Kgotso Khumalo maps out vision of merger for next five years

He said this vision begins with what municipal government stands for. ‘Local government has been a primary site for the delivery of services in our communities since 1994. These basic human rights services include clean drinking water, sanitation, electricity, shelter, waste removal and roads.

Khumalo agreed that the municipality still faces obstacles such as illegal dumping spots and burst water pipes caused by ageing infrastructure. He highlighted that, despite the ongoing challenges, the municipality did manage to make inroads in the delivery of these services, in light of the awards bestowed on the council. ‘Our goal should be to establish a municipality that will maintain and build on this record, a municipality that will serve communities even better by getting the basics right. This entails developing fundable consolidated infrastructure plans as well as ensuring infrastructure maintenance and repairs to reduce material losses,’ he said.

Among other aspects of his vision is to explore untapped opportunities in both towns to create economic opportunities for its residents. This will enable job creation and empower businesses. ‘As an evolving municipality, we will have to work to improve the quality of life of all our residents,’ he said.

He says the diversity of the two communities is the amalgamation’s greatest strength. He is optimistic that, at the end of his term, both residents of Tlokwe and Ventersdorp will be thinking, working and acting as one.

‘We are under no illusion about the enormous challenges that lie ahead of us, but I want to dare everyone to embrace the change. The flipside of whatever challenges lie ahead of us is the opportunity for a new beginning – the discovery of unknown frontiers of growth. It is only when we embrace change that we can engage with our environment more forcefully, with vigour and excitement,” he said.

Khumalo reiterated that, if the challenges are beyond the scope of the council, they will engage with the provincial and national government. He solemnly asked all councillors to work with him in this vision.

‘We’ve been handed the baton and now it’s time to run. We have been granted the opportunity to make one of the best municipalities in the country. We have done it with Tlokwe; I believe we can also do it with North West 405,” he said.

The executive mayor of Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipality, Barei Segotso-Mosiane also came to deliver a message of support to Khumalo whom she described as a leader of  greater esteem, an executor of note, a man of rare leadership qualities, and a humble individual. She also offered advice to the NW 405 councillors. “Honourable councillors when you go to the council meeting, set aside your political differences and do what you were elected to do, to deliver services to our people,” she said.