The Lesedi Local Municipality has reinforced its commitment to participatory governance by engaging residents in the development of its 2026/27 Integrated Development Plan and budget.

Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi led a public consultation meeting on April 21 at the Ratanda Extension 7 Community Hall, where residents from wards 5 and 6 were invited to provide input on key service delivery priorities, infrastructure development and proposed tariffs.

Mluleki underscored the importance of community participation in shaping municipal planning and budgeting processes.

“The IDP and budget remain the municipality’s most important strategic instruments, guiding both development and service delivery. It is therefore essential that these processes are informed by the voices of our communities.

“Through these engagements, we are not only consulting residents but actively working to align our plans with their needs, ensuring that development is both inclusive and sustainable,” he said.

Residents raised a range of concerns during the session, including infrastructure maintenance, service delivery challenges and the affordability of proposed tariff increases. The engagement also provided a platform for constructive dialogue between the municipality and the community.

Alinah Makhubo said the consultation process was a critical step towards accountability and improved service delivery.

“Public participation processes such as these are essential in ensuring that communities are not excluded from decision-making. We can raise practical issues affecting our daily lives, from basic services to infrastructure challenges. What is important is that these discussions translate into measurable outcomes that will improve conditions within our communities,” she said.

Nomusa Sibeko emphasised the importance of transparency and ongoing engagement.

“The opportunity to engage directly with municipal leadership is important for building trust. As residents, we want to understand how resources are allocated and ensure that development priorities are clearly communicated.

“Continued dialogue of this nature strengthens the relationship between the municipality and the community,” she said.

The municipality has encouraged residents who were unable to attend the session to review the draft IDP and budget documents, which are available on the municipal website and at the LEDP Department offices.

Members of the public may submit written comments via email to lehlohonolom@lesedi.gov.za or deliver them by hand to the LEDP Department. The submission deadline is May 22.