Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gugubele delivered his final council speech as mayor of Ekurhuleni before the upcoming local government elections on August 3.
The address was delivered at the Germiston City Council on June 23.
At the outset, Clr Gungubele congratulated the chairman of the African National Congress (ANC) in Ekurhuleni Mr Mzwandile Masina for being nominated as the mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni.
“Masina is a vibrant young man who I have no doubt will be equal to the task at hand. As a loyal citizen of the region I will not be completely lost from the city as I intend to assist in the work we have been doing as and when I am required to help,”said Clr Gungubele.
With June being Youth Month in South Africa, Clr Gungubele also paid tribute to the youth of 1976.
“This council meeting takes place at a time when we are being reminded of a part in our history when young people made a huge contribution to the struggle for liberation. Forty years on we are once again reminded of the heroics of young lions such as Hector Peterson, Tsietsi Mashinini, Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu and many others. They put their own lives on the line for a free and just South Africa.
It is on these bases that I wish to state without fear of contradiction that as a nation we owe the youth of this country practical measures to ensure that they contribute to, and benefit from, our new democracy,” said Clr Gungubele.
Clr Gungubele urged the youth of Ekurhuleni to rededicate themselves and to work towards one nation pillared on the noble values of non-racism, non-sexism and the unity of the South African people. “Only as a united youth and a united people, shall we be able to reconstruct our land and create an environment where there shall be a better life for all,” he said.
“On our side as a city we have made great gains in empowering the youth. Our successes to date include initiatives to empower the youth economically, skills development, and the revival of the township economies which is putting the youth at the forefront of opportunities and job creation. The Aerotroplis and Digital City are also at the forefront of creating opportunities for young people,” said Clr Gungubele.
On July 1, Ekurhuleni will be revealing the 20 youngsters who will be going to the Netherlands on a four-year study mission on the aerotropolis economy. “The empowerment of young people in this regard, demonstrates our commitment to ensure that young people become critical players in the city’s dynamic economic future. We must broaden the nation’s skills base; improve our productivity; and make our goods more competitive in a world that is growing increasingly smaller,” said Clr Gungubele.
Clr Gungubele spoke about his tenure as mayor of Ekurhuleni in the past five years. “As I stand before you today, I do not wish to regurgitate the State of the City Address, but allow me to share some of the latest achievements that have taken Ekurhuleni to the top in local government stakes in this country. I know I am talking on behalf of many Ekurhulenites when I say that we are now more proud of our city than we were five years ago. Not too long ago we were joined by the whole world in celebrating our world-beating Moody’s rating of Aaa, the highest rating the rating agency can give to a local authority in a country. Soon after that, the Auditor General channeled another accolade to Ekurhuleni, giving us our second clean audit in a row (2013/14 and 2014/15). Our customer service has been rated the best in Gauteng, according to the latest GCRO report. Just a few weeks ago the municipality received another accolade: The Best Managed Landfill Sites in Gauteng,” said Clr Gungubele.
Clr Gungubele thanked all members of the council for the work they have done over the years. He also thanked the people of Ekurhuleni. “Thank you for forever reminding us to stick to the mandate you gave us in 2011. Let me appeal to all eligible voters to vote on August 3. Remember, local government is in your hands. Voting is the right thing to do,” said Clr Gungubele.
