The IDP Unit continues to play an important role in strengthening integrated and sustainable planning within the Municipality. Its contribution forms part of MKLM’s broader efforts that have seen the Municipality recognised by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) for its work in localising the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The IDP Unit is among the key champions demonstrating MKLM’s commitment to ensuring that municipal planning, development initiatives and service delivery programmes contribute to broader sustainable development priorities while responding to the needs and aspirations of local communities.

The forum was chaired by the Portfolio Head for Planning and Development, Cllr Dithothi Tshetlhane, and brought together municipal stakeholders and representatives to strengthen collaborative planning and ensure that development priorities are informed by community needs and stakeholder contributions.

The Head of the Integrated Development Planning Unit, Ms Bafedile Maselane, highlighted the importance of using accurate, reliable and verified data in developing a credible IDP and Voluntary Local Review (VLR), noting that evidence-based planning is essential to understanding community needs, measuring progress and strengthening accountability.

Municipal Manager Mr Mokopane Letsoalo reaffirmed the importance of integrated planning and maintaining a long-term development focus.

The Single Whip, Cllr Lucky Moate, thanked all participants for their robust engagement and constructive contributions to the planning process.

The IDP Representative Forum reaffirmed MKLM’s commitment to inclusive, evidence-based and sustainable long-term planning, ensuring that municipal priorities remain aligned with community needs and broader development objectives.

MKLM Head of Department for Local Economic Development, Ms Nono Maribe, emphasised the need for the Municipality and its tourism sector to embrace the digital revolution.

“Artificial Intelligence is becoming part of innovative tourism. Moses Kotane local municipality has to adapt. Let us tap into the digital revolution. This is the time to redesign tourism for a digital age said HOD Maribe.

Municipal Manager, Mr Mokopane Letsoalo, highlighted that,

“Moses Kotane is rich in wildlife, culture, heritage and hospitality, providing opportunities for swift and innovative tourism development. This Lekgotla gives us an opportunity to tap into a digital competitive edge to grow tourism.”

MMC for Local Economic Development, Cllr Caroline Nkeifeng Motshabi, highlighted that,

“We want to leverage opportunities, strengthen market access and collectively advance tourism development. Unlocking the potential of tourism must translate into opportunities for our local communities and tourism enterprises.”

Mayor of Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Cllr Nketu Nkotswe, emphasised that,

“The rise of Artificial Intelligence is changing the tourism landscape. As Moses Kotane Local Municipality, we must adapt to technological advancements in tourism and ensure that our destination is ready for the digital age.” affirmed Mayor Nkotswe.

The two days Summit was attended by Tourism representatives such as SATOVITO, the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), North West Parks and Tourism Board, North West Development Corporation, South African Tourism, SEDA, Moses Kotane Tourism Association (MKTA), Mphebatho Cultural Museum, Sun City, Women in Tourism, members of the media and other tourism stakeholders.

The Summit concluded with highlighting resolutions and an action plan, reaffirming Moses Kotane Local Municipality’s commitment to collaborative tourism development that creates opportunities for communities, supports local tourism enterprises, strengthens strategic partnerships and embraces digital innovation.

Moses Kotane Local Municipality proudly celebrates its Budget and Treasury Office (BTO) employees who have successfully completed the National Certificate in Municipal Finance Management (NQF Level 6) through Hamonate training provider.

The achievement reflects the Municipality’s continued commitment to investing in employee training and development, strengthening institutional capacity and promoting sound financial management.

The graduates are:

• David Radikonyana, Dorothy Modise, Eugene Moilwe, Karabo Sefatsa, Lesego Ntakaile, Nkhumiseng Khabo, Nthabiseng Masiteng, Seleko Molosiwa, Thapelo Medupe and Tshimologo Sebaeng.

Speaking at the occasion, Acting Manager: Organisational Development, Mr Lekgotla Motlhabane, emphasised the importance of continuous employee development.

“Training and development improve overall job performance and employee retention ” said Motlhabane.

Municipal Manager, Mr Mokopane Letsoalo, congratulated the graduates for their commitment, resilience and dedication to professional development.

“This graduation is a testament to what we can achieve when a municipality invests in its employees. You are now ambassadors of Moses Kotane. Go out and serve with integrity, excellence, and the spirit of Re Dira Setshaba,” said Letsoalo.

Acting Chief Financial Officer, Mr Tshepang Pitse, encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills gained through their studies while upholding ethical values and sound financial management principles. “We have invested in you because we believe in your potential,” said Pitse.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mr Tshimologo Sebaeng expressed appreciation to the Municipality for providing the group with the opportunity to further their professional development.

“This is not the end, but the beginning. Let us take what we have learned and use it to take Moses Kotane Local Municipality to greater heights,” said Sebaeng.

The Municipality congratulates all graduates on this significant achievement and encourages them to continue contributing towards effective, accountable and sustainable municipal financial management.

Congratulations to our graduates!

The outreach programme was aimed at creating a convenient platform for residents to access essential government services without having to travel long distances to departmental offices. Residents had an opportunity to engage directly with officials, seek assistance and receive information on services available to them.

Outlining the purpose of the programme, Cllr. Magoleng said the initiative was informed by the need to proactively bring services to the people rather than expecting residents to travel to government offices.

“I saw it befitting to proactively invite government departments like SASSA, Home Affairs, the Department of Health and the Municipality to help residents of Ward 9 access services at their doorsteps, instead of them having to go to the departments,” said Cllr. Magoleng.

The programme brought together key service providers, including SASSA, the Department of Health, IEC and Moses Kotane Local Municipality, allowing residents to access information and assistance on matters affecting their daily lives.

The initiative demonstrates the importance of collaborative service delivery and responsive local leadership, while ensuring that government services are accessible to communities, particularly residents who may face challenges travelling to departmental offices.

Cllr. Magoleng expressed appreciation to the participating departments and officials for responding to the needs of Ward 9 residents and urged community members to make use of such outreach initiatives whenever they are brought closer to their communities.

The colourful and impactful event began at Moses Kotane Hospital and concluded at Sundown Country Estate Lodge, bringing together community members, partners and stakeholders in a celebration of women, wellness, unity and community participation.

Moses Kotane Local Municipality believes that women and men remain significant pillars of society and should continuously be encouraged, celebrated, supported and empowered.

Among those who took part were Kgosi and Mmakgosi Mogale of Bapong 2, who joined fellow participants in the Colour Walk. Their participation brought an important traditional leadership presence to the event and demonstrated the role traditional leaders can play in supporting public-private partnerships and community initiatives that promote health, wellbeing, unity and social cohesion.

As Women’s Month is commemorated under the message “Her Strength in Every Colour,” the event highlighted the importance of celebrating women in all their diversity, building stronger communities and promoting physical and emotional wellbeing through participation, unity and positive action.

The tournament brought together football and netball teams from across the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, providing an important platform for athletes to showcase their talent, promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen community participation through sport.

The tournament finals;

– Echo Ladies were crowned the 2026 Ladies Champions after defeating Toro Ya Rona Ladies 3–1 on penalties, following a closely contested match.

– Toro Ya Rona FC defeated Leruleng FC 1–0 to claim the 2026 Under-17 title.

Senior Final

– FC Sampras defeated NSD FC 4–1 to be crowned the 2026 Senior Champions.

Netball Final

– Jaguars Netball Club defeated Sponono Netball Club 19–13 to be crowned the 2026 Mayor’s Cup Netball Champions.

Winning teams across all categories received trophies, medals, soccer kits, netball equipment and other sporting prizes in recognition of their outstanding performances.

The successful tournament demonstrates the value of partnerships between the municipality, private sector, sporting associations, teams and communities in developing local sport and providing opportunities for athletes, particularly young people.

Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Sun City and MOKOLFA Netball & Soccer Association extend their appreciation to all participating teams, match officials, supporters, volunteers and everyone who contributed to the success of the tournament.

The programme sought to promote responsible water use, improve access to water infrastructure, and encourage environmental stewardship among learners and the broader community.

Moses Kotane Local Municipality’s Infrastructure Unit, led by Mr Puso Ntokwe and Ms Lebo Lekhanya ensured maintenance, replacement of water pipes and taps while also repairing water system. Madikwe and Pella ITS employees also supported the successful campaign.

Educational campaigns on water conservation and using water sparingly was also paired with resource donations to schools by Department of Water & Sanitation.

Various stakeholders actively participated in cleaning the school garden and establishing Water Warriors and Sanitation Buddies, initiatives aimed at promoting environmental responsibility, water conservation, and good hygiene practices.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the School Principal, Ms S. K. Moeketsi, who expressed sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for investing their time, expertise, and resources towards improving the learning environment and the wellbeing of learners.

The event brought together representatives from government departments, traditional leadership, the business community, community members and other stakeholders in celebrating the enduring legacy of former President Nelson Mandela.

As part of honouring the values of Nelson Mandela, Councillor Magoleng and his team extended a gesture of care and compassion to senior citizens of Lesunyane Village by donating comfortable footwear to elderly residents.

The initiative was aligned with the spirit of Mandela Month, which calls on communities to demonstrate kindness, respect, selflessness and support for those who need it most.

The gesture was warmly received by the elderly residents, who expressed their appreciation for being remembered and cared for during the Mandela Month commemorations.

In his address, Councillor Magoleng well known as “Cllr in Charge ” reminded attendees that Nelson Mandela Month is more than an annual commemoration; it is a call to action for every citizen to embrace the values that Madiba stood for.

“Nelson Mandela Month is characterised by unity, selflessness and respect. These values should guide us every day as we work together to improve the lives of our people and develop our communities,” said Councillor Magoleng.

The councillor also provided residents with an update on several service delivery projects approved for implementation in Ward 9 during the 2026/2027 financial year.

The planned projects include the construction of internal roads, the expansion of water reticulation infrastructure.

Highlighting the broader impact of these developments, Councillor Magoleng emphasised that the projects are expected to stimulate local economic growth while creating meaningful opportunities for residents.

“The upcoming projects will create employment opportunities, provide skills development for our young people and empower local SMMEs to participate meaningfully in the economic development of our communities,” he said.

Councillor Magoleng expressed his sincere appreciation to all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the Nelson Mandela Month programme. He thanked Moses Kotane Local Municipality, government departments, ward committee members, traditional leadership, local businesses, members of the steering committee and the community for their unwavering support, cooperation and commitment throughout the commemorative activities.

He noted that the collective efforts demonstrated the true spirit of Nelson Mandela by promoting volunteerism, unity and community development.

The programme also served as an opportunity to encourage democratic participation. Councillor Magoleng urged all eligible residents to register to vote during the voter registration weekend on 1 and 2 August 2026 emphasising that an active and registered electorate plays a vital role in strengthening democracy and shaping the future of local communities.