FIVE YEARS OF LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND COMMITMENT
Story: Vania Davids | Photo: Communication Unit
In November 2021, I assumed the responsibility of leading Walter Sisulu Local Municipality (WSLM) as its Mayor. It marked the beginning of a five-year journey of public service, guided by the responsibility to advance community development, strengthen municipal governance and improve the lives of our residents.
As my term comes to an end following the November 2026 Local Government Elections, I consider it an important moment to reflect on this journey, acknowledge the progress made and express my appreciation to everyone who contributed to the development of our municipality.
A journey of service and collective development
From the beginning of my Mayoral term, I emphasised the importance of addressing issues that directly affect residents, including clean streets, reliable refuse collection and functioning streetlights. These priorities were supported by a broader commitment to infrastructure development, sound financial management, administrative stability and improved service delivery.
Over the past five years, infrastructure investment, human development and youth empowerment have remained important components of the municipality's development agenda. Through various municipal programmes and initiatives, opportunities have been created to support skills development, learnerships, internships and greater participation in the local economy. While challenges such as unemployment, ageing infrastructure and limited municipal revenue remain, these interventions have contributed to ongoing efforts to build stronger and more resilient communities.
I have always believed that meaningful development must be informed by the people it seeks to serve. Through Mayoral IDP and Budget Outreach Programmes, community engagements and stakeholder consultations, residents were given opportunities to raise their concerns, share their aspirations and participate in shaping municipal priorities.
Leading WSLM also means recognising the unique needs of its five towns: Burgersdorp, Maletswai (Aliwal North), Steynsburg, Venterstad and James Calata (Jamestown). Each community has its own identity, challenges and development aspirations. Our responsibility has been to pursue a shared vision of a municipality where every resident, regardless of where they live, matters and deserves access to development opportunities and quality services.
One of the most important lessons of public leadership is that no achievement belongs to one individual. The development of WSLM is the result of collective contributions from councillors, municipal employees, ward committees, community leaders, businesses, development partners and, most importantly, the residents themselves.
I acknowledge the work of the municipal administration in translating political priorities into programmes and projects, as well as the contribution of communities who continue to engage with the municipality and hold us accountable. Although my term as Mayor is coming to an end, the work of building a better WSLM must continue. Every administration has a responsibility to build on the foundations laid by those who came before it.
A word of appreciation as the journey concludes
To the communities of WSLM, thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as your Mayor from November 2021 to November 2026. Thank you for the engagements, the support, the constructive criticism and the many conversations that shaped this journey. Your voices and experiences have remained an important part of my understanding of the responsibility of public leadership.
I also extend my appreciation to my fellow councillors, the Municipal Manager, the administration, traditional and community leaders, stakeholders and development partners for their contributions during this term.
Leadership is a temporary responsibility entrusted to individuals on behalf of the people. Positions and political terms may come to an end, but the responsibility to serve, develop communities and improve people's lives must remain.
As I conclude this chapter, I do so with gratitude for the opportunity to have served and with the hope that the collective vision of WSLM – A Walter Sisulu We Want will continue to guide the municipality into the future.
BOTHO – HUMANITY – UBUNTU