Steve Tshwete Municipality FEBRUARY 2008

MASAKHANEMASAKHANE Steve Tshwete Municipality FEBRUARY 2008

he Steve Tshwete Local Mu- nicipality was the first run- Tner-up in the coveted 2007 National Vuna Awards in Category SECOND BEST IN SA B Municipalities. This excellent second place in the entire South Af- rica is the best that Steve Tshwete has yet achieved in this prestigious national competition with its ex- tremely stringent criteria. This came after the Local Municipal- ity won the Mpumalanga provincial leg of the competition in November last year, for which it was awarded R750 000 in cash, a trophy and a certificate. Key performance areas that are taken into account for the Vuna Awards are: • Service Delivery and Infrastruc- ture Development, with regard to the provision of water, electricity, sanitation, solid waste The Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu, Municipal Manager - Willie Fouché (far left), Senior Municipal management, environmental management, Staff, Sydney Mufomadi - Minister of Provinvial and Local Government with the Vuna Award trophy held by roads, storm water drainage, housing, urban Zola Skweyiya, Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry. efficiency, spatial planning and community Steve Tshwete also clinched the first position • Enhance systems of developmental local facilities. on Financial Viability and Project Consolidation government. • Local Economic Development, with the focus categories. Residents can be sure that the Steve Tshwete Lo- on economic growth, poverty alleviation and The Vuna Awards is an initiative of the Depart- cal Municipality will be going all out to win the job creation. ment of Provincial and Local Government, in national Vuna Award in its category this year to • Municipal Financial Viability, with the empha- partnership with the Development Bank of prove what they have always known - that our sis on mechanisms and strategies for mobilisa- Southern Africa, the National Productivity In- municipality is simply the best! tion, effective payment collection and the stitute and the South African Local Government wise spending of municipal revenue. Association (SALGA). • Municipal Transformation and Institutional Amongst its many other goals, the initiative Development, taking into account organisa- aimes to recognise excellence in municipalities in tional design, employment equity, skills deve- the five key performance areas noted above and The new face of lopment, integrated development planning also to identify good practices and to facilitate and performance management systems. shared learning amongst municipalities in order THE COUNCIL • Good Governance, highlighting public par- to continuously strive to establish mechanisms onths of speculation was finally ticipation, accountability, transparency and an that will improve performance. put to rest after the Independent effective ward system. THE VUNA AWARDS AIM TO: M Electoral Commission announced the results of the recent municipal by-elections On the provincial level, Steve Tshwete was • Promote creative and innovative municipal held in November last year. judged first in the first four categories and service delivery. achieved a high rating in the last one. • Promote efficiency in expanded developmen- These by-elections were conducted following a tal programmes, such as the Consolidated floor crossing by some councillors to join other The national competition (for which provincial Municipal Infrastructure Programme (CMIP) winners are invited to participate) followed political parties, or who became Independent Local Economic Development (LED), Inte- Councillors. very soon on its heels, when Steve Tshwete won grated Development Plan (IDP) and Integra- overall second place in its category. This was the ted Sustainable Rural Development Pro- The results indicate that of a total of 1 270 fourth time we have won this annual provincial gramme (ISRDP). votes in Ward 15, the DA received 719, the ANC award. In 2006 we were joint runner-up in its 525, and the ACDP, CP and GMRA obtained category, in the national awards. • Recognise the effectiveness and efficiency of municipal institutions. seven votes each. Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu, • Promote good governance. The ANC won convincingly in Ward One with Municipal Manager, Willie Fouché, senior ad- ministrative personnel and individual councillors • Provide a benchmark for performance. 724 votes against the GMRA’s 54. In Ward were present at a gala occasion in Johannesburg • Identify and provide support to ‘poor Seven the ANC received 347 votes and the in December when Provincial and Local Govern- performing’ municipalities. GMRA 248, and in Ward 24 the ANC polled 265 ment Minister Sydney Mufamadi, handed over • Improve the profile and good image of local votes against 17 for the GMRA. their well-deserved trophy and certificate. government. This leaves the ANC with 26 seats, DA 13 seats, Overall winner in Category B was the Swartland • Build community and stakeholders’ confi- GMRA 4 seats, FF one seat, ACDP 1 seat and Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape. dence in municipalities. Independant 2 seats. two and recognisedmunicipalfinancialmanagement strategic managementskills municipal officialsthatwillassisttheminacquiringup-to-date, relevant The programmeofferssevenmodulesasskillstraining programmesfor mostly experience allformsofabuse, ❝ for distributiontoorganisations providingvictimsupport programmes. of violenceonwomen,children andsocietyasawhole andtoraise funds come togetherinacampaign toincreaseawareness of thenegative impact Each yeargovernment,civilsociety,businessand other stakeholders have and children,hasparticipatedinthecampaignsince 1999. South Africa,whichhasaverypoortrackrecord ofviolence againstwomen • • • • • SIGNIFICANT DATESWITHINTHECAMPAIGNPERIODINCLUDE: to theunacceptablyhighlevelsofviolenceagainstwomen andchildren. remains an important time for countries across the world to draw attention The campaign,whichrunsfrom25Novemberuntil10 December eachyear, violence andtocallfortheeliminationofallforms genderviolence. address policyandlegalissues,campaignfortheprotection ofsurvivors of Children hasbeenusedtocreateaglobalmovement toraise awareness, Since 1991,the16DaysofActivismforNoViolenceAgainst Womenand Senamela StadiuminMhluzi. Executive Mayor, MantlhakengMahlangu Protect childrenandwomen ofyourcommunityasthey aretheoneswho 10 December:InternationalHumanRightsDay. 6 December:TheMontrealMassacre. 3 December:InternationalDayforPeopleLiving with Disabilities. 1 December:WorldAIDSDay. Against Women. 25 November:InternationalDayfortheElimination ofViolence holds herCPDMCertificate. Pule, whoaddressedresidentsattheThemba riculture andLandAdministrationMEC,Dina a visitonthelastdayfromMpumalangaAg at theSteveTshweteLocalMunicipalitywith T MEC visits in 16 DAYS’ CAMPAIGN competencies atlocalgovernment programme isdesignedtoincrease nicipal managementstructures,this wide varietyofroleswithinmu As municipalofficialsoperateina management reforms. implementation ofmunicipalfinance training programmescriticaltothe to supportaroll-outoftargetedskills Sector EducationTrainingAuthority Treasury andtheLocalGovernment tation withWitsP&DM,theNational by theWitsBusinessSchoolinconsul The CPMDhasbeenspeciallydesigned School inNovember. the UniversityofWitwatersrand’sBusiness was awardedhercertificateataceremony opment forMunicipalFinance(CPMD).She Certificate ProgrammeinManagementDevel langu, whohasgraduatedaftercompletinga C of servicedelivery. levels thatarecriticalintheprocess 2007 campaignendedonahighnote lence AgainstWomenandChildren he 16DaysofActivismforNoVio ❞ PAT ON THE BACK forMayor sheconcluded. Local Municipality,MantlhakengMah Executive MayoroftheSteveTshwete ongratulations areinorderforthe ------and CllrLondiMaboa(MMC)fromEmalahleniLocal Municipality. tive Mayor,LinahMalatjie,MunicipalManager-Ananias Langa lor, EvaMakhabane(MMC),EmalahleniLocalMunicipality Execu Nkangala MunicipalManager,CharlesMakola, Council Other graduateswhowerecertificatedatthesametime werethe delivery systems. understanding ofthechangingneedstoday’smunicipal service that embracetheoperatingrealitiesinmunicipalities, providing an Mahlangu, ExecutiveMayor-SteveTshwete Municipality, Ananias Langa-Emalahleni Local Charles Makola,MunicipalManager-NkangalaDistrictMunicipality, EvaMakhabane, Member oftheMayoralCommittee-NkangalaDistrictMunicipalityand Mantlhakeng Municipality duringthegraduationceremony. Mahlangu. Mantlhakeng tive Mayor, Back: TheExecu communiny. tion addresses the Land Administra Agriculture and MEC for - - - - we seeopen spacesorheapsofrubbish No stone should be left unturned when and producingenergy-saving devices. increasing environmental awareness neurs bytakingadvantage oftheever- actions. Letusbecomegreenentrepre conserve bio-diversityintoconcrete translate thegovernment’splanto ❝ tal todealwiththeirproblems. they lacktheskill,knowledgeandcapi thinking thatbecausetheyarepoor We needtoovercomethehistorical whilst conservingtheenvironment. ways andmeanstofightpoverty, ❝ look afterone’senvironment. the awardswereproofthatitpaidto in heraddressatthepresentationsthat Administration MEC,DinaPule,noted Mpumalanga AgricultureandLand ects. improvement programmesandproj actively participatinginenvironmental responsibilities ascitizenshead-onby tal rightsbutwerealsotakingtheir only fullyawareoftheirenvironmen environment andthattheywerenot ingly importantroleinbetteringthe the youthwereplayinganincreas ticular praise.Itwasemphasisedthat The youthweresingledoutforpar basis. a veryhighstandardoncontinuous ity todeliverenvironmentalservicesof that theywereincreasingtheircapac petition programmeveryseriouslyand were takingtheCleanestTownCom dicative ofthefactthatmunicipalities place winnerswashailedasbeingin ence betweenthefirstthreeprovincial Secunda, theverysmallpointsdiffer year heldattheGracelandCasinoin At thepresentationinNovemberlast langa participated. of 16localmunicipalitiesinMpuma Local Municipalitywith68,8%.Atotal 72,1%. InthirdplacewastheUmjindi Municipality, thewinner,achieved sterling efforts.GovanMbekiLocal 000, atrophyandcertificateforits 71% andwaspresentedwithR900 years, wasthefirstrunner-upwith sought-after titlethreetimesinpast Steve Tshwete,whichhaswonthis mere 0,3% very closelymissingthefirstplacebya langa CleanestTownCompetition, overall runner-upinthe2007Mpuma Tshwete Municipalitywasjudgedthe The areaofjurisdictiontheSteve clean haspaidoff. ees tokeepthelocalenvironment E to askourselves howwecanmake In ourvillagesandtownswemust We shouldeducateourpeopleabout SECOND CLEANEST TOWN province in dents andmunicipalemploy sheer hardworkbytheresi xcellent co-operationand ------ity (WasteManagement). (Greening andLandscaping)theMkhondoLocal Municipal ty (EnvironmentalImprovement),theDelmasLocal Municipality (Environmental Awareness),thePixieKaSemeLocal Municipali ous categorywinnersweretheMsukaligwaLocalMunicipality In the2007MpumalangaCleanestTownCompetition, the vari the points. existing IntegratedDevelopmentPlan(IDP)account for60%of mentation ofawastemanagementprogrammeinrelation tothe systems, suchasawasteminimisationprogrammeand imple lages accountfor40%oftheevaluationpoints,whilst support The physicalconditionsofthetowncentres,townships andvil ones. for currentwastemanagementproblemsandpreventing new to workindividuallyandcollectivelytowardsfinding solutions essary knowledge,attitude,skills,motivationandcommitment waste managementissues,andaimstoequipthemwith thenec nities thatareconcernedabouttheirenvironmentand associated The CleanestTownCompetitionisaimedatdeveloping commu money fromthis, continue, andinfactaccelerate,overthenextfive years. Middelburg isonethefastestgrowingtownsinSouth Africaanditisexpectedthatthisrateofgrowthwill research. The demandforretailspaceandtopclassshoppingfacilities hasbeen determinedbyextensive market tres ofretailspaceatanestimatedvalueR180-million. At theLaRocaValueMart,adjacenttoMall,provision hasbeen madeforafurther18000square me be offeredtolocaltenants. to nameafew.InorderensurethattheMallhas a stronglocalfavour, approximately50% ofstoreswill Well-known brandnameswillincludeWoolworths, Edgars, Standard Bank andaNissan motordealership, clothing, banksandrestaurants. a fullrangeofconvenience,lifestyleandcomparative storeswithnational representation includingfood, The Mallcompareswiththebestincountryand is envisaged tohostup100retailoutletsproviding proximately R300-million. The Mallcoversanareaofsome30000squaremetres ofretailspace andwillbe developed atacostofap which arelocatedonthelargestofindividualproperties. The jewelinthecrownofentiredevelopmentwill undoubtedlybe theLaRocaMallandMart street lightsinstalledandstandsdemarcatedfortrading. 37 separatepropertiesthatmakeuptheLaRocaPrecinct, isnearingcompletionasroads aretarredand The firstphaseoftheproject,whichincludesconstruction ofroadsandtheprovisionservices tothe ducted byExecutiveMayorMantlhakengMahlangu on 10April2007. During thetouritwasevidentthatgreatprogresshas been madesincethesod-turningceremony,con La RocaMall,agiganticshoppingcentrelocatedonthe cornerofFonteinandTshwelopele Streets. The CouncilrecentlyjoinedthedeveloperofMall, GerhardStrydom,andhisteamforasitevisitofthe S Mall BOOST will THE TOWN supporting landusersarecompletedtowardstheend ofthisyear. construction ofthemulti-millionrandLaRocaPrecinct, consistingofLaRocaMall,ValueMartand hopping intheboomingmunicipalityofSteveTshwete willnever be thesame againoncethe ❞ sheurged. ------The ExecutiveMayor, MantlhakengMahlangureceives acer tificate ofparticipationfrom DinaPule,MECfor Agriculture and Land Administration inMpumalanga. La Roca Mall during the site visit developer Gehard Strydomat Willie Fouché,seniorstaffand Mahlangu, MunicipalManager, Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng youth. especially amongstthe ployment ratelocally, to reducetheunem development willhelp This multi-millionrand - - - - . - three WORLD AIDS DAY event held n informative and encourage their members to follow physical and financial well-being of an indi- insightful World healthy and positive lifestyles. vidual. A AIDS Day event was Motivational speaker Aron Ranape from A local group, known as Keeloz Entertain- hosted by the Steve Tshwete Municipality at the Careways Group made an impas- ment, staged an exciting play, entitled ‘Posi- the Eric Jiyane Hall in Mhluzi to commemorate sioned plea to employees at the event tive Thinking’, that was themed around the those who have died from this scourge. to take personal responsibility for their stigma attached to HIV infected persons. To mark the day, a candle-lighting ceremony was actions. He went on to state that his The event was a huge success, with those in conducted as a symbol of support for those already organisation was currently engaged in attendance having much more knowledge infected; those who have died and to the families providing holistic interventions, which about HIV/AIDS and its impact on their com- who have been affected. primarily dealt with the emotional, munity. An increasing demand continues to be placed on all municipalities to provide quality service delivery to their communities. Thus a healthy and productive workforce is important in ensuring that this impera- tive of government is met. The Steve Tshwete Municipality has embarked on a number of workplace-related HIV/AIDS campaigns, with the emphasis placed on testing and providing treatment where necessary. These initiatives are part of the municipality’s drive to help its employees stay healthy and continue to provide quality services to the community. Thoko Mabanola, a member of the Mayoral Commit- tee, speaking on behalf of the Executive Mayor, said, ❝We appreciate the role played by our workforce, especially in the community, and therefore encourage them to continue living healthy lifestyles, as this is always uppermost in our minds.❞ Representatives from the municipal trade unions Left: Samson Mtshweni, member of SAMWU lights a red candle to support the sufferers and those who died of HIV/AIDS. Middle: Thoko Mabanola, Member of the Mayoral Committee lights a white candle symbolising hope that one day there will be a IMATU and SAMWU also attended the event to cure for HIV/AIDS. Right: Abel Mahlangu, Shop Steward (SAMWU) lights a yellow candle symbolysing support for pregnant women and children infected with HIV/AIDS. Premier PLANTS TREES in Mhluzi pumalanga Premier, Thabang Makwetla, planted 16 trees in Mhluzi Township’s Wards 1 and 7 in November last year as part of his Heritage, Tourism and Greening Mpumalanga Project, during an official visit to the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. M This project is one of Premier Makwetla’s five key flagship programmes upon which the Mpumalanga Provincial Government will focus its resources. The projects, known as ‘The Big Five’, were first announced in February last year during the Premier’s State-of-the-Province address. The 16 trees that he planted in Mhluzi were sponsored by the Provincial Legislature and are Acacia, Litchi and Mango - which are all indigenous to South Africa. Two trees were planted at the Newtown Clinic, two along the main road in Newtown, two at the Newtown Park, eight in Vuka Section’s 1st Avenue and two at Mhluzi Primary School in Vuka Section. DURING AN EARLIER VISIT TO THE STEVE TSHWETE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY IN JULY LAST YEAR, PREMIER MAKWETLA OUTLINED HIS ‘BIG FIVE’ FLAGSHIP PROJECTS AS FOLLOWS: • Heritage, Tourism and Greening Mpumalanga. This province has heritage sites like the Kruger National Park, Graskop, God’s Window and Botsha- belo, (the latter falls within the jurisdiction of this municipality). Children must be taught to value their cultures and heritage. Tourism has the potential to create more jobs. • The Maputo Development Corridor. • The Moloto Development Corridor. Nearby areas like KwaNdebele will benefit from the jobs it will generate. • Water for all. • The acceleration of management to deliver. ❝These flagship projects will provide a fo- cal point for priority activities and out- comes to which our partners can contrib- ute their resources and expertise, in order to advance the resolutions made by the 2005 Provincial Growth and Development Summit,❞ he said on that occasion. Premier, Thabang Makwetla and Cllr Bongani Mayaba, Member of the Mayoral Committee plants trees at Newtown. four four New Hendrina Pick ‘n Pay a JOB CREATOR he newly opened Hendrina Pick ’n Pay is not only of a world-class vendors to start their own businesses and, at the same time, give them standard that heralds a new era for retailing in the town, it has also the training necessary to run a successful undertaking. T created employment, and is actively involved in promoting entre- The Hendrina Pick ’n Pay carries a wide range of merchandise to suit all preneurship. needs, from the frequent shoppers to the bulk buyers. Convenience foods Mantlhakeng Mahlangu, the Executive Mayor of the Steve Tshwete Local are viewed as being one of the most important lines the store can offer its Municipality, cut the ribbon to officially open the new store recently. She customers. was accompanied by members of the mayoral committee and councillors. The store offers a wide range of fresh produce, a top class bakery, an Pick ’n Pay Hendrina is one of the first stores in South Africa to be converted outstanding butchery department, quality fast foods and delicatessen from a Score supermarket to a Pick ’n Pay Family Store by the company’s items, a wide range of health and beauty products, a baby department Emerging Market Division. with value-for-money prices and a wide range of groceries and perishable items. The Mayor was delighted that the new store not only employed all the previous Score employees, but also provided much-needed jobs for over 60 ❝We really want to offer our customers an enjoyable, satisfying and ef- additional staff from the local community. ficient shopping experience in a pleasant environment with great service, prices and on-going promotions,❞ stated the owner. Situated at the Hendrina Shopping Centre in Kerk Street, the new store is owned by Andy Altensteadt. It has been Altensteadt’s lifelong dream to own her own supermarket. She has a wealth of experience in retailing, having worked for Pick ‘n Pay for over 22 years, starting off as a cashier in Cape Town and becoming a successful store manager of Pick ’n Pay in Standerton. The Hendrina store is committed to looking after the community it serves by sponsoring deserving causes and charities. They have already donated R3 000 to the Siyabonga Home for Children with Special Needs and another R3 000 to the Hendrina Senior Citizens’ Home. Altensteadt has also organised Vendor Trolleys, with the help of Pepsi, to have lucky draws in-store, so that there is an opportunity for certain

More toilets for farm residents The Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu cuts the ribbon with Andy Altensteadt, owner of Hend- esidents of Evergreen Farm, an informal settlement in Ward 15, rina Pick n Pay to open the store. were full of praise for their municipality recently when Executive R Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu officially handed over five public toilets. A fact gleaned from the Steve Tshwete Municipality’s Integrated Devel- Ngwako Road OPEN AGAIN opment Plan (IDP) indicates that most of these residents have no form any motorists in Middelburg breathed a huge sigh of relief of sanitation, which is common in backyard dwellings or informal settle- when the busy Ngwako Road was finally reopened to traf- ments on farms. M fic to and from Mhluzi at the end of September last year, This fact makes it difficult for the municipality to take on such a responsi- after the construction project to upgrade the bridge to the tune of bility. However, the municipality persists in negotiating with farmer own- R900 000 was completed. ers, in order to assist the farm dwellers to benefit as well by the service In a short ceremony, Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu cut a delivery rendered by the municipality. ribbon to officially declare the road open again. Municipal Manager The Mayor advised residents to take good care of their toilets and left Willie Fouché and senior administration personnel were in atten- with a promise that more toilets would be provided for them in the fu- dance. ture. Structural problems had originally necessitated the upgrading of the bridge. Construction began in July 2007 and it was anticipated that it would be reopened to traffic in August. However, new unforeseen problems arose, which delayed the completion of the project. Ngwako Road is one of the main access roads to Mhluzi and is particu- larly well utilised by minibus taxis conveying commuters to and from the Central Business District and their places of employment. While it was closed motorists had to make use of alternative routes.

Elfas Mathebula, Member of the Mayoral Committee with The Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu The Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu is flanked by Solly Zulu, Contractor (third

cutting the ribbon at Evergreen toilets. from left) and municipal staff during a ribbon cutting ceremony. five Premier was Father Christmas

Premier, Thabang Makwetla and Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu hand over Christmas gifts to residents in Hendrina.

Lucky Ndinisa, MPL, third from left, hands out gifts to residents of Newtown.

n the day before Christmas, Mpumalanga Premier Thabang O Makwetla surprised the communities of Hendrina and Newtown with a visit to wish them a happy Christmas. Premier Makwetla was accompanied by colleagues, Steve Tshwete Execu- tive Mayor Mantlhakeng Mahlangu and members of the mayoral committee. They provided Christmas cheer by hand- ing out gifts to the indigent citizens living there. In a brief speech, he thanked the community and wished them a prosperous MASAKHANE 2008. 2008 Mayoral Committee and Council meetings On service delivery, Makwetla told the 1ST MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEETING NEWSHOUND community that the government was 10 January, 7 February, 6 March, 10 April, 8 May, 12 June, 10 July, 7 August, Your comments and now more aware of their needs and was 11 September, 9 October, 6 November and 11 December. working hard to fulfil what they had suggestions are promised as the African National Con- 2ND MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEETING welcome. gress. 17 January, 21 February, 13 March, 17 April, 15 May, 19 June, 17 July, ❝We hardly get an opportunity to spend 14 August, 18 September, 16 October and 13 November. Contact the Masakhane time with you as a community. That is Newshound, why we decided to come and see you ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING at 16H45 today, so that we can wish you a happy 31 January, 27 March, 29 May, 31 July, 25 September and 27 November. Prudence Leshilo on ❞ Christmas and a prosperous 2008, he SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING 079 449 2461 or email: said. six 28 February, 24 April, 26 June, 28 August and 30 October. [email protected] 2007 ends on a great Gospel note s has now become a annual tradition in the Steve Tshwete Municipality, the A 2007 year ended on a very positive and prayerful note with a huge Gospel music bash at the Themba Senamela stadium in Mhluzi on December 31. The event, which was organised by the Steve Tshwete Municipality, was very strongly sup- ported by residents who came in droves to enjoy Marcus Masemola, Outreach Officer. themselves. Entrance was free. Among the many dignitaries who attended were Executive Mayor Mantlhakeng Mahlangu, councillors, government officials, traditional and religious leaders. In her address, Executive Mayor Mahlangu thanked God for what He had done for the municipality and the residents during the past year and expressed gratitude for the many successes and achievements attained. She heralded 2008 as ‘a Year of Commitment and Moral Regeneration in all aspects of South African life’. She applauded the officials in her office who were responsible for the success of the event. A law enforcement contingent from the SA Police Service was present to ensure the safety of the revellers and hawkers were afforded the opportunity to sell their wares. But the occasion truly belonged to the dedicated Mandla Mnguni, Executive Manager Coroperate Services, fans of Gospel music and the many South African Keke (gospel singer) and Pastor Abbey Thela. and local artists who performed certainly did not Right: Alex Xulu, disappoint. Member of the Vuyo Mokoena and group. Mayoral Popular singers Vuyo Mokoena and Keke stole Committee. the show, but local singers and bands like JJ, Iz- Far right: inceku Zenkosi, Dudu, Rhythm of Joy, Mpho and Ananias Langa, the Psalmists and others delivered fine perfor- Municipal Manager - mances and kept the crowd calling for more. Emalahleni Local Municipality.

The Executive Mayor, Mantlakeng Mahlangu and Evangelist Simon Gumbi.

Hands up ... Pastor Simon Gumbi prays MASAKHANE for our community NEWSHOUND leaders.

Your comments and Keke and group. suggestions are welcome. Contact the Masakhane Newshound, Prudence Leshilo on 079 449 2461 or email: JJ and group.

[email protected] seven Leaders urge learners TO WORK HARD pumalanga Premier, Thabang The Minister emphasised that education was Makwetla, joined by the Deputy about consistency, not just about the pass rate. M Minister for Education, Enver Surty, He stressed the importance of subjects such as Mpumalanga Education MEC, Siphosezwe Ma- Mathematics, Accounting and Science and en- sango, Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mah- couraged learners and teachers to be dedicated langu, Circuit Manager: Middelburg 1 Sheridan to the task at hand. Adonis and other dignitaries visited two legend- Deputy Minister Surty also had same good news: ary schools of the Steve Tshwete Municipality in the National Department of Education has set Mhluzi on the second day of the 2008 academic aside R1,6-billion for bursaries for tertiary level year. education in 2009. The main purpose of this visit was to encourage In supporting the school, the Deputy Minister learners to make this year a successful one and to also assured them that the national ministry familiarise themselves with the problems faced would donate the chemicals needed for their Sci- by schools. Thabang Makwetla, Mpumalanga Premier gives school bags to ence laboratory. grade R pupils at Thushanang. The visit started off at Sozama Secondary School, Their visit to Sozama concluded with a meeting delegation shared advice and promised to attend established 53 years ago, where they addressed with the School Governing Body, where press- to other matters that needed to be dealt with the learners, followed by a meeting with the ing issues and solutions were sought regarding promptly. School Governing Body. They then proceeded to problems faced by the school. Thushanang Primary School, established 34 years The delegation also received a warm welcome One of the urgent matters brought to the atten- ago, where they visited learners in their class- at Thushanang from teachers and learners. They tion of the delegation was the building structure rooms and met with the School Governing Body. divided themselves up into groups, with each of the school, which is built on a muddy area, leader going to a different class to spend time The learners of both schools, who were eager to and this is causing the newly built school to with the learners. see and listen to their leaders, were not deterred crack. by the rain and came out in numbers. Their visit came with a blessing as well, as learn- Other problems addressed, were the no-fee ers received school bags from the leaders. In a The Premier drove home the message that they school system, allocations that were not meeting meeting with the School Governing Body, the should not limit themselves, as they enjoyed op- their needs, the disciplinary levels of pupils and school’s Principal, Anna Masombuka, applauded portunities today that their parents and grand- the changing education system. In response, the parents could not even have dreamed about. He the Department of Education for the Feeding reminded them of the many fallen heroes of the Scheme, as a large number of struggle. pupils attending this school were orphans and many of He also advised them not to waste this golden their parents were unem- opportunity by indulging in alcohol, unprotected ployed. She asked for an sex and abusing drugs. increase to their allocation so ❝Sozama is capable of obtaining a 100% pass as to meet the needs of the rate. You are a legendary school and have pro- school. duced prominent leaders in our society. I say that In response, the Premier 62% obtained by matriculants of this school can agreed that the school need- improve if learners co-operate with teachers. ed a proper structure. Remember, good is the enemy of great and you ❝ should not be satisfied with anything less than The environment of this the best,❞ he said. school is not conducive for the teachers to work in nor His visit came with blessings as well, as he re- to the pupils, to learn. This vealed that a new school hall is to be erected for school needs a decent struc- Sozama. ture,❞ the Premier respon- The school library will be resourced with books ded. that are relevant to the school curriculum, and as Above: Jerry Mabhena - Nkangala Regional Director, Department of To encourage greening, as one of the flagship a start, the Deputy Minister for Education do- Education, Enver Surty, Deputy Minister of Education, Siphosezwe Masango, Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Sam Shaku, Sozama projects of the Mpumalanga Premier, trees were nated three boxes of relevant books, containing Secondary School Principal, Daphney Mgomezulu, teacher of donated to both schools by the contingent. dictionaries and encyclopaedias. Sozama Secondary School and Mantlhakeng Mahlangu, Executive Mayor with books donated to Sozama Below: Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu in the Grade 2 Secondary School. classroom at Thushanang Primary School.

Premier, Thabang Makwetla encourages learners

eight to study hard at Thushanang Primary School. possible inNamibia. necessary funding tomaketheirparticipation prestigious sportgathering andforprovidingthe tive Mayorforallowing theirteamstoattenda Sport andRecreationClub honouredtheExecu Last butnotleast,theSteve TshweteMunicipal the livingstandardofourcommunity. their resourcesandexpertiseinordertoenhance stitutions andcompanieswhohadcontributed The ExecutiveMayoralsoapplaudedlocalin • • • • • THE AWARDSANDTITLESWONINCLUDED: to benefitthecommunity. Council willsoondecideonhowtousethefunds with trophies,certificatesandcashprizes.The during 2007.Someoftheseawardswerecoupled listed theawardsreceivedbyourmunicipality Mahlangu addressedthecommunitywhenshe 2007 sessiononNovember30. Mahlangu duringthelastcouncilmeetingof This was noted by Executive Mayor Mantlhakeng authority. 2007 aparticularlymemorableyearforthelocal the SteveTshweteMunicipalityhaveallmade successful deliveryofservicestothepeople G MAYOR PROUDLY ACHIEVEMENTS The red carpetwasrolled outtomarkthelastcouncilmeetingof Environmental Care. A tokenofappreciationbytheMECfor Town Competition. First runner-upintheProvincialCleanest First runner-upintheNationalVunaAwards. Provincial VunaAwards’Champions. Town Competition. Second runner-upintheNationalCleanest financial -havebeendevelopedandthe reached, resources-bothhumanand oals havebeenachieved,targets REPORTS REPORTS ON 2007 2007. - - Officer -BHP Billiton. assistance from Wayne Isaacs,Chief Operating Mayoral Committeereceiving tokenof Services, ThokoMabanola,Member ofthe Service, Andrew Monareng, Acting Chief:Traffic Flolence Phiri,ExecutiveManager Public roads, to goanddogoodworkonthe ute somuch.Thisencouragesus We didnotexpectyoutocontrib ❝ BHP Billiton. co-operation ithasreceivedfrom their generousdonationandthe mittee, thankedthecompanyfor the SteveTshwetemayoralcom Cllr ThokoMabanola,Memberof municipalities. safer festiveseason,tothetwo a tokenoftheirassistancefor cones andreflectivejacketsas computers, cameras,200traffic The companydonatedlaptop road. fatal andseriousaccidentsonthat During themeeting,BrianMagongoa,BHPBilliton’s ProjectManager,gave shockingstatisticsof on theBethalroad,aroutethattheiremployeesfrequently use. BHP BillitoninDecembertodiscusstrafficsafetymeasures tobe takenduringthefestive season Representatives fromthetwomunicipalitiesmetwith thecompanymanagementatofficesof B BILLITON AIDS ‘Arrive Alive’ We reallywanttothankyou. The SteveTshwete MunicipalitySportandRecreational Clubmembershands overatoken of appreciation to theExecutive Mayor, ❞ shecommented. Alive’ campaign. with theSteveTshweteandEmalahleniLocalMunicipalities tostrengthenthe‘Arrive HP Billitontookaproactiveapproachtoroadsafety over thefestive season partnering - - Mantlhakeng Mahlangu.

nine ten The Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu gives herself time • • • • • • FOLLOWING NEEDS: IN WARD8,RESIDENTSRAISEDTHE • • • • • • • • • THE RESIDENTSOFWARD2: THE FOLLOWINGNEEDSWERERAISEDBY • • • • • • • • inputs: opportunity toverifythemandmakefurther fied needs,soastogivethecommunityanother In Ward1,theMayorlistedfollowingidenti for someoftheseneedstobemet. process andprocedurestobefollowedinorder The ExecutiveMayor,furtherexpoundedonthe tunity toraisetheirneedsandconcerns. residents oftherespectivewardshadoppor meeting heldduringSeptember2007,wherethe The mayorreviewedtheminutesofward as earlyJanuary6! wished themahappy“twothousandandgreat” Officials metresidentsofWards2,3and8 E to listentheneeds, commentsandsuggestions ofresidents. - morestaffmustbeemployed. Waiting timeatExtension8Clinicaproblem Street lights,especiallyatVatnogStreet. Children’s playgroundequipment. RDP houses. Stands forsaleintheward. Streets. Speed humpsinRolihlahlaandShonalanga Primary School. More RDPhousing. Land alienation. around Sefoloshe. The maintenanceofthepedestrianbridge Bulk refusecontainers. Sport facilities. Traffic calmingmeasures. Police station. Clinic. Stand pipewaterforeachdwelling. The provisionofwaterincertainareas. Traffic calmingmeasuresinMainStreet. A PrimarySchool. RDP housesneededatNewtown. Additional standsneeded. individual stands. Sanitation tobeattendedandinstalledat Township. The proclamationofNewtownasa MANY NEEDSIN WARDS 2,3 AND 8 oral Committee,CouncillorsandCouncil accompanied bymembersoftheMay xecutive MayorMantlhakengMahlangu, - - - • were: surance thattheywouldbedeliverupon.These government electionsin2006,andgavetheas the AfricanNationalCongressbeforelocal She alsogavefeedbackonthepromisesmadeby by theCouncilandattendedto. ised thattheywouldbetakenintoconsideration their collectivevoiceshadbeenheardandprom In response,theMayorassuredresidentsthat • • • • municipalities. Youth Representatives from five - Career Guidance Officerwith Back row -right: MbusoMnisi Masemola -Outreach Officer. Back row -farleft:Marcus Mayoral Committee. Mabanola -Memberofthe Middle -front row: Thoko Marcus Masemola. local OutreachOfficer, Mbuso Mnisiandtheyalsoreceivedmuchinformation on thesubject ofyouthdevelopment from The visitorswereimpressedwiththepresentation that wasdelivered byCareerGuidanceOfficer, stakeholders inlocalyouthdevelopment. They werethentakenonavisittotheradiostudioof theGreaterMiddelburgFM, asoneofthe hondo, PixleyKaseme,AlbertLuthuliandDipaleseng LocalMunicipalities. Mayoral CommitteememberThokoMabanolawelcomed thedelegatesofMsukalikwa, Mk trict andhowtoeffectivelydriveissuesofyouthdevelopment. that recentlywhentheycametolearnhowestablish aYouthAdvisory Centreintheir owndis Representatives offivelocalmunicipalitiesfromthe Govan Mbeki DistrictMunicipalitydidjust T Youth Centre aMODEL FOR ALL especially inMhluziforrecreation. Numerous parkshavebeendeveloped Health issuesbeimproved. Title deeds. municipal services. Reduction ofpropertyratesandthecost Tarring atThabodiStreet. emulate. youth developmentthatitisbeinghailedasafineexample forothermunicipalitiesto he SteveTshweteMunicipality’sYouthAdvisoryCentre issosuccessfulinthefieldoflocal - - • • • • • • problems orfraudulentpractices, following number,013-243-2222toreportyour officials whowillassistyou,oryoucandialthe to themunicipality.Youwillfindcouncillorsand community. Inthecaseofanyproblems,come ❝ Let usworktogetherforthebettermentofour sanitation, etc. Bulk serviceslikewater,electricity, RDP houses. Extension 7. Multi-Purpose CommunityCentrein Community gardens-IkagengGardens. create jobsforthiscommunity. Industrial ParkandLaRocaMall,whichwill those whoqualify. Indigent grantsonmunicipalservicesfor ❞

she said. - - IDP Forum NOTES THE NEEDS he first round of annual meetings for the WARD 15: Bulk infrastructure needed, specifically in the Steve Tshwete Municipality’s Integrated industrial area near Columbus Stainless. Development Plan (IDP) in all the wards, T WARD 16: RDP houses needed. which allows the community an opportunity to provide inputs regarding their needs, was com- WARD 17: Park needed for the residents of Hlalamnandi. pleted recently. There is a need for a fence in Rockdale. At an IDP Forum meeting held on 10 January, it WARD 19: Grazing land needed for livestock, as well as was noted that the process was at a consultative fencing at Bankfontein, and sanitation. stage, where a Forum of various stakeholders WARD 23: There is a pressing need for a bridge. Traffic verified the needs of the community and made officers or traffic lights needed on the Groblersdal road for inputs for the adoption of the IDP document. the Mkhulu Secondary School learners. Opening the meeting, Municipal Manager Willie WARD 24: Water supply needed. Fouché introduced Beatrice Maleka, the new IDP Manager. Above: The Municipal The IDP document, which will inform the compi- Manager, Willie lation of the draft budget, is an integral part of Fouché introduced Beatrece Maleka the final budget process for the 2006/2007 finan- (new IDP Manager) cial year, for which the needs and aspirations of to the forum. the entire community are taken into account to help prioritise possible projects to be funded by Left: Thomas Ntuli, (right) makes his the municipality. imput at the IDP This meeting offered the Forum an opportunity Forum. to raise issues that were not raised by the community in the various wards, to finalise the first leg of the consultative stage.

The Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Wards issues get ATTENTION Mahlangu. number of issues affecting the lives of residents of Ward 5 (Mountain View) in Mhluzi are receiving attention from the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. This was the outcome A of a Mayoral Outreach meeting held on January 3 at the Mphanama Secondary School, during which the residents were afforded the opportunity to bring their problems, complaints and comments to the attention of Executive Mayor Mantlhakeng Mahlangu. In her opening address Executive Mayor Mahlangu reported that the street lights and speed humps requested by residents during her meeting with them in September last year had been con- structed and that Ward 1 (Newtown) would shortly be established as a township. She causioned that former residents of Newtown who had been granted RDP homes in Tokologo were not allowed to rent out their former dwellings in Newtown and the residents should report such individuals to the Council. She announced that three guesthouses had already been established in Mhluzi in anticipation of THE FORUM AMENDED INPUTS FROM THE the 2010 Soccer World Cup. In addition, the municipality was experiencing a major problem with FOLLOWING WARDS: people stealing electrical cables and called upon residents to assist the Council in helping to stamp WARD 1: Dumping levels are increasing and out this costly crime. must be attended to. As far as assistance to less fortunate residents were concerned, she mentioned that indigents earn- WARD 2: Municipality must maintain its roads ing less than R1 500 could apply to the Council to obtain a reduction on their water, sewerage and after heavy rains for the purposes of road safety. rental accounts and that Community Development Workers (CDWs) were available to help the Shanduka Colliery must remove stones on the disabled and elderly in applying for, and obtaining, government grants. street and road shoulders after blasting. Among the issues raised by the residents, together with the responses from the Executive Mayor, WARD 3: Storm-water drainage is needed. Cllr Thoko Mabanola or Cllr Thabo Motau, were the following: WARD 5: This ward was identified for rental • More bulk refuse containers for Ward Five: The municipality was experiencing a problem with stock, like Hope City. Municipal pipe beneath people throwing refuse next to container and due to this, nobody wants to have a container near Sozama Secondary School to be investigated. to their home. The matter is receiving attention. WARD 6: Storm-water drainage is needed. • Toilets at Newtown: Toilets are to be installed there. WARD 7: Park to be developed to avoid dumping. The Executive Mayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu and Cllr Bongani Mayaba at WARD 8: High lighting masts needed, especial- Mphanama Secondary School. ly in Thekwane Street. WARD 9: The road from the old graveyard needs to be improved, as it is still in use. WARDS 12, 13 AND 14: These wards were identified for more rental stock for the purpose of integration. More traffic lights or slipways needed to reduce traffic, especially during peak hours. eleven twelve project wascalledfor. where additional information about the proposed a meetingwiththeChief DirectoroftheNDPU The applicationwasshort-listed anddiscussedat Phase TwooftheMPCC. grant ofonlyR1,9-millioninordertocomplete The Municipalityoriginallyappliedforamodest restructuring ofMhluzioverthenextfouryears. (NDPU) oftheNationalTreasuryfortotal Neighbourhood DevelopmentPartnershipUnit A grantofR80-millionwasobtainedfromthe ity anestimatedR4712000. first phasehascosttheSteveTshweteMunicipal which housesacommunityhallandlibrary.The their newmoderncentrewithitsethnic-lookand The residentsofSTLMcanbejustlyproud the building. of theworkmanshipafterasight-seeingtour Mayor expressedhersatisfactionwiththequality At thehandingoverceremonyExecutive by theconstructionteam. Tshwete Municipality,MantlhakengMahlangu, handed overtotheExecutiveMayorofSteve L Community Centre HANDED OVER This istobecomeanannualeventastheAcademyhas struckasponsorship dealwithGTZofGermany. Sports, GTZofGermany,theDepartmentCulture, Sports andRecreation andthe2010Office. The tournamentformedpartofthe‘YouthDevelopment ThroughStreetFootball’ initiative andwasorganisedbytheMpumalangaAcademyof the Player of the tournament. Overall winner was the Msukalikwa Local Municipality and certificates of participation were presented to all the teams. E Seated: PageMajola-Coach,ExecutiveMayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlangu and Marcus Masemola-Outreach Officerwiththeyoungsoccer starsfrom Steve in Mhluzi’sExtension7wasofficially Purpose CommunityCentre(MPCC) ate lastyearPhaseOneoftheMulti- Not onlydidtheyclinchfourthoverallplaceoutof14 participatinglocalmunicipalities, but oneoftheplayers,LeboMofokeng,wasdeclared day footballtournamentheldattheKwanyamazane Stadium inNelspruit andtheThulamahash Stadium inBushbuckRidge. ight enthusiasticyoungsoccerstarsfromthelocalYouth Advisory Centrerepresented theSteve TshweteMunicipalityinDecember atatwo- LOCAL SOCCER STARS SHINE Tshwete Municipality. - Member oftheMayoralCommittee Mahlangu andCllrElfasMathebula, the ExecutiveMayor, Manthlhakeng hands overthekeysof MPCC to Danny Padiachy-Developer, ment CentreandaPostOffice. Services, Labour,aSkillsDevelop lice Station,HomeAffairs,Social the centreentailsofficesofaPo Phase Twooftheconstruction intention toachievethis. has aprivatesectorelement,oran capital financingforaprojectthat providing technicalassistanceand residential neighbourhoodsby vestment inpoor,under-serviced to stimulateandacceleratein the primaryfocusofNDPUis to thescopeofprojectisthat The reasonfortheradicalchange R80-million. from R1,9-milliontoastunning nent) andtoincreasedthegrant to thatofMhluziTownshipRestructuring(ofwhich Phase TwooftheMPCCformsonly onecompo located awardstatus.ItalsomotivatedtheNational Treasurytochangetheallocation description The outcomeoftheadditionalinformationprovided bythemunicipalityisthatprojectwasal - Left: PageMajola-Coach,ExecutiveMayor, Mantlhakeng Mahlanguand . - - Lebo Mofokeng,playerofthetournament. - -