SDM reports strong revenue gains at Third Quarter Lekgotla
GROBLERSDAL – The Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) recorded stronger revenue collection in the third quarter, citing improved financial management and enhanced billing systems.
The municipality announced at its Performance Lekgotla held on Wednesday 20 May 2026 at SDM municipal chambers in Groblersdal.
The Lekgotla brought together officials to review service delivery progress, institutional accountability, and practical resolutions aimed at accelerating sustainable development across the district.
Addressing the event, SDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Minah Bahula, said the engagement was intended as a strategic engagement to realign municipal programmes with the social and economic realities facing communities.
“Communities continue to demand visible action and improved service delivery outcomes from us as government,” Bahula said.
A key focus was water and sanitation. Bahula announced additional political oversight for the Infrastructure and Water Services portfolio. MMC Cllr Alfred Matlala will now oversee Infrastructure and Water Services in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) alongside his Economic Development and Planning responsibilities. MMC Cllr Kanana Leokana will support MMC Cllr. Mathale Mabatane in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM).
“Water and sanitation remain the Municipality’s primary responsibility and every possible intervention must be pursued to improve the living conditions of communities,” Bahula said.
The mayor also highlighted recent public participation programmes, describing them as platforms that enabled direct engagement with residents in line with the principle that “the people shall govern.”
The Lekgotla acknowledged several developments expected to boost the district’s economy and infrastructure.
Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe formally opened the two-lane Malekane Bridge on 8 May 2026, a project anticipated to improve connectivity and support economic activity.
The licensing of the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone was also welcomed as a milestone for investment, industrialisation, and job creation.
SDM Municipal Manager, Meshack Kgwale, presented an overview of developmental progress across local municipalities and noted the impact of job creation initiatives during the 2025/2026 financial year.
He commended the Finance Department, led by Chief Financial Officer Hendrick Nkadimeng, for strengthening revenue collection. The municipality achieved a 44% debt collection rate in the quarter.
The municipality said this achievement reflects the institution’s ongoing commitment to sound financial management and the enhancement of fiscal sustainability in support of service delivery objectives.
