By Emily Setona
BETHLEHEM — Community voices took centre stage as residents of Bohlokong and surrounding wards directly shaped development priorities during a high-stakes joint public participation session on the 2026/2027 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget.
The engagement, hosted on 30 April by the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality and Dihlabeng Local Municipality at Bohlokong New Hall, brought residents face-to-face with political leadership in a coordinated push to align planning with lived realities on the ground.
Held under the framework of the District Development Model (DDM), the session reflected government’s drive — championed by President Cyril Ramaphosa — to break down silos and ensure integrated service delivery across all spheres.
Executive Mayors Tseki Tseki (Dihlabeng) and Conny Msibi (Thabo Mofutsanyana District) led proceedings alongside councillors, mayoral committee members and senior officials, signalling a united political front on development planning.
Msibi outlined the district’s draft budget and IDP priorities, setting the tone for a session that quickly shifted to community concerns. Dihlabeng IDP Manager Justice Potsane followed with a focused breakdown of local projects and service delivery targets.
Residents from wards 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 19 used the platform to press leaders on persistent service delivery failures, infrastructure backlogs and stalled economic opportunities. The discussions were robust, with communities not only raising grievances but also tabling concrete proposals for inclusion in the final plans.
Both mayors were compelled to respond directly to residents, committing to integrate viable proposals into the final IDP and budget before council approval.
Tseki acknowledged mounting frustrations, pledging decisive intervention:“I am aware of the service delivery challenges facing Dihlabeng.
As Executive Mayor, I know what is happening within the municipality, and I will ensure that everything is put in order so that our communities are properly served.”
Msibi, meanwhile, shifted focus to youth development, raising concern over low uptake of district bursary opportunities.
“We have received very few applications from Dihlabeng learners. This is an opportunity to secure your future,” she said.
Municipal officials described the joint session as a practical demonstration of the DDM in action — not merely a compliance exercise, but a platform where communities actively influence governance outcomes.
Residents have until 11 May 2026 to submit written inputs on the draft IDP and budget, with municipalities under pressure to translate public participation into tangible service delivery improvements.
