Emfuleni Municipality mayor sworn in

Sedibeng region made history when one household produced two mayors in a form of a husband and wife; Cllr Nomadlozi Gretha Hlongwane was inaugurated as the new Executive Mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality in a ceremony held at Wilberforce Community College, Evaton. In attendance was the MEC for Local Government and Housing, Humphrey Mmemezi, councillors, the outgoing mayor Assistance Mshudulu and the community at large.

In a lively event that resembled a revival mayor Cllr Hlongwane and her cabinet were sworn in by the District Magistrate Sibanyoni. Great leaders lead from the front and as such they coordinate ideas of others, a leader need to have a vision as it is a source of hope and light. Success is gauged by knowing the difference between being in the corner and cornering people these were some of the advice echoed and addressed to the mayor as she took oath.

''We want this administration to be known and remembered as one of urgency when dealing with issues of delivery. The current status quo and patterns of development will not be allowed to continue. We are preparing the stage for bigger role for Emfuleni in the formulation and development of a region into a thriving metropolitan economy by 2025, among the things we want to do within our 100 days plan of action is to focus on the youth, especially empowerment and unemployment. Within this youth month we want to convene a youth summit to solicit the divergent views of our young community in order to marshal a way forward and find practical solutions jointly on issues affecting them.'' Mayor Cllr Hlongwane said.

The mayoral committee leadership will be doing the rounds within the communities to interact with the people and see what projects are taking place, and also seeking answers on projects that seem to be lacking in progress.

She further went on to say ''Operation Khanyisa will be implemented with an emphasis on public and street lighting, robots and high mast lights. We believe these will play a role in our fight against crime as our prevention strategies will include more effective policing of streets, expansion of cameras in crime hot spot areas and enforcement of by-laws. We will be breaking new ground working with the province in the renewal of Vereeniging Central Business District, KwaMasiza, Evaton, Sharpeville and resolve the housing allocation disputes in Tshepiso and Zone 24 Sebokeng. Big business will be approached and requested to adopt and maintain a park for the sustainability of our environment and beautification of our communities.''

In conclusion the mayor urged the councillors to call public meetings to inform the community about the resolutions of council including information from provincial and national departments like Home Affairs and Justice Department to educate people about their rights.

OVERALL MAYORAL COMMITTEE

Chief Whip
Cllr DE Tshabalala

Speaker
Cllr MP Gqelosha

MMC: Public Transport, Roads and Public Works
Cllr SE Pitso

MMC: Infrastructure, Electricity, Water and Sanitation
Cllr NR Thulo

MMC: Environmental Management, Health and Social Development
Cllr KJM Ranake

MMC: Housing
Cllr ML Khubeka

MMC: Public Safety
Cllr WV Mcera

MMC: Corporate Services
Cllr K Ntombela

MMC: Local Economic Development, Development Planning and Tourism
Cllr K Malindi

MMC: Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture
Cllr SJ Radebe

MMC: Finance
Cllr MT Ronyuza

MMC: Waste and Landfill Management
Cllr VM Godoli