Local leader emerges to challenge Makhuduthamaga’s development stagnation
JANE FURSE – In a bold move to address the crippling socio-economic challenges facing Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM), Tonic Manchidi, ActionSA mayoral candidate in the municipality, has presented a comprehensive plan to revive the local economy and improve the lives of residents.
Speaking before the Mayoral Candidate Selection Committee, when attending mayoral candidate interview for Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality in Polokwane on Tuesday 7 April 2025, Manchidi highlighted the dire statistics facing the municipality, including an unemployment rate of over 45% and youth unemployment soaring above 60%.
Manchidi, who is currently ActionSA Treasurer in Limpopo Province, outlined that more than half of households struggle to make ends meet, relying on social grants and informal trade to survive.
“Makhuduthamaga cannot continue on this path of neglect. Our people deserve dignity, opportunity, and reliable basic services,” Manchidi stated.
Manchidi’s vision for Makhuduthamaga is centered on restoring dignity and creating opportunities for its people.
He said his administration plans to prioritize the provision of basic services such as water, sanitation, electricity, and road infrastructure, which many communities currently lack.
To drive economic growth, Manchidi’s plan focuses on unlocking local potential through strategic sectors, including agriculture aiming to emerging farmers with irrigation, access to markets, and agro-processing hubs, mining, and tourism.
He proposes supporting emerging farmers with irrigation, access to markets, and agro-processing hubs, while ensuring community benefit agreements and job quotas for locals in the mining industry. Additionally, he aims to develop cultural and heritage sites to attract investment and create jobs.
The ActionSA candidate has pledged to create 30,000 jobs within three years, driven by public-private partnerships and local enterprise development.
He said his administration also commits to improving revenue collection, eliminating wasteful expenditure, and introducing transparent governance and lifestyle audits for officials.
Manchidi’s priorities also include empowering youth through skills development and entrepreneurship programs, tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through community safety partnerships, and ensuring fair and equal service delivery across all villages.
“ActionSA’s policies are about restoring dignity and putting money back into the local economy. Through clean governance and smart planning, we will reduce poverty, create jobs, and give our people a future they can believe in,” Manchidi said.
The mayoral candidate’s message is clear, it’s time for a new approach. “This is not about promises, it’s about delivery. Together, we will fix Makhuduthamaga,” he concluded.
Announcements for mayoral candidates will be held on 2 May 2026 at Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane.
