Ramasimong Tau elected as new Moqhaka executive mayor

Councillor Ramasimong Tau was elected as the new Executive Mayor of Moqhaka Local Municipality during a Special Council meeting on Thursday 7 May.

Councillor Nthabiseng Magengenene was unanimously elected as the new Council Speaker during the meeting held in Kroonstad.

The appointments follow the resignations of former Speaker Cllr Selloane Khiba and former Executive Mayor Cllr Motloheloa Mokatsane.

Municipal officials said the election of the new office bearers is intended to restore legislative and administrative stability, strengthen accountability and improve service delivery across the municipality.

During his acceptance speech, Tau said vacant senior management positions needed to be filled in order to stabilise the administration and improve governance.

Tau said he would tackle corruption, address the backlog in residential sites, improve the provision of basic services and focus on the maintenance and development of infrastructure to attract investment and stimulate job creation.

He expressed concern over service delivery challenges, including water supply interruptions, refuse removal and the condition of roads throughout the municipality.

Tau committed to addressing these issues and warned that action would be taken against those responsible for failures in service delivery.

Council Speaker Magengenene said unity among councillors was important to strengthen the council’s oversight role and ensure effective governance.

She highlighted the need to enhance public participation and ensure that council resolutions are implemented.

Residents of Matlwangtlwang in Steynsrus welcomed Tau’s appointment. Community members said it was the first time that Matlwangtlwang had produced an Executive Mayor for the Moqhaka Local Municipality.

Tau said the next six months would be critical in restoring stability and improving the quality of life for residents.

“If we work together as a community, we can achieve more,” he said.