POLOKWANE MUNICIPALITY EXECUTIVE MAYOR CALLS FOR IDP ALIGNMENT WOTH NATIONAL IMPERATIVES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Polokwane, 06 March 2025 – The Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality, Cllr Makoro John Mpe concluded the IDP (Integrated Development Plan) Steering Committee meeting on Thursday, 06 March 2025, with a strong call for the draft IDP to align with national imperatives and address the pressing needs of the community. He emphasized the importance of inclusive growth, job creation, poverty alleviation and efficient local governance as the cornerstones of the municipality’s development agenda.
In his closing statement, the Executive Mayor outlined the key principles guiding the municipality’s priorities, which include building proper infrastructure, sustaining water and road projects, creating jobs, diversifying energy sources, improving transportation services and expanding human settlements to drive economic growth. He stressed the need for concrete renewable energy and water reuse initiatives to be integrated into the IDP, particularly in water and sanitation projects.
“Our plans to tar, pave and re-gravel roads are critical to improving infrastructure, but we must ensure proper project and financial planning to avoid incomplete projects,” he said. He urged officials to prioritize meticulous planning and execution to deliver tangible results for the community.
Cllr Mpe also highlighted the importance of inclusive ward-based planning, ensuring that no ward is left behind and that rural areas benefit equally from development initiatives. “We must consider the competitive advantages of each area to attract investments and drive economic growth,” he added.
Revenue optimization was another key focus of the Executive Mayor’s address. He called on municipal departments to identify new revenue streams and implement innovative solutions to enhance revenue collection while reducing the cost of doing business. “We need to be creative in finding ways to optimize revenue and ensure the financial sustainability of the municipality,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for innovative fleet management solutions to enhance service delivery. He stressed that fleet management must include proper maintenance and care, and those who abuse municipal resources must face disciplinary action. “Our fleet is a critical tool for service delivery, and we must ensure it is managed efficiently and responsibly,” he stated.
In a bid to strengthen a culture of accountability and efficiency, Cllr Mpe called for the implementation of Performance Management Systems (PMS) to reward high-performing employees. He also urged the municipality to take care of its employees to develop a capable and motivated workforce.
To combat crime and vandalism of infrastructure, the Executive Mayor advocated for the use of technology. “We must leverage technology to protect our infrastructure and ensure the safety of our communities,” he said.
He concluded by urging councillors to actively engage communities during the draft IDP and budget public consultations once the draft is adopted by the council. “Councillors must encourage communities in their wards to raise issues sharply and ensure their voices are heard. This is how we build an inclusive and responsive IDP that truly serves the needs of our people,” he said.
The draft IDP and budget public consultations are expected to commence soon, with the municipality aiming to finalize a plan that aligns with national development goals while addressing local priorities. The Mayor’s closing statement underscored the municipality’s commitment to sustainable development, efficient governance, and community-driven planning.
As Polokwane moves forward with its development agenda, the emphasis remains on delivering value for money, reducing waste, and ensuring that every project contributes to the long-term growth and prosperity of the municipality.
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