Latest news with #EmalahleniLocalMunicipality
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
EML tackles city's battles with prayer
The Emalahleni Local Municipality held a special Women's Month prayer event on Wednesday at the Emalahleni Civic Theatre. Held on August 6, the gathering was led by the Speaker of the Council, Councillor Nombuso Shabangu, and brought together people from different churches, traditional leaders, and members of the local community. The event aimed to promote peace, unity, and respect, and to fight Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, especially in light of recent incidents of violence in the area. 'Our churches must preach peace. Our pastors must preach dignity. United in prayer, we will overcome,' said the Mayor, Clr Vusi Nhlapho. Nhlapho addressed the audience and spoke about two recent incidents where people lost their lives due to violence. He called on the community to stand together and take action to prevent such tragedies. He closed off his speech by quoting the book of Isaiah 1:17, 'Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless; plead the widow's cause.' The prayer meeting was attended by representatives from various local churches, traditional authorities, and church leaders. The South African Police Service, the Emalahleni Taxi Association, and local biker groups also joined the event and delivered messages of support. 'My superiors, Brigadier Lindani Ndlovu and Brigadier Moses Bolton, who sent me here, told me that I should not fear to say to our community that we are running out of strength. We are failing. But we have to work together,' said a representative from the SAPS. Each group spoke about the importance of working together to protect and create safer communities. Their presence showed that the fight against GBV is not just a government issue, but a shared responsibility. Shabangu made a plea to men, asking them to be more patient and caring toward their wives and partners. The community came together to pray for healing and change. Candles were lit and prayers were offered. The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services in South Africa, Leonah Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, was also in attendance. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected]
The Citizen
30-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Locals angry over water delays after planned water supply maintenance period
Several residents in eMalahleni are angry and frustrated as water problems continue, even after the municipality had announced that repairs were finished last week. People are asking why they still don't have water when the maintenance was meant to fix things. The maintenance on Witbank Water Treatment Works, Old Coronation Bulk Water Pipeline, Point B Reservoir, Point D Reservoir Pump Station, and Point D 5 Megalitre was scheduled from July 21 to July 25. All areas supplied by Reservoirs Point A, B, C, D, and E were affected. Residents expressed how their everyday lives are impacted by the ongoing lack of water. In Del Judor, one resident said her husband had to go to work wearing dirty clothes. 'The man must go to work dirty, he can't stay at home, and otherwise they don't get paid. This is really heart-breaking,' she said. She also mentioned that her children haven't gone to school because they haven't bathed. Business owners also came forward to voice out their frustrations. A local carwash owner said, 'I have been pleading with the officials for a while now. They keep on turning me back. I wonder if there's just no water for businesses. I can't afford not to operate. What about my employees? A part of Reyno Ridge is among those still without proper water supply. Some residents say they didn't receive any water even before the shutdown started. Political parties expressed their concerns about the water issue. According to Clr Sharon Schlachter from the VF Plus, the continued water woes have posed dangerous mental health issues to some residents. 'Access to clean and consistent water is a fundamental need, and the ongoing outages are severely impacting daily life and public health, both physical and mental,' said Sharon Schlachter of the VF Plus. 'The stress, anxiety, and frustration experienced by residents due to this crisis can not be understated. We, the VF Plus, will take serious action if this critical issue is not addressed promptly and effectively, and if the municipality fails to uphold its obligations under the Water Services Act, ensure transparent communication, and demonstrate responsive leadership,' she added. An inquire was sent to Emalahleni Local Municipality spokesperson Lebo Mofokeng, who has not responded. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected]
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- The Citizen
Fridays are for Letsema
The Letsema Programme, initiated by the Emalahleni Local Municipality, is still on the move. The programme cracks down on illegal connections, road patching, street cleaning and management, grading, and other issues faced by the city. On July 5, Letsema camped at Thushanang to offer the service delivery. The programme aims to strengthen service delivery and municipal accountability. By collaborating with law enforcement, municipal departments, volunteers, and local stakeholders, Letsema promotes efficiency and ensures residents see real improvements in their neighborhoods. By disconnecting illegal connections and bypassed meters, the municipality can ensure that services are delivered efficiently and effectively to those who need them most. As it was previously stated by the Emalahleni Local Municipality's Executive Mayor, Clr Vusi Nhlapho, that they aim to bring municipal services closer to the people, making sure every ward benefits from dedicated attention and sustainable solutions. Letsema is about restoring dignity, fostering community pride, and ensuring that Emalahleni remains a well-serviced and livable municipality for all. The Letsema remains on duty. The Letsema Programme went to even recognise those who are homeless, offering them a visit to where they are currently residing. Nhlapho is pleading with residents to lend their helping hands to crack down on illegal activities in the city. 'We urge the community to stand with us by reporting illegal activities that disrupt service delivery. Thank you to all teams on the ground. Letsema continues weekly as we work together for a cleaner, safer community,' Nhlapho added. The programme continues every Friday to make changes with the help of community members who volunteer to help. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Grant day made special for eMalahleni's senior citizens
As Mandela Month begins, Emalahleni Local Municipality has set a strong example of compassion and community care. Municipal leaders, councillors, political leaders, and local businesses joined hands at KG Mall and Pick n Pay Complex in KwaGuqa Extension 9 to support elderly residents collecting their social grants. Executive Mayor Clr Vusi Nhlapho and Speaker of Council Clr Nombuso Shabangu led the initiative on July 2. 'This is a reminder that the role of leadership goes beyond administration. It includes being present, listening, and responding to the everyday needs of our people,' said Nhlapho. Pensioners were treated with dignity as they received blankets, warm tea, fruit, bread, and soup while waiting in queues. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
R545 and Mahlobo Street are set for a major upgrade
R545 and Mahlobo Street are set for a major upgrade Residents' calls for better roads and improved stormwater management have been answered with the official launch of a new road project at the intersection of the R545 and Mahlobo Street in eMalahleni. On June 24, the Emalahleni Local Municipality, in partnership with Mzimkhulu Mine of the Mwelase Group of Companies, announced the construction of a 120m road featuring vital stormwater infrastructure. This initiative directly responds to requests raised by community members during recent iZimbizo engagements. Speaker of Council Clr Nombuso Shabangu praised the project as a clear outcome of active listening and collaboration. 'This project is a direct result of the municipality's commitment to listening to residents and acting on their needs. Platforms like iZimbizo are making a real difference in service delivery,' said Shabangu. MMC for Technical Services, Clr Thabang Mathebula, stressed the value of partnerships in accelerating local development. 'We appreciate the collaboration with Mzimkhulu Mine, which has made it possible to respond to this request quickly and effectively. The launch marks a significant step toward improving infrastructure in our communities,' said Mathebula. Mine Manager Amos Nkosi affirmed the mine's dedication to supporting the community and confirmed that Nkosi Sikile Construction will be the appointed contractor. 'We are committed to meaningful investments in our host communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have,' Nkosi said. The ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marked the beginning of the project's implementation phase, bringing hope for safer roads and improved flood management. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
