Mayor delivers SOCA
The mayor outlined plans and programmes aimed at taking the city forward.
City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza delivered his first State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Germiston Civic Centre on April 30.
The mayor began by reflecting on the 30 years of democracy. “This speech must give fresh hope to the millions of our people who have continuously looked up to us to deliver a better life for all the citizens of Ekurhuleni,” he said.
Xhakaza mentioned introducing a campaign, called Khanyisa Mhlali, aimed at the vast roll-out of electrification projects in the city.
He delivered good news for the Kwa-Thema community by announcing the transformer, damaged almost a year ago, has been repaired and will soon be recommissioned.
The transformer caught fire on May 11, 2023, leaving half of Kwa-Thema without power for over a month.
Parts of Kwa-Thema were connected to the Monareng substation, while others were later connected to the Vulcania South substation, causing problems for residents.
He addressed water shortage issues in Kwatsaduza, saying an infrastructure roll-out will stabilise the flow of water in high-lying areas like Tsakani and Duduza, which have been the worst hit by water issues in the recent past.
He acknowledged grievances raised by Kwa-Thema residents and assured them action would be taken, for instance, by the road and stormwater problems experienced at the corner of Shabangu and Nkosi roads.
He also touched on the economic development in the city by reflecting on the progress of Gibela, the rolling stock company, which is revitalising manufacturing through railway mobility in the country.
“Almost 1 200 full-time jobs have been created at the plant itself, while an additional 1 631 jobs during the construction phase of the project.
“About economic emancipation, Gibela has spent R161m in direct procurement from local suppliers near Nigel, Duduza, Springs, Kwa-Thema and Tsakani, among others,” he remarked.
The challenge of unemployment continues to be persistent and impacts the youth more than other sections of society.
The mayor highlighted the establishment of the Ekurhuleni Skills and Bursary Fund in partnership with SETA and the private sector.
“Next month, we shall unveil the first 1 400 cohort of beneficiaries of this programme,” he declared.
Furthermore, the mayor announced the entrepreneurship enhancement and township economic development, claiming the city will fund local businesses such as hair salons, fresh produce street traders, consumer goods traders, electronics/ mobile phone repairers, clothing/textile manufacturers and tuck shops.
He concluded his address by mentioning the upcoming elections and the excitement of seeing millions of young people registered to vote.
“It is exciting to see that the youth have taken an interest in this democratic process. This must be seen as a positive step towards sustaining and strengthening our democracy,” the mayor said.
