Latest news with #LuckySele
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Municipality promises revitalisation of Bob van Reenen Stadium – but residents remain sceptical
The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Jaco Mulder, visited the scene of the fire at Bob van Reenen Stadium on July 13 and voiced concern over the facility's deteriorating state. • Also read: From pride to ruin: No maintenance, no action at Bob van Reenen Stadium 'It is truly shameful that infrastructure has got to the point of going backwards. This was once a proud sports ground in Krugersdorp and the West Rand,' he said, adding that the fire could have spread to the tartan track. Meanwhile, the Mogale City Local Municipality has yet to respond to media inquiries about the fire, but in the recent State of the City Address, the mayor highlighted plans to revitalise the stadium. • Also read: 'It was packed to the brim': Residents mourn the glory days of Bob 'Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are being leveraged to unlock investments and accelerate project delivery. Notable initiatives include the revitalisation of Bob van Reenen Sports Precinct,' Mayor Lucky Sele said. However, not everyone is convinced. 'They were allowed to sell that stadium, but they refused because they all wanted to fill their pockets. Sies maan,' commented Tsholofelo Phatlhane on social media. • Also read: Bob and game reserve to be revived, Krugersdorp mayor says in SOCA As redevelopment plans are announced, many residents are holding their breath, uncertain whether the once iconic stadium can ever return to its former glory. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Safety, seniors and services: Sele sets the tone
In Part Five of unpacking Mayor Lucky Sele's 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA), the focus is on Community Development Services and public safety. With increased infrastructure investment across the city, Sele said, ensuring safety and security is a top developmental priority. 'A safe city is a city that can grow, attract investors, and provide residents with a dignified quality of life,' he said. 'The Public Safety Division has shown unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order.' Sele noted that partnerships are crucial to safety efforts, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with provincial law enforcement agencies, allowing co-ordinated efforts across boundaries. Joint operations under Operation Shanela occur weekly in hotspots, while 24/7 patrols target cable theft, land invasions and transformer vandalism. • Also read: Bob and game reserve to be revived, Krugersdorp mayor says in SOCA To boost disaster response, the city established a Local Disaster Management Unit (LDMU). Technology upgrades include a warrant roadblock bus, new CCTV cameras, and speed and red-light cameras. In 2025/ 26, the city will procure 20 new traffic vehicles, a by-law enforcement truck, and a bakkie for the LDMU to increase reach and responsiveness. Sele celebrated the long-awaited launch of the Kagiso Elderly Centre, a 100-capacity facility offering daily care, wellness services, a gym, and therapeutic support. 'This marks a historic turning point in our commitment to community-based care for older persons,' he said. • Also read: Mayor maps out housing future for Mogale He added that the Social Upliftment Division is key to building an inclusive, developmental city. Their role in the 100 Days GBVF Challenge earned recognition from the South African Local Government Association, and Sele announced plans for a Safe House for Women and Children, set to launch in 2025/ 26. Regarding social protection, they launched a fully digitised Electronic Indigent Management System in October last year, streamlining applications, improving turnaround times, and enhancing verification protocols. 'To date, 3 429 applications were processed, and 6 107 households are currently supported. To ensure fairness and accuracy, we appointed 32 Indigent Verification Officers, including two persons with disabilities, who conducted physical door-to-door verification between January and June, creating local employment while ensuring resources reach those most in need.' 'We are also intensifying support for our youngest citizens. Two Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDC) are being prepared for full operationalisation. The Sinqobile ECDC will resume construction next month following structural assessments, while the Ga-Mogale ECDC has finalised a governing board and is on track to be registered as an NPO, unlocking new streams for compliance, funding, and long-term sustainability.' 'Our ongoing HIV/ Aids outreach remains a cornerstone of municipal health services. The Local HIV/ Aids Council, chaired by me, led outreach campaigns that reached over 126 000 households, supporting nearly 280 000 infected and affected individuals. This programme also created 94 employment opportunities through stipends for peer educators, injecting over R3.6m into community livelihoods while promoting health awareness and resilience,' Sele continued. He said their Sports Development Division has pursued meaningful partnerships to unlock access and expand participation. In March 2025, they collaborated with the Gauteng Lions on a targeted Cricket Development Programme, hosting clinics in rural areas as part of our drive to decentralise sporting opportunities. Mogale City is currently hosting the country's largest grassroots cricket tournament, the Jozi Cup 2025, with matches taking place across the Kagiso, Lusaka, and Azaadville cricket ovals. The two-month-long event concludes this month and has significantly bolstered local pride, talent discovery and township sporting economies. In July last year, Mogale launched the inaugural Mogale City Winter Games, an annual multi-code sporting showcase designed to encourage mass participation and unearth township talent across age groups and wards. 'We further deepened our support for grassroots sport by partnering with federations and youth-led bodies, including the Tarlton Youth Organisation, to successfully host the 2025 Youth Tournament, as well as the Gauteng Cross Country Championships at Kagiso Sport Complex last month.' The Mayor's Annual Easter Tournament, his flagship, remains one of Mogale's most powerful youth development platforms. Held over the Easter Weekend, this year's tournament ran from March 29 to 31 (preliminaries) and April 18 to 21 (finals), and featured soccer and netball matches across all wards and age categories. 'This inclusive programme is about far more than trophies, it is a celebration of township resilience, a space for positive youth engagement, and a feeder into formalised sports pathways.' • Also read: Pollution in the Cradle raises international eyebrows He said, in the past financial year, they hosted the Provincial Heritage Day Celebrations at Maropeng, which in turn hosted a Skills Development Workshop for local artists and convened the Arts and Culture Forum, ensuring governance and sustainability in the creative sector. 'Our libraries continue to be a critical part of our knowledge infrastructure.' In October last year, Lusaka Library was recognised as Public/ Community Library of the Year at the national LIASA Conference in Durban. From June, Mogale extended library hours at Desmond Tutu, Kagiso, Krugersdorp, and Magaliesburg Libraries, broadening access for learners, job seekers and researchers. 'In addition, our active MOU with Unisa has enabled improved academic resource access across our libraries, reaffirming their role as vital educational centres,' he said. Sele added, it is with immense pride that they celebrated the achievements of the Amajita U20 players, Thato Sibiya and Kgomotso Madiba, who rose from local development leagues in Mogale City to become part of South Africa's Afcon-winning squad. 'Their victory is not just a sporting milestone, it is a clarion call to invest further in grassroots sports, because when township dreams are nurtured, national heroes are born. In preserving the rich and sacred history of Mogale City, Sele proudly honour one of Mogale's most distinguished sons, the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu, who hails from the mighty 'Chip Town', in Munsieville. As part of their commitment to cultural heritage preservation and legacy-driven development, Mogale commenced discussions with the Desmond Tutu Foundation and the Anglican Church on the establishment of a dedicated tourism and heritage route in his memory. 'This visionary project aims to position Mogale as a site of reflection, pilgrimage, and education where future generations can walk in the footsteps of this global icon of peace, reconciliation, and justice,' Sele concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Bob and game reserve to be revived, Krugersdorp mayor says in SOCA
Bob and game reserve to be revived, Krugersdorp mayor says in SOCA In Part 4 of Mayor Lucky Sele's State of the City Address (SOCA), economic development services take centre stage as Mogale City embarks on several ambitious projects aimed at restoring key landmarks and boosting growth. The Krugersdorp News continues to break down the mayor's address to better inform the public about his strategic plans. • Also read: Mayor maps out housing future for Mogale Sele described Mogale City as the West Rand's urban centre and a gateway between Gauteng and North West, adding, 'The city continues to position itself as a hub of inclusive economic growth, township industrialisation, and catalytic spatial transformation.' Sele cited the 2024 Municipal Socio-Economic Review and Outlook (MERO), saying key GDP contributors are community services (22.9%), manufacturing (22.6%), and finance (20.9%). In response, the city is focused on job creation, enterprise support, and rural-urban economic integration. 'Through deliberate public investment and intergovernmental collaboration, the municipality is implementing the Investment Promotion and Incentives Policy to stimulate sectors like manufacturing, agro-processing, and renewable energy,' he adds. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are being leveraged to unlock investments and accelerate project delivery. Notable initiatives include the revitalisation of Bob van Reenen Sports Precinct, Coronation Park, and a proposed Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Plant. • Also read: Bob now a jungle Sele says the Krugersdorp Game Reserve has received Treasury approval for commercialisation, with plans underway to reopen it under a sustainable, tourism-focused model. Also in the pipeline is a feasibility study to transform Jack Taylor Airfield into a full-fledged municipal airport. Sele stresses Mogale City's resilience, 'Despite socio-economic constraints, we continue to leverage our localisation advantage to promote resilience, transformation, and sustainability.' He shared that over R62m was invested in local SMMEs this financial year, benefiting 128 enterprises. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) created 1 101 short-term jobs, mostly for youth and women. Three operational Agri-Parks (Tarlton, Magaliesburg/ Carmel Estate and Swanneville) are fostering food security and agro-processing, with equipment support through the Mechanisation Support Programme and ongoing land lease formalisation. Sele also highlights progress in township industrialisation: • Chamdor Automotive Hub supports 10 SMMEs, 20 jobs, and over R350 000 in sales • Munsieville Lepharo Hub acquired R2.7m in machinery for two SMMEs • Swanneville Industrial Park construction is underway with a R12m allocation this year and another R12m planned for 2025/ 26, supporting automotive services • Mining sector collaboration continues, with R2.5b pledged for development projects. Sele praises the Mogale Tailing Retreatment Mine for awarding full tertiary bursaries to two top-performing matriculants Regarding tourism, he states that key highlights include participation in the Africa Travel Indaba and Meetings Africa, in partnership with the Gauteng Tourism Authority and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. • Also read: Pollution in the Cradle raises international eyebrows 'The reopening of the Sterkfontein Caves marks a significant milestone for the city, as one of the most iconic World Heritage Sites, it is not only a cornerstone of our tourism economy but also a globally recognised centre for paleoanthropological research and education. These reopenings breathe new life into local tourism and stimulate economic activity for surrounding communities. As the City of Human Origin, Mogale City is proud to welcome the world back to Sterkfontein.' Maropeng, the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December and host the G20 Science and Innovation Working Group. Sele acknowledges youth development setbacks since 2021 due to a lack of central co-ordination but revealed plans to appoint a Youth Development Co-ordinator by June to integrate youth agendas across departments. Last year, a Junior Student Council was formed and recently competed in an inter-municipal debate, placing as first runner-up. We are committed to supporting platforms that empower youth.' Through a R13.8m CETA grant, 251 youth will benefit from skills development programmes starting in 2025/ 26, ranging from construction to entrepreneurship. Major infrastructure achievements include approval of 370 land-use applications, 342 building plans worth R415m, and action on 470 illegal structures. Sele says the city is rolling out e-lodgement for planning applications and finalising property by-laws to address urban decay. Spatial development includes precinct plans for Hekpoort, Tarlton, Magaliesburg, Muldersdrift, and Zeekoeihoek, with R6m allocated to Zeekoeihoek and Maanhaarand. The Lanseria Smart City Summit, set in April, goes alongside plans for a West Rand Special Economic Zone. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Mayor maps out housing future for Mogale
In Part Three of unpacking Mayor Lucky Sele's 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA) breakdown, the focus is on a comprehensive housing strategy aimed at transforming Mogale City. Key initiatives include the auctioning of land to fund development, dedicated housing for military veterans, critical upgrades to sanitation infrastructure, and a zero-tolerance approach to illegal land grabs. The Krugersdorp News will provide a detailed breakdown of the key points discussed during the SOCA to help the public better understand the mayor's message and plans. • Also read: Mayor's bold steps to fix city's infrastructure Sele said Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM), in partnership with the provincial government and private investors, had turned the sod for Phase One of the Leratong Nodal Development. The first phase includes a regional shopping mall, which will revitalise the local economy and create employment opportunities. 'Five thousand new houses, including RDP units for the most vulnerable, are planned in this initial phase, supported by an already completed 25-megalitre reservoir, costing R34m, ensuring water security for the development. The entire project will deliver 15 000 homes, a regional transport hub, and a government precinct, reimagining how communities live, work, and access services,' he stated. He explained that in the Dr Sefularo Housing Development, R20m was invested in water and sewer systems, including a sewer package plant and an elevated water tower. 'On top of this, R15m went towards building 70 of the planned 190 houses. Construction is visibly progressing, with all 70 houses at wall plate level, and roofs are now being installed. The remaining 120 houses will be completed in the new financial year, fully serviced with electricity, plumbing, and internal finishes,' he added. 'Similarly, in Dr Motlana, we allocated R15m for infrastructure and R19m for the first 70 of 253 houses. Despite encouraging progress, with 41 houses at wall plate level, the project suffered delays due to external interference driven by narrow business interests. This interference not only costs us time, but also valuable public resources. However, we are moving forward. Stronger community engagement and tighter stakeholder management will ensure smoother rollouts in future phases.' He said the Brickvale development is one of their most ambitious projects, as it will eventually deliver 6 000 RDP houses and 480 Military Veterans' units. Almost 800 homes have been completed and handed over. Bulk water, sewer, and stormwater systems are nearing completion, at 98% and 66%, respectively, with the Tarlton 12-megalitre reservoir almost ready and repairs to a vandalised pump station progressing.' Sele continued that they have also made strides in property optimisation and land management. 'The first phase of the Property Auction Initiative successfully auctioned 134 properties, with transfers underway. Phase Two will focus on churches, while Phase Three invites investment proposals, ensuring unused municipal assets generate income, economic activity, and community upliftment.' • Also read: Three-month-long housing programme commences 'In our informal settlements, the dignity of our residents remains a top priority. With support from the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, we piloted alternative sanitation and energy solutions in Soul City, Nooitgedacht, and Heuningklip. Over 2 310 Enviro-loo facilities and solar-powered microgrids are being installed, with many already completed. In the coming year, we will begin the formalisation of at least three informal settlements, bringing them into the fold of structured municipal development,' Sele asserted. Sele emphasised that illegal land occupation will not be tolerated, as they are implementing a firm anti-land invasion strategy. We are updating the Informal Settlements By-Law, Housing Sector Plan, and Land Disposal Policy to close gaps, safeguard progress, and ensure our land serves the people, not opportunistic organisations,' he concluded. In the fourth part of the series, the Krugersdorp News will explain how the mayor addressed economic development services. Have your say by sending an email to heinrichg@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Mayor's bold steps to fix city's infrastructure
In Part Two of unpacking Mayor Lucky Sele's 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA) breakdown, the spotlight is on infrastructure development, including the rehabilitation of the Percy Stewart Waste Water Treatment Works, upgrades to sewer pump stations, a roads masterplan, and efforts to stabilise the energy supply. The Krugersdorp News will provide a detailed breakdown of the key points discussed during the SOCA to help the public better understand the mayor's message and plans. • Also read: Mayor speaks frankly on Mogale City's troubles, shares optimism • Drinking water In his address on June 19, he said that when they assumed office, the state of water and sanitation infrastructure in Mogale City presented a daunting reality. 'Years of underinvestment, vandalism, theft of critical components, and ageing infrastructure had left our systems vulnerable and many of our communities disillusioned. Sewer overflows in informal settlements, unreliable water supply in peri-urban areas, and non-functional wastewater treatment facilities were not just technical challenges; they were a threat to human dignity, public health, and environmental sustainability. 'We resolved to restore dignity and reinstate infrastructure with a clear plan, committed leadership, and collaborative partnerships,' he added. Sele state that the Water and Sanitation Division continued to do their part in restoring water standards, where the South African National Standard that specifies the minimum requirements for drinking water to be considered safe for human consumption, gave the city 100% compliance across all water distribution points, which includes reservoirs, water tankers, and hydrants. He added, this was due to a robust partnership with Rand Water and Johannesburg Water, ensuring that residents receive safe, high-quality water. • Sewer pump stations Sele said they have responded to backlogs, where they have refurbished 17 sewer pump stations to date, with the remainder scheduled for completion in the 2025/ 26 financial year. 'These upgrades are crucial in reducing environmental pollution, improving public health outcomes, and ensuring compliance with national legislation. In areas such as Noordheuwel, the replacement of ageing asbestos cement pipes with UPVC has improved water safety and reduced service interruptions. 'In preparation for population growth and greater demand, we have committed substantial capital investment to further strengthen our infrastructure backbone. This includes the construction of the Muldersdrift 15 megalitre reservoir, the replacement of water meters to curb non-revenue water, and major upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities.' • Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) Sele announced the rehabilitation of the Percy Stewart and Flip Human WWTW, which were previously non-operational due to cable theft and infrastructure decay. 'Percy Stewart is now 60% complete, and Flip Human at 29%, with full operation anticipated by the end of the 2025/ 26 financial year. Interventions include restoring electrical systems, improving sludge handling, and unblocking pipelines, measures that are key to halting raw sewage discharge, protecting the environment, and ensuring biological efficiency in line with Water Use Licenses.' • Also read: Over R22m allocated to revive Percy Stewart Waste Water Treatment Works He added that in Magaliesburg, the local WWTW is structurally complete and will be commissioned once adequate flow is achieved from nearby pump stations. He stated that Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) took hands with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), where ISA has committed to collaborating with MCLM on the proposed water and sanitation infrastructure plans submitted for consideration. • Municipal roads and transport infrastructure He acknowledges years of deferred maintenance and procurement failures have left potholes, flooded intersections, and dust-swept gravel stretches in areas including townships, informal settlements and the CBD. The Roads and Transport Division has begun to turn things around. In the 2024/ 25 financial year, over R3.6m was allocated towards gravel material and plant hire, with actual maintenance work commencing in February 2025. 'This has allowed the municipality to reclaim 95km of gravel roads through maintenance, with 3.5km already repaired, bringing much-needed relief to rural communities,' he revealed. 'Surfaced road upgrades are also taking shape. While procurement delays did impede early delivery, we have still achieved notable progress. Over 13 000 potholes have been repaired, and key stormwater systems have been cleared, mitigating flooding and improving road safety in affected wards.' • Also read: R563 provincial road remains a problem He said their broader vision is backed by a R38m capital expenditure allocation, targeting strategic resurfacing works in Kagiso, Munsieville, Azaadville, Rietvallei and the Krugersdorp CBD. 'Planning is currently underway to revise our Roads Masterplan. The aim is to align transport infrastructure with future spatial development needs, ensuring that our roads don't merely respond to today's pressure but anticipate tomorrow's growth.' • Electricity 'We are proud to report that the Energy Services Division has delivered measurable and meaningful progress regarding stabilising the energy infrastructure. In the past financial year, we electrified over 1 000 households, bringing power and hope to previously marginalised areas. We've installed smart electricity meters, which enable efficient billing, prevent illegal connections, and empower residents to manage their usage more effectively. We have also undertaken critical upgrades to ageing substations, reinforcing the backbone of our municipal energy grid to reduce unplanned outages and improve service reliability.' Sele added, to enhance community safety and visibility, especially in high-risk areas, the municipality has rolled out high-mast lighting installations and accelerated the repair of dysfunctional streetlights across various wards, where this has not only improved mobility and security but also reignited a sense of public order and shared urban space. We are currently developing an Energy Services Master Plan, which will serve as the blueprint for long-term energy infrastructure investment and equitable access to electricity across the city. 'This master plan is a critical milestone in aligning our city with national energy priorities, advancing energy justice, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the division.' In the third part of the series, the News will explain how the mayor addresses human settlements and real estate. Have your say by sending an email to heinrichg@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
