New Mayor sets his priorities straight

Bringing back the confidence on the municipality and increasing local investment are key priorities for newly elected Mayor of Steve Tshwete. Cllr Diphale Motsepe.

Motsepe, who was sworn-in on Monday, told Highveld Chronicle rebuilding public confidence on the institution was important. “The confidence was getting lost as there is a lot of emerging civic organisations that are coming up and we do not see them helping communities they represent,” Mayor Motsepe said. “My first priority, nonetheless, is to go back to the community and rebuild that confidence that was lost,” he said.

Motsepe replaced Mayor Bagudi “Tsietsi” Tolo who passed away on 2 February due to Covid-19 related complications.

Motsepe said that creating an environment conducive for local investment also topped his priority list. “Investors invest in local authority so it is important that the environment is convenient for investors to come on so to boost local economy,” he said. “We are going to follow guidelines from National Treasury, as announced by Minister Tito Mboweni in his recent budget speech,” he said.

He also said that he was going to ensure that Council resolutions before he came in are implemented. “Outstanding council resolutions need to be implemented to avoid rescinding decisions of the community,” he said.

Motsepe, a former ANC branch leader and former SANCO PEC member, is seen as an experienced cadre who possesses vast political experience. His credentials include negotiating with the then Highveld Regional Municipality for the reconnecting of electricity and water in Mhluzi after the municipality had discontinued their services, leaving the township in darkness and waterless for days.

The ANC in Nkangala region has shown confidence on him. “His stature and capacity will strengthen the political leadership and stabilize the governance of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality,” said party spokesperson, Sello Matshoga. “We are determined to give Cde Motsepe every support he needs to deliver for the people of Steve Tshwete. We call on people and all sectors of Steve Tshwete to work hand in gloves with the new municipal leadership in order to shape things for the better,” he said.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said they are looking forward to a have good working relationship with Motsepe. “We are hoping that we will have a good relationship with the new mayor and we trust that he will put the community first when it comes to service delivery, especially on infrastructure development because there are many challenges to attend to going forward,” said DA caucus leader, Johann Dyson.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said they are keeping a close eye on Motsepe. “There is nothing new Motsepe will deliver except empty promises. The EFF is going to hold him accountable,” said EFF Whip, Enos Sebesho.