SEKHUKHUNE
Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) has undergone remarkable transformation in governance, institutional capacity and service delivery under the leadership of Municipal Manager Mr Meshack Kgwale.
In an exclusive engagement with Sekhukhune Media Group ahead of the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026, Kgwale reflected on his tenure, key achievements and his vision for the future of the district.
When asked about his results-driven leadership, Kgwale attributed the transformation of the ANC-led municipality to ethical leadership, accountability, teamwork and a results-driven management philosophy.
“My leadership approach is rooted in leading by example, lifting staff morale, empowering officials, strengthening accountability and ensuring that every department works towards a common vision,” he said.
He added that transformation requires discipline, sound planning and a shared commitment to improving the lives of communities.
On the upliftment of the municipality’s grading, Kgwale said the administration prioritized good governance, financial discipline, institutional capacity and compliance with legislative requirements.
“Through improved financial controls, consequence management, performance monitoring and capacity building, the municipality was able to strengthen its administrative systems. Our progress reflects a collective commitment to building a more effective, accountable and financially sustainable institution,” Kgwale noted.
Acknowledging the vast rural challenges of Sekhukhune, Kgwale said SDM adopted a people-centred approach, prioritizing community needs and directing resources towards critical interventions.
He said the municipality strengthened planning, intergovernmental collaboration and project monitoring to improve implementation, working closely with the political leadership collective led by Executive Mayor Cllr Minah Bahula.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that communities, particularly those in underserved areas, experience tangible improvements in their quality of life,” he said.
SDM recently achieved a historic milestone, 100% expenditure of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) since the establishment of the municipality.
Kgwale said this was achieved through rigorous planning, effective project management, regular monitoring and close collaboration between departments and implementing stakeholders.
“We have strengthened project readiness, accelerated implementation and addressed bottlenecks to ensure that allocated funds were spent on approved infrastructure projects. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to responsible public resource management and translates into improved infrastructure and better service delivery,” he said.
He credited the achievement also to sound internal capabilities, including the preparation of Annual Financial Statements internally, which ensures skills transfer to employees, a feat he attributed to the leadership of Chief Financial Officer Mr Hendrick Nkadimeng.
Kgwale described the strong working relationship between the council and the administration as one of the pillars of SDM’s success.
He said the relationship is built on mutual respect, clear role definition, transparency and a shared developmental vision.
“We maintain open communication, provide the council with accurate information and ensure that administrative decisions support Council-approved policies and priorities. By respecting the distinction between political oversight and administrative execution, we foster unity, accountability and effective service delivery,” he explained.
As the country heads to the Local Government Elections, Kgwale said as Accounting Officer, his expectation is that the elections will usher in a period of renewed focus on service delivery, accountability and development.
He said the administration will ensure continuity of municipal operations, implement approved plans and maintain professional, stable institutions that serve all communities fairly.
Post-elections, Kgwale said the municipality’s commitment remains to improve access to reliable water services, accelerate infrastructure development and strengthen institutional capacity.
“We will continue working with relevant stakeholders to address water challenges, maintain and upgrade infrastructure, improve project implementation and promote sound governance and improving the livelihoods of the people of Sekhukhune,” he said.
Kgwale assured residents and stakeholders that the municipality remains committed to serving communities with integrity, transparency and accountability.
“While challenges remain, we will continue working collaboratively to address them, improve service delivery and use public resources responsibly,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Kgwale said he is most proud of the collective efforts of employees, municipal leadership and stakeholders in keeping the institution focused on its constitutional service delivery mandate despite challenges.
“The legacy I wish to leave is one of strong institutional governance, financial discipline, improved service delivery to our people and a culture of accountability. Above all, I want to be remembered for contributing to a municipality that puts people first and lays a sustainable foundation for future generations,” Kgwale concluded.