DRIEKOEK/MAHLEWULA ELECTRICITY HANDOVER (WARD 15)
Driehoek community to benefit from an Electricity Project initiated by the Mkhondo Municipality. Kancane kancane siyavela neNtuthuko.
Yesterday, 01 August 2023, The Mkhondo Local Municipality MMC for Technical Services, Cllr MD Thwala led officials from the Municipality together with Eskom representatives to Driehoek/Mahlewuka village in Ward 15 for an Electricity handover project.
MKHONDO COUNCIL MEETING - 28 JULY 2023
The Mkhondo Local Municipality today, held a Council Meeting that is mandated by the Legislation in terms of Section 19 (a) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000 that an Ordinary Council meeting be held.
The purpose of the meeting was to engage with every key stakeholders pertaining the identified Items to be noted and, or approved.
MKHONDO LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM
Yesterday, 27th of July 2023, The Mkhondo LED office reporting under Planning and Economic Development held an LED Forum meeting to discuss matters pertaining the economic development of our town, eMkhondo, as part of their responsibilities is to coordinate economic developments and initiatives that would enhance the viable economy within the mkhondo municipal areas.
Currently, the municipality is in the process of reviewing the LED strategy, focusing mainly on the following four pillars, namely:
1. The SMME and Cooperatives Incubation Programme.
2. The Tourism Hubs Development Programme
3. The Development Programme, Education, the Skills and Capacity Development Programme.
4. The Marketing and Investment Promotion Programme.
These four pillars are being used to boost the local economy.
SITE HANDOVER OF AMSTERDAM BULK WATER SUPPLY SCHEME PHASE 4 GABOSCH DAM
Mkhondo Local Municipality is determined at making their people’s needs a priority.
On Tuesday, 25th of July 2023, The Gert Sibande District Municipality MMC for Infrastructure and Technical Services, Cllr PV Malatsi jointly with Mkhondo Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Ngelosi Ndhlovu led the delegation to an official site handover of the Amsterdam bulk water supply project.
The project is from Gert Sibande District Municipalty, and it serves an aid to assist the Mkhondo Local Municipality in addressing the ongoing water crisis that is faced by the community of Amsterdam and surrounding areas, and it will also create job opportunities for the people of Mkhondo especially the ones from Amsterdam and the surroundings.
The key stakeholders who were present, was the officials and councillors from MLM, the custodian beneficiary of the project, GSDM officials, the Department of Water and Sanitation, represented by Mr Doctor Makhubela, UNIK Construction (Contractor) which is an International company with multiple branches around South Africa and Africa, and the AFI Consult, which is the consulting company involved in the overall processes, quality assurance and excellence of the project.
The permanent works of the project, will entail:
- The Provision of bulk electrical supply to enable the establishment and construction of the Works, as well as to enable the eventual operation of the infrastructure established.
- Placing of permanent beacons and benchmarks along the access road and around the dam site to enable setting out the works.
- The construction of an access road of 1.2km to the Site, including 03 river crossings traversing the Gabosch River.
- The construction of a medium dam for raw water storage in the Gabosch River, including an outlet to enable flow to be released to the Dorps Dam located closer to the Amsterdam Water Treatment Works.
- The construction of a supply pipeline from the Dorps Dam to the Amsterdam Water Treatment Works.
- The construction of a compounded Crump flow gauging weir downstream of the dam inclusive with all measuring instrumentation.
Mkhondo Local Municipality continues with being committed to deliver quality and sustainable services that will enhance economically viable and better the lives of its community.
By Ndumi Nkosi
PATCHING OF POTHOLES ON ENTOMBE ROAD (D225)
By Ndumi Nkosi | 21 July 2023
As part of the Mandela month celebration, Mkhondo Local Municipality Speaker of Council, Cllr Mduduzi Ngwenya joined the Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads & Transport, Mr Mandla Ndlovu on Thursday, the 20th of July 2023, at 08H30 in Mkhondo Local Municipality.
The purpose of their joint venture, was patching of potholes on eNtombe road (D225) in Ward15, to assist motorists who uses the route on a daily basis, those who passes to their destinations and tourists visiting eNtombe for the rich historical history of the battlefield war happened 12 March 1879, to travel safe without causing accidents and, or breaking their vehicles due unbearable potholes on the road.
The key stakeholders who were present, the officials from Mkhondo led by Mr Mandla Dlamini who is the Acting Municipal Manager; Department of Public works, Gert Sibande District municipality, uMfundisi- Sifiso Phakathi, and Ubukhosi bakwa Mthethwa.
Mkhondo Local Municipality continues with being committed to deliver quality and sustainable services that will enhance economically viable and better the lives of its community.
“Service Delivery is our Priority”
MHLONGAMVULA ELECTRITY PROJECT HANDOVER
Thursday, the 20th of July 2023, The Mkhondo Local Municipality Whip of Council, Cllr Daniel Thwala led the Municipal delegates, on behalf of the Executive Mayor, Cllr Ngelosi Ndhlovu to handover the Electricity Project to the community of Mhlongamvula in Ward 03 which is under Cllr Mbatha.
Amongst the community members who were present, it was the representatives from Eskom and the representatives of the Contractor employed to implement the project.
The meeting started at 10am, directed by the Ward Councillor, Cllr Mbatha, where a Prayer was done. One of Eskom representative, Ms Thuli Madonsela, introduced the contractor and edged the community to fully support every process of the project, in that sense, the project will be completed on time and people’s lives with be changed for better. She also asked the community not to illegally connect electricity nor temper with it in any way or form because electricity is dangerous. “Illegal connections causes danger to fatality to yourself and others, for any electricity problem should be directed straight to Eskom for their attention”.
The community welcomed the contractor with warmth and excitement, saying they are “extremely grateful to meet with them, after such a long time waiting for electricity, before the pandemic outbreak and after that, now that the project is starting in few weeks, they are happy.
For every project that takes place in communities is there to change peoples’ lives for better, through the service to deliver and employment. Cllr Mbatha was then given a task to employ 10 general worker (pole borehole) and 01 CLO who will be responsible for the administration of records and communication between the community and the contractor on the coming week as per Eskom request. Women who are physically fit are encouraged to be part of the employment processes.
The Kotane contractor representative, Mr Thabo, who is the Project Leader, confirmed the coming of the logistics of the project, like material, poles and PPEs.
“Kancane Kancane Siyavela NeNtuthuko”
By Ndumi Nkosi | 21 July 2023
2023 NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION DAY
By Ndumi Nkosi | 19 July 2023
“It takes a village to raise a Child”
On Tuesday, the 18th of July 2023, The Mkhondo Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Ngelosi Ndhlovu in collaboration with the Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Mr Bonakele Majuba were in celebration of the International Mandela Day, with Moolman Primary School in Ward 09 for Cllr Manana, who is also the MMC for Finance at Mkhondo Local Municipality.
The theme of the event was, "Do what you can with what you have where you are", in lined with the solidarity in reducing climate change and food insecurity.
The Speaker of Mkhondo Council, Cllr Mdududzi Ngwenya; Mkhondo Whip of Council, Cllr Daniel Thwala, the Mkhondo Municipal officials, led by Acting MM Mr Mandla Dlamini; Gert Sibande District Municipality Whip of Council, Cllr Mhlaliseni Yende, and GSDM officials; Office of the Premier; Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs; Department of Social Development; Department of Justice and Correctional Services; Vodacom; The Mkhondo Local Municipality, Department of Health, Deputy Chairperson of Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders, Inkosi MT Yende, Ubukhosi bakwa-Hlatshwayo; MRTT; Mkhondo Boxer Supermarket; the Principal of Moolman Primary School, Ms Hlophe, Chairperson of the School Governing Body, Ms ST Lushaba, the Educators, learners; Parents, CWP and members of the community graced the event with their presence.
The event started at 09am, directed by Mrs Lucy Moyane, Mpumalanga Head of Department-Education. It started with a briefing session where the Principal of the school presented the background of the school, its current state, needs for support, and officially presented the activities of the day and she further sent words of appreciation to the DOE, MLM, and various stakeholders for their valuable support in assisting the school to improve its environment in any way or form possible.
The event proceeded to the main focus of the day, where Painting of school & Vegetable garden establishment was done, Planting of Trees in a proper manner, Cleaning of the school yard and Donation of garden tools, and sanitary towels were witnessed. Boxer supermarket, not left behind, unexpectedly surprised everyone with a huge Mandela day birthday cake.
The occasion couldn’t be complete without the touch of art and sense of humour displayed by the Mkhondo MMC for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Thembi Khumalo, who kept the second programme contained and alive.
The National anthem was sung, which served as a Prayer. Two wonderful learners for the school kept the multitude glued on them with their astonished educational and powerful informative poems. Indeed, education is a weapon the future. Presentation of proper Protocol pictures and South African National Flag was done.
Amongst the leadership who expressed their message of support was:
- MLM Executive Mayor, who encouraged everyone to selflessly serve the people wherever we are entrusted with quality service delivery. She further said, “Let’s have the spirit of unity, dignity, love, respect for each other, and remember those who came before us, those who died for our nation’s liberation”.
- Inkosi MT Yende, who expressed his gratitude to the current leadership for the recognition of the House of Traditional Leaders (Ubukhosi) to be part of the Mandela day celebration. He also appreciated the Principal, Ms Hlophe for her significant hard work in improving the conditions of teaching & learning environment for both educators & learners, and saluted the SGB leadership for their good support in the school. He further edged the government leadership to visit the people who voted for them, especially those in deep rural areas, as the government is for the people.
- The MEC for Education, expressed his excitement to be deployed by the Premier to visit Moolman Primary School in celebration of the magnificent deeds of our historic icon Nelson Mandela in liberating our country politically and socio-economically. He said, “Education is a cornerstone of liberation & everyone’s business”. He appreciated the leadership council, led by the Executive Mayor, and the presence of the House of Traditional Leaders. He further encouraged everyone to present good leadership with selfless behaviors, and serve the people without fear of favor.
- The Speaker of MLM Council, appreciated the various stakeholders and everyone for the support given to make the day a success. He encouraged the multitude to continue to “Change the lives of the people for better”.
- The Principal couldn’t hold her humbleness of honour by conveying her marvellous gratitude to all stakeholders and every person who made the day at Moolman a success. The school also took the opportunity to the former teachers for the significant educational work they have done.
eMAPHEPHENI CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL TRADITIONAL MEN'S DIALOGUE ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE
by Ndumi Nkosi | 10 July 2023
The Mpumalanga Men Sector together with the Mkhondo Local Municipality hosted the Mpumalanga Traditional Men dialogue on GBVF, on Friday the 07th of July 2023 at Mkhondo Local Municipality.
“The Event was a result of the resolutions taken in the Provincial Traditional Men’s Parliament, that Men Sector and Traditional leaders are going to work hand-in-hand, in addressing ‘GBVF, HIV,TB, STI’s, Human Rights, and Social Behavioral Change".
The theme that drove the dialogue was, "Together we can stop Gender-Based violence and Femicide"
Amongst the representatives of various government departments and institutions who were present, were, The Mkhondo Local Municipality, Department of Social Development, Department of Health, South African Police Services, Mpumalanga Provincial Aids Council, Mpumalanga Addiction Rehabilitation Centre, Local Civil Society (eMkhondo), XG Traditional Leadership, Office of the Premier, which also formed part of the Panelists of the dialogue.
The event started at 10am at Skyfin Hall, directed by Mr Bheki Ngoza, who is the ‘Mpumalanga Provincial Chairperson Men Sector & Dialogue Facilitator’. The national anthem was sung, the moment of silence that served as prayer was observed.
The Mkhondo Local Municipality MMC for Community Services, Cllr Walter Vilakazi, on behalf of the Executive Mayor, Cllr Ngelosi Ndlovu, warmly welcomed everyone who was present, and on his welcoming words, he said: _“Asixoxeni Sakhe Isizwe Madoda”
Umntwanenkosi – Ndabezitha K.D Mahalngu, the ‘Provincial Deputy Treasure Men Sector’, presented the purpose of the event – “addressing issues pertaining GBVF, related causes, prevention and discussions of solutions to tackle the matter at hand. He further emphasized on going back to our traditions & cultural practice, our roots”. _“Madoda Asikhulumeni”
None-other-than, uSicelo Ka-Ntazi (Imbongi-eMkhondo) graced the gathering with his ‘emotional and outcry poem’, which left all men at awe.
The dialogue commenced and all men positively participated on the issues and contributing factors concerning the GBVF and solutions to eradicate it. “Asibuyele Emasisweni”
Some of the factors raised by men were, Drugs and alcohol abuse, intolerance, unemployment/ job loose/ dependence frustrations, not able to provide for their families, poverty that leads to disrespect towards men, lack of self-esteem, that leads men to control their partners, lack of trust of their partners, emotional anger caused by absent parenting (fathers & mothers), and healthy behavioral changes.
The DOH representative, Sister GHN Malinga, “encouraged all men to get tested and know their blood statuses (Diabetes, HIV, TB, STIs, etc)”. It was also mentioned that, there are platforms where men can visit to consult, voice out their frustrations, challenges, seek advice, assistance, support to avoid violence against women and children in our societies.
Men edged the government and institutions to take traditional leaders into consideration, to work hand-in-hand with them, as “they are the custodians of our societies” to restore respect, spiritual, cultural, traditional ways of family practices and dignity. “Mother, Father, Child structure”.
“Amadoda afuna Ukulima, Ukutshala kanye noKufuya”, to fight poverty that leads to violence and to restore respect & dignity of men-hood in families and societies -“Indlala ibanga Ulaka, Asibuyeleni Emasisweni”. Amadoda aphinde aphosa insayeya to government to re-evaluate the approval of liquor licenses given to multiples of establishments operating in one community and closer to schools.
In Closing, Men were edged to limit alcohol consumption to a stop, stop relationship abuse, to avoid and stay away from any related triggers that promotes violence against women and children.
“TOGETHER WE CAN STOP GBVF”
SWORN-IN OF THE NEWLY ELECTED WARD 12 COUNCILLOR
IN PICTURES ||
Yesterday, Wednesday, 05 July 2023, The Mkhondo Local Municipality held the sworn-in of the newly elected Ward 12 councillor, Cllr Muzi Romeo Mhlanga at the Municipal Council Chambers.
The people who were among the sworn-in, was the Speaker of Council, Cllr Mduduzi Ngwenya, MMC for Planning & Development Services, Cllr Thembi Khumalo, MMC for Community Services, Cllr Walter Vilakazi, and the delegated municipal officials.
The Magistrate from Piet Retief Magistrate's Court (eMkhondo), DR Nxumalo, conducted the proceedings of the sworn-in, under an oath 'to serve the community without fear or favour'. Councillor MR Mhlanga promised to carry the mandate, objectives and the mission & vision of the municipality forward.
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By Ndumi Nkosi | 06 July 2023
