VEREENIGING.- The Executive Mayor of Emfuleni, Sipho Radebe delivered the State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) on June 04 at Vereeniging City Hall. The SOMA is a critical aspect of local governance that allows municipalities to be transparent and accountable to their residents and stakeholders across the board.
Radebe gave a report on the administration’s progress thus far.
“The economic and social impact on the local community of the Vaal is influenced by factors that include electricity supply shortages, which is largely responsible for constrained economic activity and increased operating costs for many businesses. The unemployment rate in the Vaal is really high and sitting on 57%, and job creation has not been able to keep up with the growing labour force, resulting in a rising number of unemployed people.”.
Radebe further explained that they are committed to working together with the community and will without any hesitation be dedicated to the theme ‘Mastering the art of implementation, through consolidating cooperative local government, service delivery and fiscal discipline.’
He added that their aim is to restore public confidence and trust between Emfuleni Local Municipality, business and residents by providing quality and sustainable service delivery.
The day’s programme was run by the Speaker of Council, Sibongile Soxuza. A Sign Language Interpreter Tumelo Mofokeng was also assisting at the gathering for those with a hearing disability. Reverend Sizakhele Mofokeng opened the event with prayer. A moment of silence for 23 departed workers in 2023/24 was also held. A prise poem was done by Sharpeville native, Tsoana Nhlapo.
Throughout the event, attendees were entertained with vibrant cultural performances from the Setswana dancer, Lerato who forms part of ‘Ditshepe Tsa Ngwao Ya Setswana’, Zulu Traditional Dancers from the Tsietsi Foundation, as well as several choir and opera singers.
Many governments officials attended the affair including Madam Speaker Clr Sibongile Soxuza, Chief Whip of Council Clr Sylvia Jantjie, Executive Mayor of Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) Lerato Maloka, Executive Mayor of the Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM) Peter Teixeira, and ELM Manager, April Ntuli. Other guests included representatives from COGTA, ward committees, labour organisations, provincial and national government departments, and leaders of political parties and coalition partners.
A strong police contingent was present to ensure that there are no violent protests or potential threats to the State of the Municipality programme and for the safety of those who attended.
