Since ascending the councillorship at Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM), Cllr Mphela “MJ” Ratsoma has always ensured services reach his people. His motto is that, ‘every day is a Mandela Day’. “You don’t have to wait for Mandela Day to give back to the needy. Ever since I was sworn in as a councilor I have changed the lives of locals in and around FTLM’s Ward 35.”  

Among his accomplishments is a Vodacom tower at Malogeng area. The tower provides network to villages such as Pelangwe, India, Modimolle and Malogeng.

There is also another tower at Ga Nkwana, which connects Ga Nchabeleng, Apel, Mahlabaphoko, Lerajane, Mphanama, Radingwana, Mohlaletsi and Stykraal communities.

  He said the communities struggled with network and this meant they missed many opportunities as they were not accessible. “Back in 2016, we persuaded Vodacom to assist our people with the towers.” Ratsoma has received certificates of recognition from various sectors and departments in Limpopo. “I was recognized and appreciated by the Department of Education for the renovations I did at Matlebjana, Kwano, Mapoto and Modipadi creches. ” I did those renovations with my first pay cheque. They were done in August 2016 just after I was sworn as a councillor.” The dedicated community leader was also honoured by Nkoana Clinic for supporting them when they celebrated Mental Health Day in October 2016. “In my term, there was also successful completion of the D4190 road between Leporogong and Ga Nkwana. Also the succesful completion of D4124 from Tom’s Shop to the Moshate and India primary schools and the internal road from Marakeng to Moshate in 2019.” The D4190 gravel road was a big concern to residents in the communities of Apel. It now links the R37 with Pelangwe and Ga Nkwana.

He added, “This shows how I am dedicated to the people. I want to see locals achieve their dreams and to live a better life.”

Previously, he partnered with Mike Maesela of Stephup Construction (PTY) to donate hand and surface sanitisers to Nkoana and Mankotsane clinics. He also donated the same items to Pelangwe Primary School and Mohlothwane Secondary School.

“We are trying our best to assist local communities. The sanitisers will help in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Pupils at Phutitlou and Morokalebole secondary schools have also witnessed and seen the councillor’s good side. They benefited when he recently handed them sanitary towels and deodorants. He told this publication that he often heard of reports of the pupils bunking classes when they were on their periods. “I am very happy to give back to my people . The schools are in my ward. You know they say charity begins at home.”