo said.
The event was blessed with the presence of Nkgono Mohlolo Makobanku who is 101 years old.
Gift of the Givers sponsored the event.
