DELMAS – The Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP) programme, hosted by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government in Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM) from March 10 to 14, 2025, provided residents with an opportunity to engage directly with government officials about local challenges. MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Speedy Mashilo, led the feedback session, assuring the community that solutions were being pursued for various pressing issues.
On Tuesday, March 11, residents raised concerns about housing allocations, water shortages, overcrowded schools, and scholar transport. In response, MEC Mashilo assured the community that the government was working on addressing overcrowding, including plans for a new secondary school once land in the N12 section of the municipality became available. He stated, “We are working hard to make sure everyone who qualifies gets a house. Please be patient.”
He also discussed ongoing efforts to tackle the illegal selling and renting of government-subsidised homes, emphasising that such practices undermine efforts to eradicate homelessness. “Those who sell their houses often end up back in informal settlements. This makes it harder for them to escape poverty,” Mashilo warned. He urged patience, as the government focused on supporting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and child-headed households.
Apart from housing issues, other concerns raised included sewer spills, long delays in issuing title deeds, illegal dumping, and land invasions. Sabelo Twala, a community leader, highlighted an illegal dumping site in the area that posed significant health risks. “We are asking the government to remove the dumping site that is making our area untidy and causing pollution. We can’t open our windows or sit outside because it’s unhealthy,” Twala said.
Job creation and economic growth were also central topics of discussion. Mashilo spoke about the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the Presidential Youth Employment Service, both designed to reduce unemployment. He also highlighted the Premier’s Youth Fund, which has already allocated over R250 million to support youth-owned businesses in the province. In VKLM alone, eight youth-owned businesses received R16 million through the Youth Fund, creating 70 job opportunities. Mashilo also reported on the Water Treatment Plant Project, which costs nearly R300 million and aims to meet the needs of the growing VKLM population, now at 106,000 according to the 2022 statistics. According to Mashilo, the project was initially planned for completion in April 2025 but has now been extended to October 2025.
On Wednesday, the Mpumalanga Executive Council (EXCO), led by Premier Mandla Ndlovu, met to address the municipality’s economic challenges. The municipality faces a high unemployment rate of 31.4%, mainly due to limited job opportunities in sectors like agriculture and mining. EXCO discussed infrastructure development plans, including road refurbishments implemented by SANRAL and strategies to reduce high crime levels.
They also focused on the municipality’s outstanding debts to Rand Water and Eskom, which have strained service delivery. A total of R1 billion is currently owed by the municipality to both Eskom and Rand Water, with payment plans in place. Provincial departments were directed to settle outstanding debts to the municipality to ensure uninterrupted water and electricity supply. A team led by Ms Maggie Skosana was assigned to develop a payment plan.
On Friday, Mashilo, acting as Premier, delivered the closing remarks, commending the Mpumalanga Legislature for its commitment to public participation. He urged residents to pay for municipal services to ensure sustainable service delivery, stating, “There is nothing for mahhala. Rand Water and Eskom charge the municipality for services, and we need your support to maintain infrastructure and provide essential services.”
He stressed the importance of community involvement in building a better future, adding, “Let us honour [Victor Khanye’s] memory by working together to build a better future for all.” Mashilo also encouraged the youth to take pride in Victor Khanye’s historical significance. Legislature members committed to returning in six months with feedback. Various sectors, including youth, business, education, and interfaith, were met on Thursday before the TLP closed on Friday.
