Mammekwa sworn in as the new GTM mayor

BURGERSFORT – Former Greater Tubatse Municipality (GTM) mayor Mr Ralepane Mammekwa was officially reinstated as the new mayor on Tuesday July 8 and took the oath of office during a ceremony at the municipal chambers.

Mammekwa replaces Mr Nkosi Josias Mahlake who was recalled by the ANC’s Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee two weeks ago. He leaves office after three years at the helm – during his tenure the municipality experienced numerous service-delivery protests.

Mahlake was among those expected to attend Tuesday’s ceremony. Others included the GTM councillors, Magoshi and the members of the public.

Mammekwa signed the official paperwork with a broad smile, waving to the audience. The events at the municipal chamber were conducted on a far grander scale.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked the ANC for giving him the opportunity of leading the people of Tubatse. “I want to assure the people of the platinum town that we will fast-track service delivery in our municipality and be accountable to the people who elected us,” he said.

He also appealed for teamwork, cooperation in the municipality, hunger alleviation and service delivery to the locals.

In his speech, the outgoing mayor (Mahlake) highlighted the fact that the municipality had achieved a lot during his time and he would forever cherish that. “I take this moment to wish Mammekwa all the best in his new responsibilities as mayor and furthermore call upon our communities to give him the support that they gave to us when we were elected in 2011,” he said

Mahlake said he would remain on as an ordinary councillor representing the ANC.

“I am ready to be deployed in any role to carry out the mandate of the ruling party,” he concluded.

Seven other members were also sworn in as members of the GTM’s executive committee (Exco) – Messrs Archibald Mohlala, Cedrick Sekgobela, Lazarus Mabilo, Emmanuel Makgoga, and Mss Mary Moropane, Dorah Mphethi, and Ennicah Mogofe.

Mammekwa’s first test in office would be to ensure services to the people of Tubatse who protested to the municipal chambers on numerous occasions.