Emalahleni – Kabelo Boshomane, the newly elected chairperson of the ANC Nkangala, secured a decisive victory during the ANC Nkangala Regional conference in Emalahleni last weekend.
Boshomane scored 195 and his opponent, Thomas Ngwenya, scored 28 votes.
In an interview with the Highveld Chronicle, Boshomane said he is determined to tackle the pressing service delivery issues across the district. He highlighted the critical challenges such as water shortages, sewage leaks, aging infrastructure, load shedding and the rapid growth of informal settlements in Dr JS Moroka, Thembisile Hani, Emalahleni and Victor Khanye municipalities.
He emphasised the importance of effectively implementing the District Development Model (DDM) as a mechanism to swiftly and efficiently address the pressing issues in the region.
“Projects like the Loskop Dam and Rustewinter Dam are in the works, with a combined investment of more than R2,5 billion aimed at supplying water to the communities of Thembisile Hani and Dr JS Moroka municipalities. We’re also expediting the infrastructure repair programme in Emalahleni, collaborating with Eskom to tackle illegal connections. Plus our jetpatcher equipment and yellow fleet are set to repair potholes and maintain gravel roads,” he said in a written response.
He also highlighted the urgency of addressing service delivery gaps in Emalahleni and Victor Khanye ahead of next year’s local government elections. “Both administrative and political structures recognise the need for improvement and are actively implementing solutions,” he said.
The new regional leadership is prioritising quality education, tackling gang violence in schools, combating substance abuse, enhancing healthcare and promoting community safety.
He added that the persistent issue of unemployment remains at the forefront of their discussions and initiatives.
In light of the recent loss in Ward 26 in Kriel, Boshomane said the defeat came with a narrow margin, indicating it had to do with their campaign rather than service delivery alone.
“The emergence of smaller parties is also a factor. While it is a concern, out of six by-elections in Nkangala, the ANC has lost only one. Our constituents expect services and we are committed to delivering them effectively.”
After the 2021 elections, the Steve Tswete Local Municipality did not have an absolute majority, thereby affecting decision-making in council. However, Boshomane wants to fix this by ensuring the ANC regains control of the municipality, and insists that this will not require a complex solution.
“Compared to other areas, service delivery is already at an advanced level. It’s crucial to involve the community in planning and decision-making,” he said.
In his message to regional party members, he said: “We must put all efforts into executing the action plan, enhancing collaborative efforts, and reinforcing the foundational course renewal processes within the ANC structures.”
