“More than a century ago a small town called Pietersburg was established and many years later in 1992, the town officially became a city and in 2005 the city was officially declared as Polokwane which is translated “the place of peace”. Today 130 years later, that small town that started in 1886 has developed into a bustling economic nodal point that embraces all cultures and diversity of its people. That tiny seed has today blossomed into a tree that represents a community of opportunities.
As I look from the window of the office that I work in, I see a sea of development that includes residential settlements that says our communities have been moved closer to town to be closer to opportunities. I can see that our residential suburbs – old and new – no longer house exclusive racial groups, but there is integration. I see skyscrapers that says this city is developing economically and will sustain its future. I can see that we have become a community of cultural arts, youth sports and public amenities. We can confidently say the City of Polokwane is well on its way to becoming a world-class city. We only have a few boxes left to check before we can be declared a metro. We are working tirelessly to get to that status. We have plans that ensure that we look forward to the exciting future of our growing city.
Throughout the past 130 years, particularly over the past 20 years, Polokwane has seen significant transformational change. Our commitment to change is derived from the strength of our conviction that we can create a fulfilling future for all those who live and work here. A fulfilling future where the social, economic and cultural spirit of our community will flourish. Indeed, together our sweat and tears have made this city what it is today. I commend past and current Councils for their wisdom and foresight for they have contributed towards building this city.
Over the past five years we have witnessed major developments with some of the initiatives still underway. These developments have made a positive contribution towards economic development, job creation and spatial justice. To mention a few: Mall of the North, hotel construction near the golf club, the motor city, Polokwane High Court and the Netcare Pholoso Hospital. The plans to develop the municipality’s world class arts theater have been approved and are progressing. This development will be done in consultation with the Department of Arts And Culture to develop the best provincial theater. The Polokwane Integrated Rapid Public Transport System (PIRPTS) is in full swing with much progress witnessed on infrastructure development. We are indeed getting closer to the Phase 1 Go Live 2018 which will see the buses operating within our city. The Broadband Connectivity project which strives to achieve our “Smart City” vision and Wi-Fi connectivity in the city is in motion and our partnership with the Department of Economic Development and Microsoft is beginning to bear fruits. We are also looking forward to ensure that there is good night life in the city and entertainment to match other cities. This calls for a business mind shift and commercialization model for the city. All these say we are turning our dreams into reality.
Polokwane’s 130th anniversary is a historic occasion and we want the entire community to join in the celebration by embracing diversity as strength and by focusing their energy on contributing positively towards building a great community where the spirit of Ubuntu becomes our oxygen. As a resident of our city, you are invited to celebrate our successes, pay tribute to our heritage and look to the future with optimism.
We all have the opportunity to continue living together and work together to do incredible things for this beautiful City of Stars – the city that I am proud to call my home. Like the vast majority of Vaughan residents, I believe that tomorrow can be better than today. I believe that together we can take the City of Polokwane to the next level. I believe that working together we can do more. Polokwane is my home and it is your home. Let’s celebrate it together.”
Featured Photo: Polokwane Executive Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng.
