ELIAS MOTSOALEDI
Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) has sustained a High Integrated Development Plan (IDP) rating for five consecutive years from 2021/2022 to 2025/2026, while improving its overall institutional performance from 75% to 84% in the 2024/2025 financial year.
In a detailed response to Sekhukhune Media ahead of the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026, Elias Motsoaledi Municipal Manager, Ms Reginah Mahlakwane, reflected on transformation, governance and service delivery commitments under her leadership.
Mahlakwane, a professionally registered engineer leading an ANC-led municipality, said her leadership philosophy is anchored on accountability, teamwork, strategic planning and measurable results.
“My engineering background has equipped me with a systematic approach to problem-solving, risk management, resource allocation, project implementation and compliance,” she said.
That approach, she explained, is translated into municipal administration through rigorous planning, performance monitoring and alignment of departmental programmes with the IDP and available resources, including the critical shift from an unfunded budget to a funded budget.
“Performance targets are cascaded to lower levels to strengthen accountability. All officials have signed performance agreements to facilitate the monitoring of their daily work and performance,” she said.
She said as an ANC-led municipality, development priorities remain improving living conditions, expanding basic services and creating economic participation, shaped through IDP consultations and outreach programmes of the Mayor, Speaker and Mpac.
In 2024/2025, EMLM achieved 81 of 97 targets, reflecting an 84% institutional performance rate. Local Economic Development achieved 100% while Basic Service Delivery achieved 89%.
Mahlakwane attributed the consistent improvement to planning, departmental accountability and performance monitoring.
On the sustained high IDP rating, she said: “Our consistent high IDP rating is attributed to our commitment to implementing the findings and recommendations arising from the MEC’s assessment. We use these recommendations to improve the credibility, accuracy and completeness of our planning documents.”
Roads and stormwater remain the number one community priority. Despite challenges such as wetlands, hard rock and drainage complications, Mahlakwane said the municipality recorded significant progress.
She confirmed that delayed projects are receiving attention. The Tafelkop Stadium Access Road is at approximately 90% completion, with base stabilisation completed and kerbing underway before surfacing.
“Infrastructure projects can encounter technical challenges. These conditions require appropriate engineering assessments and construction solutions to ensure that the completed infrastructure meets the required standards,” she said.
Mahlakwane reported that 62,522 households, representing 94%, have access to electricity, with a backlog of 3,837 households (6%). During 2024/2025, 743 households were electrified.
To improve safety and visibility, high-mast lights were installed at Matsitsi, Stompo, Tafelkop Rammupudu T-junction, Tafelkop Dipakapaken Bluemoon, Tafelkop Dikgalaopeng, Waalkraal Clinic, Legolaneng, Lusaka, Magakadimeng, Makgopheng, Matlala Lehwelere and Sephaku Four-Ways.
On waste management, the municipality provides weekly kerbside collection in Motetema, Hlogotleu, Groblersdal, Roossenekal, Elandsdoring and Walter Sisulu, with business refuse collected twice weekly or daily, plus skip-bin services.
“Village litter picking is supported through EPWP, while illegal dumping sites are cleaned as required,” she said, adding that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment supports 60 participants for litter picking. Groblersdal town receives daily street cleaning seven days a week. The upgrading of the Groblersdal Landfill Site remains critical.
Financially, as a Grade 3 Municipality, EMLM achieved 91% on Financial Viability KPIs, with a 91% revenue collection rate in 2025/2026 through its Credit Control Policy and debt collectors.
“The municipality has a good track record of paying suppliers within 30 days. Cost-containment measures introduced by National Treasury receive particular attention, and material savings have been realised,” Mahlakwane said.
Since 2020/2021, the municipality has consistently received unqualified audit opinions, except for 2023/2024 when it regressed to qualified.
“Unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure has been reduced substantially. Based on our internal assessment, the municipality is technically solvent,” she said.
Mahlakwane credited institutional stability to dialogue and respect for roles, despite a politically diverse Council. “Political differences should not prevent the municipality from implementing approved plans. Traditional leadership is also an important partner,” she said.
Ahead of the elections, she called for peaceful, credible polls, urging rejection of intimidation and violence. Post-elections, she committed to continued road upgrades, electrification, waste management, cemetery improvements and LED opportunities.
“I want to assure residents, businesses and stakeholders that our commitment to improving the lives of the people of Elias Motsoaledi remains firm,” she concluded.