VEREENIGING.- Jacob Khawe, the newly inaugurated executive mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), says he wants the people to know upfront that their aspirations are still safe in the plans of the ANC and its alliances.
Speaking for the first time during his official inauguration last Thursday, Khawe assured the community that at Emfuleni, the future is bright and the end will definitely be glorious. He said that the ELM must stay afloat and reach its destination.
Khawe took over from the former mayor, Simon Mofokeng who resigned as both the mayor of ELM and ANC Sedibeng chairperson recently. This was after he allegedly posted a picture of a scantily dressed 14-year-old girl on WhatsApp.
Speaking of hope, Khawe invited the community to journey together with him. “Hope must be drawn from commitment, skills, determination and energy.” The new mayor has put ahead 120 days to prioritise areas whereby all will sit in the boardroom to discuss how to strengthen the public participation programme.
According to Khawe this programme will ensure clean governance and a clean city – not forgetting that such programme must bring changes to economy and boost revenue collection: “We must expect an administrative cadreship that hates corruption and nepotism. We need leaders who fear not to tell truth to power.
“The municipality will resolve the labour cases within 3 to 6 months, to stabilise the institution.
“The government cannot afford to spend most of its time in court on labour matters.”
He urged the unions and the management to ensure that the local labour forum is effective and favourable to all.
Khawe was applauded when he mentioned that critical vacancies had to be filled within 3 months and that acting positions have to be filled to avoid uncertainty. “Days of ghost workers and not taking care of workers are over. Councillors must account to people.
“I will be working directly with ward councillors, stakeholders and the general public. We will embark on a clean city campaign as a collective responsibility. Let’s all start to pay for services rendered by the government irrespective of the position or academic status.”
Khawe made a few reshuffles to his Members of Mayoral Committee (MMC’s). Robert Thema will be MMC responsible for Finance and Revenue, Busisiwe Mncube will be MMC for Corporate and Governance, Kethiwe Ntombela, MMC responsible for Infrastructure. While Nomvula Thulo will be MMC responsible for Environmental Management and Planning, Dimakatso Maria Malisa is MMC for Health and Social Development, Thembile Samson Nquba is MMC responsible for Basic Services, Penny Sengoatsi is MMC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Library Information Services, Parks and Cemeteries. Pius Maseko is MMC for Local Economic Development, Planning and Tourism, Jan Motshana Moshoaliba is MMC for Public safety and Mokete Edwin Kele is MMC for Human Settlements.
