By: JN Reporter
Matjhabeng Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, has brought renewed hope to the Gugulethu community through targeted service delivery initiatives and strengthened community engagement.
Speaking during a Community Imbizo held at the Fast East Multi-Purpose Centre on Friday, Khalipha announced that more than 3,400 sites will be allocated for residential, business, educational, recreational, and service centre purposes — with priority given to senior citizens and long-term residents of Gugulethu.
This announcement follows growing concerns raised by residents about the status of the Gugulethu informal settlement, who demanded that the area be formalised and provided with basic municipal services.
“We have been residing here for decades, but we are still not receiving basic services from our municipality. All we want is services and proper sites for our children to grow in an appropriate home,” said one elderly resident.
Khalipha assured residents that the allocation of sites and the issuing of title deeds would be prioritised.
“However, let me warn that the illegal sale of sites to undocumented individuals or foreign nationals will not be tolerated. The municipality will ensure that sites are allocated only to deserving and eligible beneficiaries,” emphasised Khalipha.
He also cautioned against misinformation suggesting that Gugulethu residents would be excluded from the process, clarifying that while they remain a priority, other qualifying residents will also benefit from the formalisation project.
On the issue of title deeds, Khalipha announced that a dedicated municipal team would be stationed at the Fast East Multi-Purpose Centre from Friday to Saturday to assist residents with title deed queries and processing.
Addressing concerns over poor workmanship in a Ward 13 housing development — which involved substandard delivery and non-payment of subcontractors — Khalipha confirmed that a new contractor has been appointed to complete all previously abandoned housing projects and ensure that houses are handed over to their rightful beneficiaries.
The Mayor further highlighted the upcoming Solar Project in Welkom, which is expected to create over 2,000 jobs and unlock economic opportunities for local SMMEs. He stressed that the recruitment process for this project must be fair, transparent, and inclusive.
Khalipha also revealed that the municipality has procured and delivered two cherry pickers and ten traffic vehicles, while two jet sewer trucks will be delivered soon — a move he said will significantly enhance the municipality’s service delivery capacity.
