Mayor Maila charts course for stability, youth empowerment and development

BURGERSFORT – The Mayor of Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM), Cllr Eddie Maila, has called for stability, youth empowerment, and strategic development to drive the municipality’s progress.

Maila said during the municipality’s Annual Strategic Planning Session kicked off on Wednesday 11 March 2026 at Euphoria Golf Estate .

Addressing councillors and officials, Mayor Maila emphasised the importance of stability within both Council and the administration, noting that a stable governance environment is essential for the Municipality to deliver services efficiently and implement development programmes that improve the lives of residents.

The mayor raised concerns about the high levels of unemployment among young people in the Municipality, noting that the situation remains worrying despite the presence of numerous mining operations within the region.

“We cannot continue to have dozens of mines operating within our municipal area while the majority of our young people remain unemployed,” Mayor Maila said, highlighting the worrying unemployment rates among youth.

He stressed that the Mining Academy must be implemented meaningfully to equip young people with skills to participate in the mining sector, not just as employees, but also as entrepreneurs and SMMEs.

The mayor also called for renewed engagements on the establishment of a university within the region, indicating that discussions on the matter must be revisited as part of the municipality’s long-term development vision.

“It is difficult to imagine a growing city without a university. The time has come for serious engagements on the establishment of a higher learning institution that will expand access to education, skills development and research that supports the economic growth of our region,” Maila added.

He stated that the strategic planning session aimed to produce clear, implementable programmes that address community needs.

“As leaders entrusted with public resources, we must ensure our planning translates into tangible improvements in the lives of Fetakgomo Tubatse residents,” Mayor Maila said.

The session concludes on Friday, where key priorities and programmes refined to improve residents’ lives.