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continued from previous page MUNICIPAL MANAGER

This includes better coordination of business,
residential, and social infrastructure develop- sets the tone at 2026 Strategic Lekgotla
ment.
The municipality will intensify efforts to address
illegal land occupation, expand access to land ❝
for development, and strengthen compliance
with SMME by-laws to regulate business Excellence in local government is not
activity.
Key initiatives in this area include the provision accidental, but the result of deliberate
of basic services to Emthonjeni and Mashiloville planning, disciplined execution, and
planned townships, as well as the issuing of title
deeds in Larry Mamabolo and KwaMhlanga unwavering commitment to serving
measures that will enhance tenure security and Dumisani Mahlangu communities.
unlock economic opportunities for residents. MUNICIPAL MANAGER
Building institutional capacity for the future he Municipal Manager (MM) of Thembisile Hani Local Municipality Mr. Dumisani
In strengthening institutional capacity, the TMahlangu delivered a thought-provoking presentation at the 2026 Strategic Lekgotla,
municipality will transform traffic police into a clearly outlining the purpose of the gathering as more than just a compliance exercise, but
fully-fledged municipal police service. a critical moment of reflection, alignment, and renewal for the institution.
Plans are also underway to establish a Driving Opening the session, the MM positioned the Lekgotla as a strategic platform designed to align
Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), streamlining leadership, strengthen governance, and sharpen the municipality’s developmental focus ahead
services for residents. of the 2026/2027 financial year. He emphasised that in an increasingly complex and demand-
Additional priorities include developing a more ing local government environment, strategic planning is no longer optional but essential for
strategic approach to bursary allocation and survival and success.
constructing new municipal offices to improve A key theme in his address was the lived reality of senior managers in the public sector. He
service delivery efficiency. highlighted the pressures, expectations, and competing demands faced daily by municipal
A call to action for the final lap leadership, stressing the importance of shared understanding among political leaders, adminis-
Concluding his address, Cllr. Dikgale called on trators, and stakeholders. According to the Municipal Manager, appreciating these realities is
fundamental to fostering cooperation and improving institutional performance.
all stakeholders, municipal officials, community
members, and partners to unite behind the Central to the purpose of the Lekgotla was the activation of what he termed the “accountability
shared goal of delivering tangible results in the ecosystem.” He underscored that governance is a collective responsibility, requiring every role
final phase of the term. player to act with integrity and commitment. This approach reinforces the idea that effective
municipalities are built not only on systems and policies, but on people who are accountable for
The 2026 Strategic Lekgotla, he emphasised, is their actions and decisions.
not merely a planning platform but a call to
action. The MM also challenged attendees to distinguish between what is within their control and what is
not. By focusing on internal factors such as decision-making, attitude, and leadership conduct,
With a clear programme in place and a municipal officials can better navigate external pressures and uncertainties. This mindset, he
renewed sense of urgency, Thembisile Hani argued, is crucial for building a resilient and responsive administration.
Local Municipality is poised to finish strong,
setting a solid foundation for future genera- Ethical leadership emerged as a cornerstone of his presentation. He stressed that leadership in
tions. local government must be grounded in values such as integrity, accountability, transparency, and
fairness. These principles are not abstract ideals but practical tools for achieving good gover-
nance, improving performance, and restoring public trust. Ethical and effective leadership, he
noted, must work hand in hand to produce meaningful outcomes for communities.
The purpose of the Lekgotla was further framed within the broader context of strategic
planning. The MM described strategy as the roadmap that guides the municipality from its
current state to its desired future. Through this process, the municipality is able to define its
vision, prioritise resources, anticipate risks, and respond proactively to socio-economic challeng-
es. He emphasised that without a clear strategy, efforts become fragmented and ineffective.
Importantly, the Lekgotla also serves as a bridge between strategy and implementation. The
MM highlighted how strategic priorities must ultimately find expression in the Integrated
Development Plan (IDP), ensuring that planning translates into tangible service delivery
outcomes. This alignment, he noted, is essential for achieving sustainable development and
improving the quality of life for residents.
The Municipal Manager reminded participants that excellence in local government is not
accidental, but the result of deliberate planning, disciplined execution, and unwavering
commitment to serving communities.
The presentation set a clear and focused tone for the Lekgotla, highlighting that the municipal-
ity’s success will depend on its ability to think strategically, act ethically, and work collabora-
tively in addressing the challenges ahead.

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