Bahula challenges SDA to “awaken its economic slumber and unlock opportunities”
GROBLERSDAL – The Executive Mayor of Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM), Cllr Minah Bahula, has made a call to “awaken the SDA from its economic slumberland.”
Bahula said during the Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA) Strategic Planning Session, held at SDM Council chambers in Groblersdal on Thursday 12 February 2026.
The session brought together public and private stakeholders to chart a new course for regional growth.
Established in 2010, the SDA is the SDM entity, tasked with steering Sekhukhune toward global standards of economic development while ensuring local beneficiation.
Mayor Bahula stressed that municipal support will be ramped up to boost investment promotion and facilitation capacity.
“This strategic planning session must awaken the SDA from its economic slumberland. We must become economically vibrant and proactive, and decisively move out of the poverty bracket that was declared in 2001 by former President Thabo Mbeki. Why are our dams, De Hoop and Flag Boshielo, not contributing to the economy at the same level as Hartbeespoort Dam? We have approximately 30 mines within the borders of the Sekhukhune District,” Bahula said.
The meeting gathered insights from a range of public and private institutions across various economic sectors.
Lethabo Maphopha of Brought‑cargo presented on a digital marketplace that connects SMMEs within the informal economy, while Mr Malebana of the Independent Development Corporation (IDC), outlined funding opportunities for green tourism and natural indigenous products, citing Setšong Tea Crafters as a model.
Serofe Mkhabela from Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, was also given the platform and expressed willingness to work with the SDA to unlock De Hoop Dam.
Mr J Thothela of the Local Government SETA (LGSETA), highlighted areas for partnership with municipal entities like the SDA, while Construction SETA’s Mr R. Semenya detailed its funding schemes.
Mahlogonolo Mengwai, from Veltera Platinum, committed to collaborating on high‑impact projects aimed at addressing persistent challenges in the district.
Delegates also recommended reviving the Executive Mayor’s Mining Managers’ Forum, a platform for direct dialogue on mining challenges and opportunities.
“It is time to unlock this potential and position Sekhukhune as a leading hub of economic growth and sustainable development,” Mayor Bahula concluded.
