Municipality holds strategic planning session in Secunda

The Govan Mbeki Local Municipality held a two-day strategic planning session from March 2–3 at Graceland Hotel Casino and Country Club to review its service delivery progress as it enters the final phase of its 2021–2026 term.

Executive Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma thanked the municipal administration and departmental heads for presenting a transparent report on the municipality’s performance. He said the annual planning sessions help the municipality assess strengths and weaknesses and learn from past challenges.

The mayor emphasised the need for the municipality to move from planning to implementation while remaining focused despite criticism. He noted that the municipality had faced major challenges, including debt and service delivery backlogs.

“Key commitments include formalising 52 000 residential sites by 2030. So far, more than 14 700 sites (29%) have been formalised. The municipality also plans to begin the mass disposal of municipal properties to residents within the next three months to encourage ownership and stimulate the local economy.

“To support education and skills development, the municipality plans to establish an education hub and attract a higher learning institution to the area. Among four planned schools, Trichardtsfontein Primary School is already under construction,” said Zuma.

Zuma also said the municipality is pursuing special economic zone status focused on petrochemicals and plans to develop a major industrial park after being identified as a strategic industrial area by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.

“To prevent infrastructure collapse, at least 8% of the municipal budget will be allocated to maintenance. Two committees have also been established to address ongoing service challenges involving Rand Water and Eskom,” said Zuma.

Zuma declared 2026 a critical year for accountability under the theme ‘Year of Fixing Local Government’, calling for improved financial sustainability, better data collection, and stronger revenue collection, with a target collection rate of 80%.

He concluded by reminding officials that the municipality’s core responsibility is to provide essential services such as water, housing, food security, and recreation while ensuring meaningful change for residents.

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