LLM mayor and office-bearers elected

HEIDELBERG – The special council meeting for Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM) was held on November 22. This included the election and swearing-in of the new office-bearers for the municipal offices.

Sibusiso Dlamini (acting municipal manager) opened the proceedings and welcomed everyone to the meeting. In his welcoming address, he said the IEC attended and that the local elections that were held recently were declared free and fair.

Magistrate Mabotse Malatji swore in the elected office-bearers, who all promised they will uphold the local Constitution to ensure LLM prospers and that they will act in the interest of the people and the community.

Phindi Rachel Mpemvu (ANC) and Gerry Holtzhausen (DA) were nominated for the role of speaker. The votes were cast by all 26 office-bearers and the results saw 14 votes for Mpemvu, the new speaker. Holtzhausen received 11 votes with one spoilt ballot. In her first speech as speaker, Mpemvu thanked everyone for the support and vowed to serve LMM with dignity and pride.

The next item on the agenda was electing the executive mayor. It was a landslide victory, as current mayor Mluleki Nkosi was re-elected. Malatji duly swore Nkosi in as the mayor, who thanked everyone for their support.

Nkosi said at the outset he wants to humble himself on behalf of the newly elected office-bearers of the LLM. Nkosi also said he sees this term as his first term and whatever happened in the past was a learning curve to ensure mistakes do not happen in the new term in office.

“From time to time, we need to commit and dedicate our efforts to our past and fallen comrades,” he said. “The election is behind us and it is time to get down to business. Our core responsibility is service delivery to LLM and all its residents.

“During the campaigning sessions, the community raised relevant issues about access to basic services, land and housing, professional services, food, security, corruption, work opportunities, education, training and youth development, gender-based violence, rampant crime and gender equality.

“As all office-bearers were voted in by everyone else, the onus lies with every office-bearer to ensure these issues are dealt with efficiently.

“The time is now to serve your community and ensure you are their representatives in all areas.” Nkosi also added he is available to the community and will work shoulder to shoulder with all stakeholders.

Implementation to enhance service delivery was his outcry to the office-bearers, to ensure they do what is needed and that he will keep a keen eye on all issues. Nkosi also said they will be working to achieve a clean audit.

“Rural areas will be our main concern to develop and improve on, especially on employment and infrastructure.

“We need to create a sustainable livelihood for all. We will be promoting heritage and tourism in LMM.

“The District Development Model was established and approved for the whole Sedibeng area.

“The Vaal special economic zone has been promulgated and protocols have been submitted for funding to promote our local economy.” Nkosi concluded that potholes, illegal dumping, street lights and land invasion will not be tolerated.

“We are responsible and accountable for the quality of service delivery,” he added.

Executing the executive responsibility of the Mayoral Committee are:

• Finance – Mashele Lukhele (ANC)

• Legal and corporate services – Mapule Vionah Motsepe (ANC)

• Infrastructure services – Themba Motsepe (ANC)

• Community services – Thulani Mashinini (SEFM)

• Economic LED and planning – Modiyehi Emily Magazi (ANC)

The last election duty was to elect the chief whip. Themba Joseph Gama was elected.