On Saturday of the 15 October 2016 the Waterberg District’s newly elected mayors were officially sworn in and introduced to residents of the districts.
The following Councillors took the mayoral oath, led by Chief Magistrate Leshwene Mashapu:
- Cllr Morris Mataboge – Executive Mayor of Waterberg
- Cllr Marlene van Staden – Mayor of newly promulgated Mookgopong/Modimolle which is now known as the LIM368 Municipality
- Cllr Jeremiah Ngobeni – Mayor of Bela-Bela Municipality
- Cllr Andrina Matsemela – Mayor of Mogalakwena Municipality
- Cllr Middah Moselane – Thabazimbi Municipality
The scorching sun did not stop residents of the district from attending the inauguration, which was hosted at Mahwelereng Stadium in Mokopane. The majority of attendants turned up in their political regalia, dominated the yellow and red of the ANC and EFF respectively.
District Executive Mayor Cllr Morris Mataboge thanked residents of his district for exercising their democratic right in participating during the local government elections held on the 3rd August 2016.
“As newly elected Mayors, we duly accept the responsibility and vow to serve the people of Waterberg with humility, respect and fairness. I want to acknowledge that the road we are about to travel is a daunting and challenging one, but I am convinced that we will be able to accelerate the development of a capable district and a district that delivers for its people. As leaders we shall work tirelessly and use all possible media and community platforms to communicate with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our accessibility, transparency and accountability, reducing conflict and building the confidence of our people regardless of political affiliation”, said Mataboge. He added that it will be a serious omission if they don’t take this opportunity to thank their predecessors for laying a good foundation on good governance and community participation.
He also indicated that the district has established the “Waterberg Economic Development Agency” (WEDA), which is expected to enhance the economic growth of the district; given the potential and opportunities that are available, such as mineral resources. WEDA’s goals will be to ensure that the communities benefit directly from the spin offs generated from these resources. The Agency will look at Social
Labour Plans (SLPs) to ensure they are crafted and aligned in a way that will have developmental projects favour locals, alleviate the level of poverty and unemployment – especially amongst women and youth in this district.
Sara Lamola who is the Speaker of the Waterberg District conducted the programme, which was attended by Limpopo MEC for Coghsta – Mme Makoma Makhurupetje, Limpopo MEC for Health – Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, former Waterberg District Executive Mayor – Cllr Rosina Mogotlane, Chief Magistrate – Leshwene Mashapu, Member of Parliament – Desiree Van der Walt, Deputy Minister in the Presidency – Buti Manamela. The Chairperson of Local Traditional Leaders – Kgosigadi Taueatsoala was also among them.
Lephalale Municipality Mayor, Cllr Moloko Jack Maeko was not present at the inauguration due to a funeral he had to attend at his home.