January 2018 marks 7 months since former Mogale City Mayor Michael Holenstein was unceremoniously booted out of his office in a close 39–38 vote in favour of the ANC.
Although much of the drama and controversy surrounding the former Mayor’s departure has long been forgotten, I believe it is important to take a step back and assess what progress has been made under the new administration since the change took place last year.
For one, it is very clear that grass in Mogale City is no longer “living the high life” as a senior DA politician stated in a News article last year.
The new Mayor, Patrick Lipudi, has taken firm control of the rudder in this respect and has managed to keep the grass in Mogale City living the low life.
Furthermore, it is heart-warming to see that the current Executive Mayor of Mogale City in cooperation with the Provincial Government cares about the elderly and those who dedicated themselves to the service of our country.
Last year, the Mayor handed over 47 houses to disadvantaged families and military veterans at the Chief Mogale Integrated Housing Development in Kagiso.
In addition to the houses, Lipudi has also managed to oversee the completion of the famed Kagiso Sports Complex in the heart of Kagiso Township, a township that is synonymous with Mogale City and the struggle for liberation.
The close of 2017 saw a very successful round of IDP Meetings being held under the direction of the Mayor and his team of MMCs. This was achieved without any conflict or incidents of hooliganism, in stark contrast to the IDP meetings held under the Democratic Alliance, in which scores of residents protested to the anti-poor IDP put forth by the DA.
To welcome the New Year, the honourable Mayor spent time with newborn babies from Dr Yusuf Dadoo and Leratong Hospitals, a first in the history of Mogale City! The Mayor was also swift in condemning the senseless killing of Aaron Mutavhatsimbi in Tarlton during the first weekend of 2018 (may his soul rest in peace).
Mogale City Local Municipality is clearly excelling to great heights under the new leadership of Lipudi and finally stability has been restored to the previously embattled Municipality. I believe Mogale City will continue to grow in strength in the coming years, as the Mayor is focused on the mandate of the people and not on gaining power to serve his own political agenda.
Executive Mayor, I salute you and thank you for your unselfish dedication to the plight of the people!
