Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha says there is value in continuous citizen consultation and giving feedback. Mathabatha was speaking at the conclusion of the Citizens’ Forum held at Mapela in Mogalakwena Municipality, Waterberg on 3 March 2023.

“We are a people-driven government. Today’s session was a perfect demonstration that together we can build better communities,” said Mathabatha.

ALSO READ: Premier Mathabatha upbeat after debate on State of Province Address

PREMIER STANLEY MATHABATHA PLEASED WITH CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

“We thank the Public Service Commission (PSC). Its Chairperson, Prof Somadoda Fikeni for having conducted this session that helps deepen democracy. Our task as the provincial government is to respond appropriately to matters raised here,” he said.

The PSC is a body that promotes the constitutional values and principles of public administration in the public service. In the past months they also interacted with communities within Mogalakwena Municipality. Especially in Mapela where communities raised various issues ranging from land use, mining beneficiation, traditional affairs, water provision, agriculture and livestock.

Written questions from communities were categorised, sent to various departments and municipalities to respond. Today’s session was a point at which those responses were provided.

LEASE AGREEMENT ISSUES ALSO RAISED

Mr Sqibo Mfuyo from the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development was among those who responded about a lease signed between Anglo American and the local community. The community had also said that the lease agreement was not signed in their presence.

“Around 2012 a community resolution was signed. Mapela Traditional Council and Ga-Sekgaolelo Traditional Council and 177 community members were there to witness the signing of a 75-year lease agreement with the mine. You also established a trust chaired by one of the community members,” said Mfuyo.

ALSO READ: Mathabatha delivers Limpopo State of the Province Address

The Chairperson of PSC, Prof Fikeni, was satisfied with the outcome of the day’s session. He said: “Today’s process is a culmination of many consultations, meetings with the community, with the municipalities, and with the departments. That itself was a report back. But there are many things not yet resolved that the Commission will still and have to pursue.”

Premier Mathabatha also concluded by saying that, through the intergovernmental relations framework they will continue to encourage all spheres of government to work towards finding solutions that build communities.

RELATED STORY: Limpopo backs Miss South Africa on her Miss Universe venture