MIDVAAL. – An exuberant energy could be felt as the Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM) Mayor Peter Teixeira delivered the 2023 State of the Municipality Address (SOMA). The event was held at the Balmoral Gardens venue in De Deur on Thursday, 29 April. The event was attended by leaders from different spheres of government, various stakeholders, community leaders, business people as well as members of the community at large.
Giving the purpose of the day, Municipal Manager Anton Groenawald says: “The executive mayor in his speech will demonstrate the importance of participation and partnership as one of Midvaal’s Primary Tools. That we seek cooperation and engagement over conflict and confrontation. It is in the planning and strategizing before that taking to the battlefields that secure victory.”
Groenewald said the day would be used to reflect on both successes and failures and how the municipality plans on forging ahead.
Member of the Provincial Legislature, Tshepiso Msimanga in his brief address urged his colleagues to forget about petty party politics and focus on serving the nation that has put them in power.
“Young people should be given opportunities regardless of their backgrounds. He called for equality when coming to opportunities given to young people regardless of where they come from.
“I want to congratulate Midvaal for never missing a beat and leading the way. For the past 15 years, this municipality has been consistent.” He said the municipality was proactive when coming to building and sustainability.
Giving his address, Teixeira said he is proud to be part of a team that shares a common vision to improve lives.
“Following in the footsteps of previous administrations, the Midvaal Local Municipality received its ninth consecutive clean audit.
“Clean Audits mean nothing if our people cannot touch, feel, see, and reap the benefits. We aim to show our residents that they have a leader who effectively manages the challenges posed by the prevailing economic climate while striving to ensure sustainable service delivery.”
Teixeira revealed that the municipality had approved an R1.8 billion budget which will be used to better the lives of our residents. “The Revenue Budgeted for the year is over R1.7 billion, which is an increase of 9.09% on the current year’s budgeted revenue.”
Teixeira shared plans in the pipeline to address major service delivery issues including housing, water, roads and infrastructure and electricity, funding and skills development for young people, and support for SMMEs.
In some of these projects, the municipality will partner with various stakeholders to bring a positive change in Midvaal.
The budget will also be used to bring changes to various Departments within the municipality, not only for the improvement of the lives of residents but to also help uplift those who work for the municipality.
Teixeira promised to promote economic growth and opportunity.
“Youth unemployment nationally is at an all-time high, and Midvaal is equally affected in this regard.”We are committed to creating opportunities for our youth and where we can we will make space for young people to get learnerships or mentorships or opportunities.
“A significant number of South Africans have lost faith in their government. However, Midvaal has always strived to stay ahead of the curve.
“Our remarkable achievements, including consecutive clean audits and recognition as the most financially sustainable municipality, serve as solid confirmation.
“We must not become complacent, as the work to serve the people of Midvaal does not end. Complacency will result in Midvaal not sustaining its reputation of being a beacon of excellence. I stand here today to pledge our commitment as Team Midvaal, to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. We are fully prepared and capable of delivering consistently and reliably,” Teixeira concludes.
