Municipal news

Let’s strategize!

1 February 2018 · Platinum Bushvelder

Let’s strategize!

Thabazimbi – Thabazimbi Local Municipality (TLM) representatives and stakeholders held a fruitful strategic planning session at the Mabalingwe game reserve between 23-25 January.

The objectives of the strategic planning sessions were to conduct a mid-term performance review; review the vision, mission and strategies of the integrated development plan (IDP); conduct a thorough departmental performance review and develop turn-around plans for each service; and review the municipality’s performance with regards to the implementation of the financial recovery plan and the revenue enhancement strategy.

The session was, amongst others, attended by the following key stakeholders: the mayor, speaker, chief whip and the executive committee members; chairperson of MPAC; the municipal manager, managers and divisional heads; chairperson of the Audit Committee; chairperson of the Risk Committee; as well as SAMWU and IMATU representatives.
Representatives from sector departments included: CoGHSTA, Office of the Premier, and the Waterberg District Municipality.
Managers were able to make an honest assessment of the state of the municipality, without any fear or favour.

The assessment has assisted both councillors and the chairpersons of the audit and risk committees to appreciate the challenges faced by the municipality, as well as the enormous strides that have recently been achieved after the council has appointed key senior managers and other functionaries for the municipality.

The following key positions have recently been filled:

  • Municipal Manager;
  • Chief Financial Officer;
  • Manager Corporate Services;
  • Manager, Planning and Economic Development;
  • Chairperson Audit Committee; and
  • Chairperson Risk Committee.

The strategic planning session appreciated the achievements made with regards to the implementation of the financial recovery plan, that was adopted by the municipality’s predecessors, to turn the financial fortunes of the municipality around.

Key amongst others, the following were noted as important achievements:

  • Commissioning of the Thabazimbi Waste Water Treatment Plant;
  • Success in the development of the draft valuation roll;
  • Installation of water and electricity meters, that is underway;
  • Improvements in the turnaround time to approve building applications (more can still be achieved); and
  • Stabilization of the municipality administration by appointing key senior managers.

Whilst the municipality can record some of the strides, there are still several challenges that continue to plague and hamper its progress. Some of these challenges were interrogated in detail and an action plan has been developed to address them.

They include amongst others:

  • The continued spatial misalignment between settlements;
  • Poor response and cooperation by sector departments in implementing the IDP;
  • Shortage of staff, tools of trade and maintenance budget as a result of low cash flow;
  • Ageing infrastructure which is made worse by high influx i.e. informal settlement;
  • Inadequate community support during public participation processes; and
  • Poor implementation of some of the council policies.

Management and council has noted the above challenges and developed an action plan to address them, working together with stakeholders, employees of council and labour.
During the strategic planning sessions, councillors resolved to develop a sound working relationship based on principles of unity in diversity, mutual respect, collegiality, tolerance and working towards a common goal of putting Thabazimbi Local Municipality on the map.

The current vision and mission of the municipality, including the development priorities in line with the IDP requirements, were also reviewed. The following recommended vision, mission and development priorities will be submitted to council for consideration, and the public will be invited to submit their comments according to the legislative requirements.

SUGGESTED VISION

“A leading eco-tourist municipality in the provision of sustainable and excellent services.”

SUGGESTED MISSION

“Promote, coordinate, and implement the financial and environmental growth and development through a committed staff and partnership with communities and stakeholders.”

SUGGESTED DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES

  1. Waste management environment and tourism
  2. Institutional development and financial viability
  3. Local economic development
  4. Land and housing
  5. Water, sanitation and electricity
  6. Community participation and communication
  7. Road and storm water
  8. Disaster management
  9. Transport and community safety
  10. Sports, arts and culture

The Mayor thanked all the stakeholders for their participation: “We are grateful for what we accomplished in the strategic planning sessions.”

TLM press release