Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor John Mpe.
Polokwane the Capital City of Limpopo known as the City of Stars led by Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor John Makoro Mpe received thumbs up from various speakers after hosting the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) for a successful inaugural two-day National Joint Sitting of the Council of Mayors and Speakers at Jack Botes Hall.
Executive Mayor Mpe gave a warm welcome to delegates who attended the sitting which brought together Mayors and Speakers from 254 of South Africa’s 257 municipalities to address key issues in municipal governance and service delivery which gave birth to positive discussions and strategic reflections geared to enhance the lives of the communities to the 7th administration under the leadership President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Various key speakers who participated in the sitting included Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, and Auditor-General of South Africa Tsakani Maluleke. The joint sitting, the first of its kind following the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, the establishment of the 7th Parliament, and the formation of the Government of National Unity, set the stage for robust discussions.
Premier Ramathuba expressed her excitement that attendees had the opportunity to experience and explore what Polokwane has to offer. In relation to Women's Month celebration in honour of women who marched to the Union Buildings against pass laws Ramathuba accentuated the vital need to prioritize women in budget allocation, planning, and policy making. She urged delegates to put the people first and accelerate service delivery promptly.
A highpoint of the occasion was a panel discussion that probed into the roles and responsibilities of Mayors and Speakers in enhancing local governance. Topics included deepening democratic participation and accountability, providing basic services, promoting sustainable development, improving financial management, and contributing to cooperative governance. Participants in the panel discussion included Dr Masemola, SALGA President Cllr Bheki Stofile, Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Basikopo Makamu, Tsakani Maluleke, Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, and Chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board Thabo Manyoni.
Spokesperson of Polokwane Municipality Thipa Selala confirmed that on Wednesday evening, the Polokwane Municipality hosted a networking session that showcased Polokwane through an aerial view of its landmarks.
MEC Makamu, representing Premier Ramathuba, spoke about his newfound appreciation for Polokwane’s beauty after visiting the Leeto la Polokwane bus station in the CBD with the Executive Mayor Mpe. Makamu praised the introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system as an important improvement to public transportation.
Cllr Stofile also expressed his admiration for Polokwane. “I have noted Polokwane’s cleanliness as one of the standout features compared to other cities I have visited,’ said Cllr Stofile.
Meanwhile, delegates were treated to a taste of Limpopo’s rich culture from performances by BET Award winner Makhadzi, King Monada, Double Trouble to Kharishma, Motlanalo, Charlebass, local poet and dinaka.
Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor John Makoro Mpe and Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance Dr Namane Dickson Masemola.
Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor John Makoro Mpe, Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, SALGA President Cllr Bheki Stofile,Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Basikopo Makamu.
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