GGM engages residents at Khaxani imbizo

LIMPOPO – The Greater Giyani Municipality (GGM) recently held an imbizo at Khaxani village in Dzumeri, providing residents with an opportunity to raise pressing service delivery concerns directly with municipal leadership.

The gathering forms part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to bring government closer to the people it serves. The event was led by Cllr Thamsanqa Mabunda, representing Mayor Thandi Zitha, alongside members of the executive committee, ward councillors, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders.

Before the official programme began, the leadership visited a local women’s farming project, which recently won the GGM’s Women Farmer of the Year award. The project, run by Joyce Hlungwani, earned the top prize of R100 000.

Speaking on behalf of the mayor, Mabunda praised the farm’s progress and commended Hlungwani for using the money effectively. “It is encouraging to see farmers put the money provided to them through our farm assistance programme to good use,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hlungwani expressed her gratitude to the municipality for recognising her work, saying the award has transformed her farm. “The GGM money has allowed for expansion and the installation of irrigation systems. As a result, the farm currently employs about 20 permanent workers, with plans to expand the workforce to forty seasonal employees in the near future,” she said.

Hlungwani added that her 25-hectare farm now produces cherry tomatoes, green peppers, baby corn, green beans, and other crops, which are in high demand locally and in nearby markets. Previously, she could only utilise 10 hectares of the total land, but with the prize money, she has been able to expand operations further.

Following the farm visit, the leadership proceeded to the Khaxani Tigers sports ground, where residents from Khaxani and neighbouring villages, including Mayephu, Mzilela, Matsotsosela, and Xitlakati, gathered in large numbers.

Community members raised a wide range of concerns, with most pointing to challenges such as poor road infrastructure, unreliable water supply, and incomplete electrification.

“We need proper roads and a reliable water supply before anything else,” said a resident from Xitlakati, explaining how the lack of roads makes it difficult for people to reach clinics and access other essential services.

Residents of Mayephu also raised concerns about water shortages, saying that despite being near Nondweni Dam, water was not reaching their homes. Others expressed frustrations about households still without electricity connections, which they said places a heavy financial burden on families.

Responding to the concerns, Mabunda assured residents that their grievances would be taken seriously. He commended the communities for openly voicing their struggles. “Some of the issues fall within the municipality’s capacity, and we will address them. Others will be referred to the relevant departments for intervention,” he said.