September reminds us that a city is shaped not only by what it remembers, but also by what it builds, protects and leaves for generations to come. As Mogale City marks Heritage month, this responsibility is reflected in the work taking place across our communities.
The reopening of the Kagiso, Krugersdorp West and Azaadville swimming pools, after years of inactivity, brings these recreational facilities back into the communities they were built to serve. Children can once again learn to swim, families can enjoy these spaces, and young people have places to exercise, participate and spend their time constructively. It is a practical reminder of what service delivery means when municipal infrastructure is working for residents.
The principle of Batho Pele remains central to the City’s engagement with communities. This was evident in the human settlement’s engagement in Honingklip and in the discussions on the completed alternative energy project in Muldersdrift with Gauteng MEC Tasneem Motara.
Those discussions are now being followed by practical steps. At Plot 80 in Muldersdrift, work is advancing towards the electricity infrastructure being handed over to the municipality to enable the installation of electricity meters. This approach can shorten the process of bringing formal electricity connections to residents. It is an important example of what community engagement should lead to, which is, identifying the problem, finding a workable solution and moving towards implementation.
In Dr Motlana Village, the handover of homes to 70 families marks the first phase of a programme expected to continue. For families in the far-rural communities of Mogale, a home brings security, dignity and a firm footing for the future.
The same connection between community input and delivery is evident in the deployment of the newly procured water-recycling jet-vac machines. The need for this equipment was raised through the Integrated Development Plan process. The machines are now in the field, supporting stormwater maintenance and clearing priority sewer blockages, with 14 manholes identified for urgent attention.
This is what a government that listens, plans and delivers looks like, where a concern raised by residents becomes part of the City’s plans, those plans lead to investment, and that investment is felt through improved services on the ground.
Beyond immediate service delivery, Mogale City is also creating opportunities for longer-term economic cooperation. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Wuyi County, China, opens prospects for cooperation in tourism, economic development, skills exchange, talent development, market access and investment. It also builds on last year’s six-month China programme through the LGSETA partnership, which gave young people from Mogale City exposure to international skills development, enterprise and innovation.
These milestones reflect a city that is listening, planning with purpose and turning commitments into tangible progress.
As we honour our heritage, the responsibility remains to ensure that the work of today leaves our communities stronger tomorrow.
Cllr Lucky Godfrey Sele
Executive Mayor of Mogale City Local Municipality