The Official Newsletter of Municipality Volume 2 Issue 6: Jan- Mar 2019

Your News. Your Eyes. Your Voice

What is Inside...

Page 04

+ Service Delivery Update

Page 08

+ Municipality Hosts Successful Strategic Planning Session

Page 11

+ Mayor And DPWRT Launch Tar Road Project

Our Vision Bushbuckridge Local Municipality strives for a developmental and prosperous life for all.

Our Mission The municipality commits itself to provide affordable and sustainable services by community participation, through accountability, transparency and responsible governance.

Our Core Values + Transparency + Responsible Governance + Efficient Service Delivery

www.bushbuckridge.gov.za Editor’s Note

Table of contents BUSHBUCKRIDGE MUNICIPALITY LOCAL

02 Editor’s Note

03 Executive Mayor’s Desk

03 Municipal Manager’s Desk

04 Service Delivery Update

05 BLM And DoH Provide Taxi Operators And Hawkers With Health Screening Communications Manager, Mr Aubrey Mnisi 05 BLM Terminating Rand Water Contract

06 Executive Mayor Hosts Mayoral Imbizo For Feedback Purposes ello once more, please allow registering their dissatisfaction Hme to welcome all our valued about the municipality and 07 Islington Community Receives Temp and highly esteemed readers other government departments Borehole of the municipal Newsletter, matters. 07 BLM Determined To Keep Girls an information sharing and In School disseminating tool. The municipality has introduced a system which allows 08 Municipality Hosts Successful Strategic We always strive to ensure that members of the community Planning Session communities and interested and concerned groups to lodge 09 Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Flights stakeholders are kept informed their dissatisfaction directly to STI Condom Week Campaign about service delivery, programs the municipality and the system and developments happening is dedicated for complaints, 10 BLTO And BLM Host Successful Annual within the municipal area of compliments and suggestions. Business Breakfast jurisdiction. 11 Mayor And DPWRT Launch Tar Road In this issue, we have dedicated Project We don’t only restrict our a number of pages for which are communication and information service delivery developments 11 Street Reform dissemination through this currently under implementation 12 To Cottondale Tar Road platform, we also make use of in all the wards. Construction Project Launch the municipal website, social media platforms, print and We would like to hear from you, 13 Hluvukani Gets Revamped DTLC electronic media outlets, notice our valued and highly esteemed 14 BLM Relieves Tsakani, Madile And boards, flyers and posters to readers. Please send your letters Khalanyoni Communities communicate and disseminate through to the municipality via community-related information. email at mnisia@bushbuckrdge. 14 BLM Announces Formalisation of gov.za. Matsikitsane I would like to take this opportunity 15 DCSR And BLM Celebrate to make a solemn plea to Happy reading! Human Rights Day members of the community to refrain from torching municipal 16 Health And Wellness Office Brings property during protests as a way Hope To TB Affected Communities of venting out their frustrations and anger. Community members Meet The BLM Communications Team are therefore encouraged to follow the right procedures in

Pg 2 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 6: Jan- Mar 2019 Executive Mayor’s Desk

The 2019 Easter Holiday is political parties are taking celebrated around the time advantage of the national when the nation is also and provincial election heading to it’s sixth general period. I would like to plead elections, set to take place on with our people not to be 08 May 2019. I want to take used by selfish and political this opportunity and remind scavengers who encourage everyone that as per the communities to get involved Constitution of the Republic in violent protests and the and the Independent destruction of properties for Electoral Commission (IEC) their selfish gains. guidelines and Code of Conduct, all parties are free to My plea to all motorists campaign and advertise their and pedestrians is that we manifestos from anywhere should work hard in making Executive Mayor, Cllr Sylvia Nxumalo in the country. our roads a safe place to drive on by ensuring that we However, as it stands all wear visible clothing at night e are soon going to urge everyone to respect three spheres of government (pedestrians), we also do not be celebrating our each other’s right to freedom W (Local, Provincial and drink and drive, we buckle various religious beliefs of thought, conscience National) which are currently up, be patient with one from Africanism, Christianity, and religion by allowing experiencing a high number another and also adhere to Islamic, Judaism, Buddhism everyone to celebrate their of violent service delivery the rules of the road in order to mention just a few. Let religious, traditional and protests and the destruction to arrive alive. me take this opportunity and cultural practices. of government property as Municipal Manager’s Desk 60%/40% discount when base, the municipality capital you settle your outstanding investments are funded municipal account. We urge all through National Treasury. our household and business clients to take advantage of The municipality cannot this discount offer and settle embark on several projects their municipal accounts. all at once, meaning we have very limited resources The municipality together against a number of service with Rand Water, the office of delivery needs. With the the MEC CoGTA, Department limited resources we are of Water and Sanitation and hard at work implementing Ehlanzeni district municipality the IDP and ensuring that are in a process to take back we cover the needs of our the bulk water supply process communities. from Rand Water. Municipal Manager, Mrs. Cynthia Nkuna We urge our communities The process will give the to work with us and protect It is no secret that the the water supply challenge. municipality full responsibility all the investments the municipality is experiencing It is our aim and wish to from the production point municipality has made in all water supply challenges in reticulate water supply into of clean water supply. We various wards. some parts of its jurisdiction. your yard and village. believe the process will be affordable and sustainable Let me take this opportunity Council and management from a financial point of view. and thank members of the came up with a strategy that Bushbuckridge community will help the municipality The municipality is a grant for your patience and collect revenue and sustain depended municipality which understanding in your wait itself. These measures means due to lack of sufficient for the municipality to solve include amongst others - the and sustainable revenue

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Pg 3 Service Delivery Update

In an attempt to ensure households will benefit R11.9 Million. appointed to refurbish and that communities from from this project and the Designs and drawings for upgrade the two-kilometre- all walks of life enjoy the project has created 48 the steel tank to be built and long internal street from fruits of our democracy temporary jobs for the local installed at Ga Burney have Ga-Makgato to Shatale Bar and in compliance to the community. The project been concluded and sent Lounge Street. Earthworks constitution of the country started in November 2018 to the supplier of the steel on the project have not which states that “everyone and will be completed by tanks for approval. Once started yet but the project has the right to clean water”, the end of June 2019 at approved, the tank will be amount is R 11 Million. the Bushbuckridge Local a whopping tune of R 29 installed and connected to Municipality (BLM) has Million. At this stage, the the Ga-Mamba reservoir in Upgrading of road between been hard at work resolving project is 30% completed. order to supply the Bafaladi Marite and Hoxane in and reducing the water households with water. progress provision backlog within the 3. Alexandria Water municipal area of Reticulation 5. Sanitation Services The Department of Roads jurisdiction. and Transport is currently The municipality is busy The municipality has built upgrading the road between 1. Goromane Water reticulating Alexandria and 1448 Ventilated Improved Marite and Hoxane. This Reticulation (Madras B) 900 households are going to pit toilets in all wards that road stretches from ward benefit yard stand taps. The constitute Bushbuckridge 1, 2, and 4 respectively and The municipality is busy project is 92% completed North zone. The toilets its 13.5 kilometres long. It reticulating Goromane and it is envisaged to be cost the municipality a will cost the Department village and 736 households completed by the end of whopping R12 Million to of Roads and Transport are going to benefit yard July 2019. The project build and they form part of R176 Million to complete, stand taps. The project amount is R14 Million and the municipality‘s mandate the project is envisaged started in November 2018 the project has created 34 of restoring the dignity of completed by November and it is envisaged to be temporary jobs for the local the poor who are unable 2019. completed by the end of community. to dig and build their own June 2019 at the tune of R toilets. Community members have 18 484 930.00. 4. Shatale London Water had a difficult time driving At this stage the project is Reticulation and Steel Tank A senior citizen, Ms Nkuna through the gravel road 48% completed and it has from ward 24 has expressed during rainy seasons, but created 40 temporary jobs A service provider has been words of gratitude to the this will soon be a thing for the local community. appointed to reticulate both municipality for building her of a past once the road is the community of London a proper toilet. completed. The Mayor is 2. Soweto Water (Ward 7) and Bafaladi (Ward urging community members Reticulation 13) and 320 households ROAD PROJECTS to exercise patience while will benefit yard taps. The the road is being upgraded. A service provider has been project started in December Upgrading of internal appointed to reticulate the 2018 and will be completed streets at Shatale Soweto Community, 867 in June 2019 at the tune of A service provider has been

1 2 3 4

1 1 1

Laying of pipes at Goromane Laying of pipes at Soweto in Laying of pipes at Ga-Burney Construction worker showing (Madras B) in progress progress (Bafaladi) the illegal water connection pipe in Goromane

Pg 4 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 6: Jan- Mar 2019 BLM And DoH Provide Taxi Operators And Hawkers With Health Screening

On 11 January 2019, have time to go and visit Bushbuckridge Local clinics for health check-ups. Municipality (BLM) in Hence the municipality partnership with the deemed it important Department of Health (DoH) to bring such essential hosted a health screening services to them. The campaign at Toronto services rendered during Taxi Rank targeting Taxi the campaign were as Operators and Hawkers. follows:

The municipality has • HIV, TB and STI’s realised that most Taxi screening Operators and hawkers • Hypertension and work long hours; they start diabetes screening Hawkers during the health screening campaign work early in the morning • Eyes screening and finish late at night and • Cervical Cancer as a result, they do not Screening • Checking of any minor Taxi owner and driver ailments thanked the municipality • Condoms distribution for bringing the health services to the taxi rank Those who were screened and he urged his colleagues and found to be suffering to the same. “At this day from minor ailments were and age it is important to referred to Maviljan Clinic undergo health screening and Mapulaneng for further so that minor ailments can assessments. be diagnosed and treated,” said Mr Mashego. Ehlanzeni District has high rate of Tuberculosis death and the Mayor hopes the campaign will help prevent the spread of the pandemic. A Hawker undergoing a health screening at Toronto Taxi Rank Mr Prince Mashego a

BLM Terminating Rand Water Contract

In a media briefing held paying R24 million per Cooperative Governance and million monthly compared to on 30 January 2019 at the month. Traditional Affairs the R24 Million that is paid Council Chamber where the as well as the to Rand Water. Executive Mayor, Cllr Sylvia She said Ministry of The municipality will be Nxumalo announced that that the Water absorbing 147 employees the municipality is in the decision who are currently employed process of terminating its to part by Rand Water to work contract with Rand Water as ways under the municipality the bulk supplier of water in with to ensure uninterrupted due course. Rand distribution and supply of Water water to communities. The Mayor alluded that the has municipality has realised been Executive Mayor Cllr S. Nxumalo And a budget of R30 million that its budget does addressing members of the media during Services. has been set aside to not allow it to continue a press conference of the Bulk Water The remunerate the staff that using Rand Water, as the Function Transfer Process Mayor also will be absorbed by the municipality’s debts with communicated said that the municipality. Rand Water accrues interests to the office of municipality will despite the municipality the Premier, MEC for save approximately R12-15

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Pg 5 Executive Mayor Hosts Mayoral Imbizo For Feedback Purposes

Executive Mayor Cllr Sylvia Nxumalo addressing the public at Anthol Mayoral Imbizo

he municipality hosted a into the municipality’s core will enable the institution clinics and graveyards TMayoral Imbizo at Christ function and business. to deliver services roads. for Africa Church in Anthol The Rand Water contract to all Bushbuckridge in the Hluvukani region near will be terminated in due communities. The Executive Mayor , course, the reason to take urged everyone to guard on 31 January 2019. back this function is to The municipality is paying government infrastructures enable the municipality over R24 Million every because most of the The aim of the Imbizo was to supply water without month, yet the debt owed community members to give feedback and to paying any service provider, to Rand Water continues to vandalise and steal communicate municipal transformers which then future plans to the leads to a crisis of water community of ward 30, in some villages. After the 33, 34, 38. The mayoral completion of Injaka bulk outreach also gave the water supply all villages community an opportunity will have enough water, to ask the Mayor questions the Mayor urged people not and have input on the future to misuse water and avoid plans of the municipality. unnecessarily watering their gardens but use water The Executive Mayor saving ways to do so, as informed the communities water is a scarce resource in about the municipal our area. water issues and that the municipality held a media “Irrigation is the function briefing on 30 January Community members of ward 30, 33, 34, 38 of the Department of 2019 in the municipal Agriculture, not the Council chamber to inform municipality,” said the the media about the as the municipality believes grow. Executive Mayor and other relationship between the that we will save money villages are receiving water municipality and Rand from this exercise. The Mayor also updated from boreholes as a short Water. Bushbuckridge is the community about PHP term remedy. The event was a nodal point and there is After the termination of the housing units in ward 33 graced by Amashangaan low revenue collection, the Rand Water contract, the and ward 38, high mast Traditional Council, South municipality planned to municipality will be able lights in ward 30, 33, 34 African Police Services and take the bulk water supply to save R12 million that and 38, paving of schools, BLM Councillors.

Pg 6 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 6: Jan- Mar 2019 Islington Community Receives Temp Borehole

ollowing a water supply cry Construction. Foutcry by the community of Islington, during an Imbizo held The borehole fills two Jojo at the Athol Sports Ground on Tanks with a capacity of 10 000 31 January 2019, the Executive litres each. Mayor, Cllr. Sylvia Nxumalo vowed that the municipality The Mayor said that this was shall introduce a contractor who not a permanent solution shall drill and install a borehole but a temporary one while as a temporary measure while the municipality is still in the awaiting the Injaka Dam water process of bringing the Injaka project. Dam Water Project to this area. Islington community listening to the Mayor’s address

Living up to her words, Handing over the contractor, of electricity. and Borehole) are the people the Executive Mayor she urged members of the “Ensure that you safeguard living amongst us and we of Bushbuckridge Local community to safeguard the this water infrastructure should really guard against Municipality (BLM) went back borehole since it wasn’t only which will for a short period such through our various to the Islington community the municipality that was be supplying you with community structures,” and this time to introduce the involved in the project but water, thieves stealing these alluded the Mayor. contractor known as Katlin ESKOM will ensure the supply machines (ESKOM Transformer

BLM Determined To Keep Girls In School

Executive Mayor Cllr Sylivia Nxumalo with the recipients of the sanitary towels

In an effort to restore Mbhumba and Mabharule sanitary towels will help She is making a clarion call the dignity of a girl child, Home Based Centre. keep the girl child in school to the business sector to help the Bushbuckridge Local because research has keep the girl child in school Municipality (BLM) handed The handover of the sanitary revealed that a girl child by donating sanitary towels over 5500 sanitary towels towels took place from 5-7 misses school lessons during to the destitute and needy to girls from three high February 2019 at different their menstrual periods due to learners. schools: Ben W Mashego, Eric times. Speaking during the lack of sanitary towels. “Lack Nxumalo and Madlala as well handover, the Executive of sanitary towels sometimes ‘The municipality alone as three community based Mayor Cllr Sylvia Nxumalo often results in the girl child cannot touch every corner centres: alluded that a sanitary dropping out of school and and sector of the community towel is not a luxury, but a as the government we don’t as our budget is limited,” Bushbuckridge Health and necessity for a girl child. want to see that hence the concluded the Mayor. Social Services consortium, The Mayor hopes that the handover,” said the mayor.

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Pg 7 Municipality Hosts Successful Strategic Planning Session

5. Local Economic Development and Environment Commission • Identifying and implementing projects that will address socio- economic disparities within the municipality particularly with regards to job creation and sustainable human settlements. • Protecting the environment and enhancing sustainable development. • Promoting and supporting local economic development.

Director Corporate Services, Mr Richard Khoza; Executive Mayor, Cllr Sylvia Nxumalo; MPAC Chairperson, Cllr Mandla Mapiyeye and Regional Manager, Mr Richard Shilenge 6. Spatial rationale commission • Providing Spatial Development Plans and From 19 - 21 February went into commission and elderly and disability affairs. management within the 2019 the municipality had focused on six key strategic • Ensuring safety and context of the IDP facilitate. a Strategy Planning Session areas as explained below: community liaison. • Implementing and at Ingwenyama Lodge in • Providing awareness managing a number of White River. 1. Finance and Governance programmes and disaster interrelated spatial, land, Commission management. human settlements, waste, The purpose of this session • Strategic budgeting and environment and economic was to measure the progress 4. Municipal Works projection. development investment on implementations made Commission • Improving cash flow plans and programmes. from the 2017/18 financial management. • Increasing access to safe, year and also to stock and • Maintaining proper MSCOA adequate, sustainable The Municipal Manager and re-strategise in order to financial management water supply, sanitation the administration team is effectively and efficiently system. and hygiene services. committed to implementing serve the community of • Improving the audit • Improving and sustaining the resolutions of the Bushbuckridge. The office outcome. roads, streets and strategic planning session. of the Premier guided the • Promoting proper stormwater. proceedings of the session. governance and public participation. Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and the 2. Infrastructure budget assisted the Development Commission municipality in focusing on the basic needs of • Addressing the current local communities, taking status quo of projects. into account the limited • Addressing service resources available that delivery challenges. don’t match the unlimited • Outlining projects and community needs. programs for the next financial year. The session was a meeting for the political and 3. Socio-Economic administrative leadership to Commission discuss and agree on what best actions can be taken in • Provisioning of transversal order for the municipality services: sports and to achieve its goals and recreation, arts, culture objectives. and heritage, community GIS Officer, Mr V Mcunu; IDP Manager, Mr T Chavane; Town Planner, Mr H Hla- bursaries, library services, bane and Environment Manager, Mr L Mokoena The strategic session gender services, children,

Pg 8 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 6: Jan- Mar 2019 Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Flights STI Condom Week Campaign

Community members with condoms

In raising awareness South African Publications “Not only do condoms signs and symptoms of STI’s of Sexual Transmitted and organisations such prevent unwanted to seek medical treatment. Infections (STI’s) and as Durex, Right To Know pregnancies, but they also During the campaign, 10 the use of condoms, and the Human Science help in curbing the spread 000 males and females Bushbuckridge Local Research Council (HSRC) of HIV and AIDS,” alluded condoms were distributed Municipality (BLM) with the have revealed a disturbing the MMC. and health screenings were support of the Department decline in the use of rendered for TB, Diabetes, of Health (DoH) hosted a condoms amongst South He is urging members of Blood Pressure, Malaria three-day (19 - 21 February Africans. The numbers the public who might have testing and HIV testing. 2019) STI Condom week are particularly petrifying campaign at Mkhuhlu Plaza, among the youth of the Thulamahashe Mall and country, mainly those Hlukukani Taxi Rank under between the ages of 18 and the theme: Know your STI 24. Signs and Symptoms and use condom correctly and In , STI’s remain consistently. a big problem, even though most of the infections are The theme focused on curable. Some people are encouraging members of reluctant to seek medical the public to take personal treatment as they fear responsibility and know STI being stigmatised. signs and symptoms as well as encouraging the use of The MMC of Social condoms when engaging in Development, Cllr Krisjan sexual activities. Mokoena implores people Home based caregiver explaining the importance of using condoms to use condoms when they to a motorist Several sex surveys by engage in sexual activities.

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Pg 9 BLTO And BLM Host Successful Annual Business Breakfast

Cllr H. Sehlabela; LED Manager, Mr S. Nyembe; BLM MMC, Cllr K. Mokoena and IUCMA Board Chairwoman, Ms P. Nyakane

he Business Breakfast is young businessmen and Agriculture as economic spin- are going to embark on, Tan annual collective effort women explore. With the offs, I encourage you to take which include the revamping between the Bushbuckridge current economic condition advantage of the business and upgrading of the old Local Municipality (BLM) of our country, the Business environment and embrace it Bushbuckridge Complex with and the Bushbuckridge Local Breakfast also intended on so that when the economy the inclusion of our own and Tourism Organisation (BLTO) assisting young businessmen of Bushbuckridge begins the new development - to to address challenges and and women regarding what to boom you can reap the be built on the opposite side unlock business opportunities businesses they should rewards,” said the Mayor. of the old Bushbuckridge for both the business invest on and how. Complex,” said Theledi. fraternity and ordinary Mr Hebert Theledi and Mr citizens particularly those Delivering her opening Given Mkhari who were Mr Theledi, in conclusion, residing in Bushbuckridge. statement, the Executive the guest speakers on the advised young and upcoming Mayor, Cllr. Sylvia Nxumalo day shared their business entrepreneurs to be vigilant The Annual Executive observed the moment of knowledge and acumen and do research before Mayor’s Business Breakfast silence for the late Jazz with the audience. Mr venturing into any business was launched three years Singer Ms Dorothy Masuku Theledi a son and product of opportunity. “It is important ago and has proved to be who recently passed on, Bushbuckridge opened the to bring all parties on board fruitful in many respects. she further reflected on the discussion by stating that before putting in your This year’s glamorous event 25 years of freedom and to he was once a shopkeeper investment, ensure that the took place at the Bonita how the far the democratic before investing in a Transport legal, financial, research and Guest House at College View government has come in and Logistics Business which other relevant parties that in Bushbuckridge on 25 the development of people’s failed dismally, but he never make up the team that will February 2019. lives and the delivery of lost hope. Business needs be running the project are services. discipline and hard work. legit. Gracing the event was the BLM Executive Mayor, The Mayor further highlighted “I invested in various Mr Given Mkhari, who is a Cllr. Sylvia Nxumalo; MMC the importance of the Annual business opportunities which Radio and Television airtime Learnard Malomane; MMC Business Breakfast Initiative did not work until I found my seller, the founder and owner Krisjan Mokoena; MMC Sylvia and the contribution to local breakthrough in Real Estate of Capricorn FM and M Power Mathebula; Councillors, economic development since and Property, and I had to FM, who also produces visual Business community, its launch three years ago. wait for almost five years audio to stories and series Government Parastatals and before my business started also shared his business members of the community. This initiative helps business flourishing. Partnering and knowledge with the local people, young and upcoming venturing are at times useful business people. This fourth Executive Mayor’s entrepreneurs to network, because it helps one spread Business Breakfast had a build relationships and and minimises the risks in Mr Mkhari served on various different approach with establish new contacts. business. Some of the work company boards and is a specific focus on how “Take the advantage of we have done in my home, the Chief Executive Officer to empower young and the space and opportunity Bushbuckridge includes the of MSG Africa Investment upcoming entrepreneurs, both the municipality and opening of Thulamahashe Holdings, Director of The it also focused on what government have created Mall. Jupiter Drawing Room, and opportunistic avenues could in Bushbuckridge and invest Non-Executive Director for these energetic and ambitious particularly in Tourism and There are other projects we Dialogue Group Holdings.

Pg 10 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 6: Jan- Mar 2019 Mayor And DPWRT Launch Tar Road Project

DPWRT Director, Mr Malatji; PA to Executive Mayor, Mr R. Tshobete; Acting Executive Mayor, Cllr B. Malandule; Cllr G. Sambo; Cllr T. Malibe and Contractor, Mr Harry du Plessis

The Executive Mayor, Cllr. S. to the greater community Municipality (BLM) within Sports Ground in Hluvukani. Nxumal in conjunction with of Hluvukani. Bushbuckridge. the Department of Public The hand-over followed Works, Roads and Transport This project is one of the The contractor hand-over a Sod-Turning ceremony (DPWRT) officially handed many projects implemented ceremony for the project where the road will be built. over the Werverdiend and by the DPWRT and the took place on 08 March Orpen Gate Tar Road Project Bushbuckridge Local 2019 at the Manchester

Hluvukani Street Reform The Bushbuckridge Local employment. Municipality (BLM) continues to strive for a developmental The formalisation of Hluvukani and prosperous life for all. Internal Streets will not only mean the betterment of the Making life better for living standard for the people everyone is one of the of Hluvukani but, will go a municipality’s goals and as long way in ensuring that a result, the municipality has the community reaps the taken upon itself - following benefits of the hard-earned an approved Integrated democracy. Development Plan (IDP) in consultation with all relevant stakeholders to deliver services in line with the municipality official blueprint IDP document. Bricks truck offloading bricks Hluvukani is one of the remote areas in the north- eastern part of Bushbuckridge and mostly, people from this area are unemployed. They rely on the Manyeleti Nature Construction workers paving a street Reserve and other privately owned game lodges for

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Pg 11 Acornhoek To Cottondale Tar Road Construction Project Launch

BLM Executive Mayor addressing members of the community during the Acornhoek to Cottondale Tar Road Project

The Executive Mayor construction. The benefitting wards should look after the of Bushbuckridge Local are ward 07 and 08 and contractor appointed and Municipality (BLM), Cllr. The benefiting wards are introducing the contractor his materials for the project Sylvia Nxumalo together 16, 17, 18,19,20,21 and - the Director-General, Mr to be completed smoothly. with the Department of 22 and the Executive Malatji of Public Works, Public Works, Roads and Mayor condemned in all Roads and Transport The launching of the Transport officially launched possible ways the minority alluded that three roads Acornhoek to Cottondale tar the Acornhoek to Cottondale group who refuse to let projects have been given to road project comes after a tar road construction development take place Bushbuckridge and that the number of service delivery project. The 11.8-kilometre due to their own selfish Ga-Motibidi via Masakeng protests. The Ga-Motibidi via tar road project will take personal reasons. to has been one of the most Masakeng to Mphenyatsatsi 14 months to complete and expensive road projects tar road projects comes the contractor appointed Also on 05 of March 2019 to be implemented in the after a violent service will be on site not later than the Acting Executive Bushbuckridge area due to delivery protest that led to the end April 2019 Mayor, MMC for Technical its geographical area. the torching of six municipal Services - Cllr. B. Malandule vehicles at the Dwarsloop The road will be done in in conjunction with the Acting Executive Mayor Municipal offices and two phases owing to budget, Department of Public MMC Cllr. B. Malandule trucks on the road. the name of the appointed Works, Roads and Transport urged members of the contractor is Klucs Civil JV conducted a sod-turning community not to block and a 30% subcontracting and officially launched the the continuation of the to the community has been Ga-Motibidi via Masakeng road project for individual set aside. The Executive to Mphenyatsatsi tar road. selfish gains. He further Mayor urged members The tar road construction alluded that the 30% sub- of the community to look project is 12.8 kilometres contract will be given to the after the contractor in long and will take 21 benefitting communities order to ensure the smooth months to complete. and that members of the completion of this tar road Mphenyatsatsi community

Pg 12 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 6: Jan- Mar 2019 Hluvukani Gets Revamped DTLC

Executive Mayor, Cllr S. Nxumalo and Council Speaker, Cllr R. Raganya taking a look at newly built Driver’s Licenses and Testing Centre at Hluvukani

The Executive Mayor, Cllr. properties when venting The following services will centre became a reality,” Sylvia Nxumalo took pride out your service delivery also be rendered once the commented Bushbuckridge in the official opening protests. province has authorised, Driving School Association the newly built Hluvukani installed and activated representative, Mr Max Driver’s Licensing and Let us also educate the Live Electronic Unit Seya. Testing Centre (DLTC) which ourselves of the correct Machine for: Application of took place on 08 March channels to follow when we Learner’s Licenses, Issuing 2019. need new developments of Learner’s Licenses, within our communities. Renewal of Driving Licenses The opening of the station and Renewal PRDP. will definitely bring relief to This centre has created Mhala and Acornhoek DLTC’s jobs for our local people The Bushbuckridge Driving and also comes with a lot of during the construction and School Association was very conveniences to Hluvukani I urge you to safeguard this grateful that the centre is community members as property, it is your property,’ finally operational after a they will save the time by concluded the Mayor. long wait. “I do not know not driving long distances to how to express the joy we access DTLC services. The Hluvukani DLTC was have that we have now built in two phases and took finally realised a dream Delivering her keynote the municipality 18 months come true during our address, the Executive to complete. The centre lifetime. Mayor condemned in the will render services that strongest possible way the include amongst others: We are taking this vandalism of government registration and licensing opportunity to thank the properties. “Please do not motor vehicles, change Executive Mayor and all burn this centre, tar roads of ownership of motor of relevant stakeholders and other government vehicles for ensuring that the

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Pg 13 BLM Relieves Tsakani, Madile And Khalanyoni Communities

Heavy machinery moving the ground at Madile water reticulation project

The municipality has of the community who embarked on a more than never had running water in R21 Million phase one and their yards and only relied two, water reticulation and on the privileged who own yard meter connection that boreholes. comes as a relief to the communities of Tsakani, The project does not only Madile and Khalanyoni. bring relief to the struggle of water but residents will This particular water now have enough time reticulation and yard to run other households Construction workers at the Tsakani water reticulation project metre connection will and family errands. The run concurrently in the Mayor is delighted that we We urge our communities councillors to ensure 2018/19 financial year. are making inroads with to work together with the successful completion of regards to the provision contractor, project steering the project. This project comes as a of clean water to our committee and the wards relief to the many members communities.

BLM Announces Formalisation of Matsikitsane

Bushbuckridge Local community participation. Municipality (BLM) strives The project will cost for a developmental and the municipality over prosperous life for all nine million rands (R9 through accountability, 459 051.00) and covers transparency and proximity of 1.3 kilometres. responsible governance. The project has created The municipality commits 21 jobs for the local itself to providing community, it is sitting at affordable and sustainable 48% completion and is set services while enhancing to benefit 141 households. community participation. The municipality is working This means that the on changing the face of process and projects the Matsikitsane into a notable municipality embarks township, this is done in on, like the Matsikitsane phases and the area now internal street upgrades has been electrified and Street to be newly paved at Matsikitsane were decided on through has clean running water.

Pg 14 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Volume 2 Issue 6: Jan- Mar 2019 Mpumalanga DCSR And BLM Celebrate Human Rights Day

MEC Ms Thandi Shongwe addressing the audience

Mpumalanga Department on the history of the That’s why our democratic The event was graced of Culture, Sports and systematic defiance and government declared the by representatives from Recreation (DCSR) together protest against apartheid 21st of March every year as Independent Electoral with the Bushbuckridge and racism across the a holiday to commemorate Commission (IEC), Human Local Municipality (BLM) country. “It was the and celebrate the fight and Rights Commission, held a Provincial Human defiance force that led the victory against apartheid. Ehlanzeni District Rights Day celebration likes of Sharpeville and Human Right Day is also Municipality and House on 23 March 2019 at Langa townships across the used to honour our fallen of Traditional Leaders in Cunning More country to embark on protest heroes, for their gallant Mpumalanga, the BLM and ward 35 Sports Ground marches against pass law,” fight for our liberation. the DCSR. under the theme ‘’The Year concluded MEC Shongwe. of Indigenous Languages” with the aim of promoting a human right culture.

In her keynote address the Honourable MEC for DCSR, Ms B.T Shongwe emphasised the need to continue celebrating the day as it reminds us about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in the country, as it also provides the country with an opportunity to reflect on progress already made in the promotion and protection of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution. Street to be newly paved at Matsikitsane MEC Shongwe also reflected The audience who were attending the Human Rights Day event

BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER Pg 15 Health And Wellness Office Brings Hope To TB Affected Communities

Acting Executive Mayor Cllr. B.K. Mokoena addressing the audience during a TB Awareness campaign

The municipality’s Health The stakeholders further this may deteriorate my wish that everyone in and Wellness Office in spoke to the audiences their health conditions. our country, particularly partnership with the about the symptoms of TB. in Bushbuckridge, gets Department of Health Symptoms of TB tested for TB since it is (DOH) successfully held Amongst other things the include - coughing for one of the highly ranked a Tuberculosis (TB) audiences were advised to: more than two weeks, killing diseases of our awareness campaign at the time,” alluded the MMC. Ximhungwe Sports Ground on 27 March 2019. The Concluding his address the campaign is part of a month- acting Executive Mayor, long programme run by the Cllr. B.K. Mokoena urged municipality and is aimed everyone to stand united at educating members in the fight against TB. He of the community at all thanked all stakeholders levels to unite against TB. for joining hands with the municipality in the fight World Tuberculosis Day is against TB and not only observed on 24 March of that but for taking a stand every year, the campaign in other programmes of is designed and an effort Department of Health officials screening patients the municipality. “The to eliminate the disease during the TB awareness campaign municipality is now on and generate public track in the fight against all awareness about the sorts of chronic illnesses, global epidemic of TB. fever and night sweat. given the commitment by • Always wash their the all responsible parties”. hands with soap The campaign was attended Delivering his keynote particularly when by various structures address, the acting People were tested for HIV, they are from the of the community and Executive Mayor - MMC for High blood, Sugar diabetes, ablution facilities. amongst them, Ehlanzeni Community Services, Cllr. eyes and other diseases. • Thoroughly wash their District Municipality, the B.K. Mokoena challenged Members of the community fruits and vegetables Department of Education, everyone to get tested attended in their numbers before eating them. CSF and WISANI HBC all for TB and other chronic while local artists, Bush boys • Open their windows gave messages of support diseases. “Tuberculosis entertained them with their every morning and urged members of the is curable just take your music and dance moves. for fresh air and, community to treat TB as one treatment as instructed • Not to default their of the mainstream diseases. and do not default, it is medication because

Pg 16 BLM MOUTHPIECE NEWSLETTER