Mayor confirms Fetakgomo and GTM merger at media session
"As government we are proud of the patriotic reporting that you display at all times. We equally appreciate it when the media criticise us as government constructively so that we can improve the way we serve our communities," the mayor highlighted. Magabe encouraged the attendees to revive the defunct Sekhukhune Press Club.
JANE FURSE – In strengthening relations between the municipality, local radio stations and newspapers, the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) organised a media networking session at Royal Stay Lodge at Ga-Moloi Village last Monday.
The event’s purpose was to nurture the already existing healthy relationship between the SDM and the local media.
SDM’s executive mayor, David Mogobe Magabe told reporters that the municipality wished to recommit itself and support community media.
“We convened this platform in order to grow our friendship with media houses in our district. It’s therefore important to work with each other and not work against each other.
“As government we are proud of the patriotic reporting that you display at all times. We equally appreciate it when the media criticise us as government constructively so that we can improve the way we serve our communities,” the mayor highlighted. Magabe encouraged the attendees to revive the defunct Sekhukhune Press Club.
Each media company was allowed to raise the challenges they faced when they communicated with the SDM and other local municipalities. The communications department at the municipality led by Willy Mosoma vowed to work closely with the media.
The mayor also took the opportunity to clarify the situation on the amalgamation of Fetakgomo and the Greater Tubatse municipalities.
“The SDM has traversed a long way in preparations towards full implementation of the Demarcation Board’s decision to amalgamate the municipalities by the 2016 local government elections.
“The first committee is chaired by the SDM’s municipal manager, Mapula Mokoko and consists of municipal managers of both Fetakgomo and GTM. It will also be supported by directors from all departments.
The aim of this committee is to set up all administrative systems before the merger. Magabe concluded that it would take place as planned.
He revealed that they would embark on public participation and stakeholder engagements soon. The name of the new municipality has not yet been revealed.
