MOKOPANE – “THERE is no doubt that we are facing a lot of challenges, but when I cast my eyes to the council and beyond, I have no doubt that in working together, we will better the lives of the community and strengthen the Mogalakwena municipality.”

These were the words of Phineas Malasela “Parks” Sebatjane, the new mayor of Mogalakwena Municipality after he was officially inaugurated on Wednesday afternoon at the Lleka Lekalakala chamber.

Sebatjane, a former municipal manager at Lephalale Municipality and the Waterberg District Municipality, was inaugurated by chief magistrate André Van der Kooi from the Mokopane magistrate’s court as the new mayor of Mogalakwena Municipality.

Tlhalefi Mashamaite was recalled on Monday, June 1 by the ANC as mayor of Mogalakwena in an attempt to strengthen the municipality after facing a lot of challenges.

The public gallery of the Lleka Lekalakala chamber was packed with people who sang in celebration when the new mayor was sworn in.

During the council meeting, Andrina Matsemela was appointed as the new speaker after the resignation of Rahab Lebelo, while Staff Tsebe was appointed as the new chief whip after the resignation of David Langa.

Sebatjane, Lebelo and Langa were appointed as members of the executive committee of council.

Sebatjane stated in his speech:”it is a true honor and a privilege to serve the people of Mogalakwena as their mayor and I also thank the ANC for the opportunity.

“I have a great appreciation for the council and previous leaders who worked together in making Mogalakwena a great municipality, and I look forward to resolving existing struggles.

“We as a municipality will commit to improve the quality of basic service delivery.

“I am confident in myself and in the council that together we will achieve the goal of turning Mogalakwena into a second city next to Polokwane.

“The municipality has had its share of rough times in the past that should never occur again, we will hid the ground running and face our challenges head on. I am glad to join the Mogalakwena Municipality and I look forward to making a positive contribution”.

Tsebe spoke on behalf of the ANC and said: “we are aware of all of the challenges in the past and we support Sebatjane as the new mayor.

“I assure you we will never surrender and our victory is certain. We will maintain a standard of service delivery and improve the services in Mahwelereng and surrounding villages.

“The ANC will lead a land slide victory in the coming municipal elections. I thank Tlhalefi Mashamaite and everyone who respected the ANC’s decisions and accepted their responsibilities”.

It is alleged that the former mayor, Mashamaite has been re-employed as the speaker of the Waterberg District Municipality in Modimolle.

New mayor appointed for Mogalakwena muni