New mayor makes new promises
"I ask only one thing of the community and that is to be patient. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes to the mammoth task at hand."
Mogale City’s newly elected Executive Mayor, Michael Holenstein, recently gave his acceptance speech in which he make a lot of promises.
Holenstein started by thanking the previous Mayor, Councillor Lynn Pannall for the excellent contribution she has made to Mogale City and wished her all the best for the future.
He then jumped right into business and started addressing problems residents are most concerned about.
He said the new municipality has plans to create jobs, improve service delivery and eliminate corruption.
“Topping the agenda is to restore the rule of law,” Holenstein said. “I want to assure the public that Mogale City Local Municipality is a government branch for all. Gone are the days when benefits were received due to a specific membership card or connection of some sort. Now is not the time for politicking and pursuing individual political agendas.
He described the municipality as being at crossroads where either political squabbles or service delivery will prevail.
“I know which one I want to prevail,” Holenstein said. “We will be ensuring that service delivery is of a dignified and efficient quality.”
He also reminded people of the meaning of Ubuntu and said that the universal bond that comes with sharing connects all humanity. “I ask that we keep Ubuntu in mind as we move forward, so every decision is taken in order to provide to all our people.”
He has launched the Rejuvenation of the Inner City project together with a task team that involves numerous stakeholders to give Mogale City a ‘facelift’.
“From now on we will have a no-nonsense approach drugs, prostitution and crime. The task team plans to be at the forefront of unlocking the economic potential within the city to become one of the best-established municipalities in the country.
The new mayor addressed the following problems as well:
• The relocation of Tudor Shaft informal settlement residents to Kagiso Extension 13
“It has come to the new administration’s attention that there could be flaws in the housing lists. An investigation into the housing list has been launched and a full audit will be conducted in the community to ensure people fairly received their houses.
• Corruption within the municipality
“The new administration has also come across a number of municipal employees who unlawfully received a salary. It has also begun an investigation into the issue.”
• Maintenance of municipality buildings, assets and properties
“We have undertaken to look after these buildings.”
• Upgrade of Lindley Waste Water treatment plan
“We are also looking to expedite the construction of the Lindley Waste Water Treatment Plant, which will be unlocking endless development opportunities and dignified waste water treatment for all rural areas.”
• Municipality billing issues
“I am well aware of the billing crisis in Mogale City with regard to the BIQ and ERP system, and I will ensure that this new administration and my team of MMCs work tirelessly until we have come to the bottom of the crisis.”
• Municipality employee skills assessment
“A full skills audit will be conducted throughout the municipality, to ensure that the employees’ skills are commensurate with their positions.”
• Pipe and water distribution system issues
“With regards to the current water crisis, my MMC for Infrastructure has already indicated to me the possibility of investigating a full upgrade of the telemetry system in order to ensure water security for the residents of Mogale City.”
What the municipality has achieved since the August municipal elections:
• The new development on Robert Broom Drive has definitely provided more job opportunities and easy access to shops and entertainment
•The opening of the Krugersdorp West swimming pool, which is a milestone achievement in the Krugersdorp West community
• The new administration has also dealt hands-on with constant road maintenance and markings, ensuring that motorists are safe on our roads
Holenstein ended by speaking directly to the public and asking for their help and support while the municipality works towards solving all these problems.
“I ask only one thing of the community and that is to be patient. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes to the mammoth task at hand. It is going to take time to correct many years of mismanagement and decay that has led to failures in Mogale City.
I look around in the building and the conditions under which the staff members are expected to carry out their duties and responsibilities are poor. The new administration has made it clear that this will definitely be addressed. I reach out to all residents of Mogale City to unite behind the vision that will be brought to this city where we are all working together to maximise the city’s full potential. Together we will bring change to Mogale City. I am well aware of all the hard work that is required to have Mogale become a model municipality.”
Holenstein named the following members as Mogale City’s new Mayoral Committee (MMC):
Social Upliftment – Cllr Margaret Mohube, Corporate Support Services – Cllr Jaqueline Pannall, Finance – Cllr Jaco Holtzhausen, Infrastructure: Roads and Transport – Cllr Ernest Modise, Public Safety – Cllr Tjaart Steenkamp, Economic Development – Cllr Chris van der Westhuisen, Human Settlements – Cllr Bongani Nkosi, Infrastructure – Cllr Jacques Hoon, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation – Cllr Themba Mokoena and Environment – Cllr Annette Fourie.
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