STERKSPRUIT– The Joe Gqabi District Municipality(JGDM) successfully held its State of the District Address (SoDA) on 24 October 2025, at the Bensonvale Multipurpose Hall in Sterkspruit. The purpose of SoDA held by the district municipality was to report on the district’s progress, achievements and development priorities over the past year and to outline future plans for service delivery and community development.
In a more personal and reflective moment, Council Speaker at JGDM , Cllr Mzukhona Bomela noted that at the gathering was not only about reporting but also about reflection and leadership. “We all gather here to listen to to the Executive Mayor as she will be outlining to us on certain certain reflections. As a platform, the leader of the group, who would want to achieve and challenge us with this take. Each inter-agency must work together, not in isolation because what happens elsewhere, even in places like Dubai, shows us the importance of unity and coordination,” he said.
Executive Mayor, Cllr Nomvuyo Mposelwa reported that through the district’s support programmes, individual beneficiaries and patients received targeted assistance aimed at improving their quality of life. Since 2000, over 28,000 residents had benefited from municipal services, reflecting steady progress in community development. She noted that 8.2 million households nationally had gained access to improved services, with the Joe Gqabi District contributing through local initiatives focused on social justice and development.
Mayor further highlighted progress in science, sport and innovation, noting that the district had exceeded its goal of introducing 1,000 new development policies, achieving 1,024 initiatives, along with 2,225 new performance standards and 18 data monitoring nodes to strengthen efficiency and accountability. Mayor Mposelwa emphasised that improving water services requires both infrastructure investment and stronger coordination among government departments, community structures and local stakeholders.
In addition Executive Mayor Mposelwa said the municipality has embarked on a long-term water services planning process that includes annual reviews to align with future demands and service targets.
“We are not waiting, we are working hard to make the planning process more coordinated, effective and inclusive,” she said. “We also want to make the experience of our communities more accessible and meaningful by addressing their concerns and encouraging participation.”
Mayor Mposelwa also touched on investment and enterprise opportunities, explaining that the district is creating an enabling environment that attracts both professional and private investors committed to inclusive growth. “Our investment platform is designed to help others grow when we see young people succeed, we want to invest in them safely and sustainably,” she said.
She then added that partnerships with local businesses, law enforcement and international partners, including those from China, are helping address crime prevention, infrastructure development and skills training.In her broader remarks, the mayor underlined the importance of cultural and social development, announcing several community-based programmes aimed at celebrating heritage and promoting local participation.
These include the Festival of the Chains and the Hard Away Programme both designed to strengthen social cohesion and community engagement through arts, culture and local enterprise initiatives.The address also noted ongoing cooperation with international partners to strengthen health services and agricultural support.
Mayor Mposelwa mentioned that collaborative projects between local health units and United States (U.S) based institutions have contributed to improved testing capacity and rural health outreach, particularly in farming communities.
As the State of the District Address drew to a close, Mayor Mposelwa reaffirmed the Joe Gqabi District Municipality’s commitment to inclusive growth, community empowerment and innovation-driven development.
With strategic partnerships, robust planning and a shared vision for the future, the district is not only transforming lives today but also laying the foundation for a resilient, thriving and united community tomorrow.
Photographs: supplied/JGDM
