During which he pledged boldly to ‘pusha service delivery’.

The mayor had three key focuses in his speech, namely local economic development (LED), electricity supply and opportunities for independent power producers (IPP) and caring and providing for the poor through the municipal indigent programme.

In response to the closing of Komati Power Station, Mayor Masilela said the municipality has applied for a licence to generate its own power and said the municipality would adopt a mixed source of alternative energy.

He called for IPPs to express their interest in the alternative power generation project, as the municipality is currently busy with the drafting of an alternative energy strategy, which will ensure that all types of energy will be considered. He said it is an opportunity for SMMEs to take advantage of the gap, “On the basis of what the president has said, I am making a call to all SMMEs to take advantage of the LED forum.”

In an attempt to address unemployment in town, the mayor said the municipality will audit and engage, and mines and the municipality will evaluate the contributions made to small business developments.

Mayor Masilela added that the municipality will check whether mines are complying with the social labour plan.

Finally, the mayor urged the acting municipal manager and all the senior managers and workers to aid the council and restore the town’s dignity.

He also encouraged residents to participate in municipal matters and hold local government accountable.