Welkom: Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign on Tuesday, 1 July, in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality near Welkom, Free State. Launched last month in Gauteng, the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign is a nationwide initiative designed to promote cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban and rural environments. The campaign encourages citizens to unite for community cleaning activities in townships and villages.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy President’s office stated, ‘It is envisaged that the service delivery initiative will not only promote cleaner surroundings but also cultivate a sense of community spirit, volunteerism, and pride among residents.’ The initiative also builds on the Deputy President’s commitments made earlier this year at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Lekgotla. It aims to address both environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by municipalities, as part of a broader effort by the government to improve service delivery, within the framework of the District Development Model.
As part of his visit to the Matjhabeng Municipality, Deputy President Mashatile will embark on a guided tour of the Renergen Tetra4 Facility. The visit aims to provide him with first-hand insight into the operations of the Helium Gas Plant and its contribution to the local and national economy. The Deputy President will also take the time to interact with the workers and management of the facility.
The second leg of the Deputy President’s visit will take place at the Thabong Water Treatment Plant, where he will assess the project’s progress toward completion. The plant plays a vital role in enhancing sanitation services for communities in Thabong East, Thabong Central, Riebeeckstad, and Bronville.
During the final phase of the integrated service delivery and cleaning campaign, the Deputy President will participate in various activities with community members, including filling potholes, marking roads, and other cleaning services in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. Mashatile will be joined in the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign by the Premier of Free State, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, along with representatives from provincial and local government. Also participating are Thanduxolo Khalipha, the Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality; Veronica Ntakumbana, the Executive Mayor of Lejweleputswa District Municipality, and other senior government officials.