MEYERTON – Midvaal Local Municipality Mayor Peter Teixeira has used this year’s State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) to reflect on the achievements and challenges of his five years in office.

Speaking at the Midvaal Christiaan Centre on June 25, the mayor looked back on his time leading the team, municipal employees, and the wider community.

Mayor Teixeira recalled taking office during a difficult period as South Africa and the rest of the world emerged from the pandemic. He noted that the municipality had to contend with rising fuel and energy costs, an ailing economy, and tight budgets, alongside national challenges such as unemployment and load shedding.

Despite these hurdles, he said Midvaal had worked hard to remain a beacon of hope for its residents.

The mayor’s term was built on five key promises: investing in safety, creating opportunities, delivering excellent service, using innovative solutions, and listening to the community.

Texiera admitted the journey had not been smooth but expressed pride in what had been accomplished, highlighting that the council had passed fully funded budgets every year of his term.

Financial management remains a major success for the area. Ratings Afrika named Midvaal the most financially sustainable municipality in South Africa for three years running, and the town achieved its 12th consecutive clean audit.The municipality also won seven awards at the recent SALGA Gauteng Audit Awards for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Key projects completed during his tenure include the Savannah City Skills Development Centre for young people, the new Lakeside Multipurpose Centre, and the War on Potholes initiative.

The mayor also emphasised the municipality’s continuous investment in youth education and its success in attracting new investors to boost the local economy and create jobs.

“The legacy of service is reflected in every kilometre of road upgraded and every household connected to services. It is reflected in every investment attracted, every community programme implemented, and every resident whose life has been improved through the work of this municipality. As we look ahead, we do so with confidence. Together, we have overcome challenges. Together, we have delivered results,” Texeira concluded.