EMALAHLENI – In a major step towards digital governance and citizen empowerment, the Mpumalanga provincial government officially launched its innovative mobile application, Livi Lemphakatsi, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Civic Theatre in Emalahleni.
The event, attended by a significant number of dignitaries, including executive mayors, municipal managers, and councillors from all 17 municipalities across the province, marked a turning point in efforts to bridge the communication gap between communities and local government structures.
The launch, led by acting Premier Speedy Mashilo and accompanied by MEC Sasekani Manzini, mayor Vusi Nhlapho, Walter Mngomezulu, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, acting HOD of CoGHSTA Sam Ngubane, and Nkangala District mayor Thomas Ngwenya, was backed by key institutions such as the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (MPHTKL), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA).
The Livi Lemphakatsi app is set to transform the way residents interact with their local government. During the launch, the executive mayors and municipal managers signed a pledge to commit to the success of the app.
“This platform is about bringing government closer to the people,” said acting Premier Mashilo during his keynote address. “We are embracing technology to listen, respond, and act more efficiently. This is how we build trust and improve lives.”
The app enables residents to:
- Report service delivery issues such as water outages, road maintenance, and waste management,
- Stay informed about local government activities and news,
- Engage directly with municipal representatives in real-time.
Accessible to users across all districts in Mpumalanga, Livi Lemphakatsi is designed to foster transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation in governance. It aims to modernise how communities and officials collaborate on improving services and solving pressing issues.
While the app was designed to help communities address complaints about service delivery, not all residents are impressed. Some feel it lacks the personal touch of face-to-face interaction. “We are grateful for the app, but how will it help us when the government is already failing us when we report issues face-to-face?” said Victor Zwane, a resident from Siyanqoba. However, others remain hopeful that the app will bring positive change to the community.
The launch of the app reaffirms the provincial government’s commitment to participatory democracy and inclusive development, placing the voices of citizens at the core of governance processes.
Livi Lemphakatsi is now available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. For those without smartphones, the app can be accessed via USSD by dialling *120*3117# at a charge of 60 cents.
As the province steps boldly into the digital age, Livi Lemphakatsi promises to be more than just an app; it’s a tool for change, inclusion, and a better future for all.
