As we approach the close of this year, we do so having walked a demanding yet meaningful journey as a city. This has been a year that tested our systems, our resolve and our commitment to the people of Mogale City. But it has also been a year that reminded us of the power of purposeful local government when it listens, intervenes and acts decisively.
In Munsieville, where service delivery challenges have weighed heavily on residents for far too long, we moved beyond dialogue into action. Together with the MEC for Roads & Transport, Ms Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, we launched a focused service delivery intervention, restoring coordination, accountability, and visible presence of government on the ground. This was not a once-off visit, it was a statement that Munsieville matters and that no community in Mogale City will be left behind.
Access to civic services remains a cornerstone of dignity. That is why, working alongside the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Njabulo Nzuza, we brought government closer to the people through the handover of Smart ID Cards, ensuring that residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable can access services, social grants, employment opportunities and full citizenship rights without unnecessary barriers.
As the festive season approaches, we intensified our commitment to safety. The 2025 Safer City – Arrive Alive Campaign was launched to send a clear message that Mogale City will not tolerate lawlessness. Through strengthened by-law enforcement, increased visibility and coordinated road safety operations, we have adopted a firm, proactive approach to protecting lives, public spaces and economic activity during this high-risk period. Safety is not seasonal, but vigilance must be heightened when lives are most at risk.
This year also marked moments of profound social progress. The Disability Excellence Awards reminded us that inclusion is not charity, it is justice. They affirmed the talents, leadership and contributions of persons with disabilities and reinforced our obligation as a municipality to design services, infrastructure and opportunities that leave no one behind.
Our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable was further reflected during the Children’s Walk for the 16 Days of Activism, where we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Member of Parliament Jane Mananiso and MEC Faith Mazibuko. That walk was not symbolic; it was a declaration that violence against women and children has no place in our communities and that silence is no longer an option. We walked with intention, with resolve and with the voices of children leading the way.
We end the year with 1st Annual Mogale City Civic Awards, we paused to honour excellence, service and community pride. We told our own story, in our own voice, recognising those who shaped our city through courage, creativity, activism, leadership and sacrifice. These awards were not about the past alone; they were about setting a standard for the future.
As we look ahead to 2026, we wish to speak directly to young people that The Executive Mayor’s Bursary Programme remains open, with applications closing on 16 January 2026. This bursary exists because talent should never be limited by circumstance. Education remains our strongest investment, and we urge qualifying students and families to apply and seize this opportunity.
On behalf of the Mogale City Council, the administration, we extend warm Season’s Greetings to all our residents, workers, partners and visitors. May this festive season bring rest, renewal and unity. May 2026 find us stronger, kinder and more determined to build a city we are proud to call home.
Executive Mayor of Mogale City
Cllr Lucky Godfrey Sele