POLOKWANE – Thapelo Matlala has been in local government for two decades, and was recently elected as the Provincial Executive Officer for the South African Local Government Association (Salga).
He joined the parastatal in 1998, and says this is exactly where he wants to be.
“This is my space. I don’t see myself anywhere except in local government. I have a passion for this industry because this is where you see the difference being made in people’s lives by your actions,” Matlala explains.
He joined Salga when it was still called the Northern Province Local Government Association.
“I was the labour relations manager, and in 2002 and 2003 I was given the duty to lead Salga on an acting basis. I was still very young at the time.”
His portfolio includes advising municipalities on issues such as financial management, project management and labour relations matters. He is also at the head of a team of managers who oversee different community and economic development programmes.
Matlala adds that over the years, the province has made considerable progress and will continue to do so.
He says some of the projects that will uplift municipalities around the province include the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that will be launched in Makhado and Musina.
Even with these programmes in place, Limpopo still has its fair share of obstacles to overcome.
“Some of the most prevalent issues we face include the scarcity of skills. Municipalities no longer just employ people, you have to have the proper competency skills.
He went on to cite the water scarcity in the province as the biggest challenge Salga needs to overcome.
“We have made great strides with regard to electricity, but water supply, unlike electricity, requires intensive infrastructure development,” he continues.
Matlala concludes that he has high hopes for the province and he is pleased with the progress the province has made thus far.
