By Teboho Moloi
KROONSTAD – Newly elected Moqhaka Local Municipality executive mayor Ramasimong Tau has vowed to crack down on corruption and urgently improve failing service delivery after his unanimous election during a continued council sitting held at the municipal chambers on Thursday.
Tau takes over following the unexpected resignation of former executive mayor Motloheloa Mokatsane.
In his first address as mayor, Tau promised decisive action against corruption, faster delivery of basic services, acceleration of housing projects and the filling of critical senior management vacancies to stabilise the municipality’s administration.
“I am not satisfied with the constant water interruptions, inadequate refuse removal and the poor condition of roads. I commit myself to urgently addressing these service delivery failures and taking firm action against those responsible,” said Tau.
He stressed that ageing infrastructure remained a major obstacle to economic growth and investment, saying the municipality must prioritise maintenance and development to attract investors and create jobs.
Tau also pledged to fast-track the long-delayed 5 300 residential sites project, warning that corruption and unfair allocation processes would not be tolerated.
“We have a responsibility to accelerate the 5 300 residential sites project and ensure allocations are transparent, fair and free from corruption. Human settlement is dignity. No family must wait endlessly for a place they can call home,” he said.
The new mayor further acknowledged that the municipality’s debt to Eskom posed a serious threat to financial stability and service delivery.He said the municipality would strengthen revenue collection, curb wasteful expenditure, tighten financial controls and engage Eskom on sustainable repayment plans.
“We are creating conditions for investment-led growth that is broad-based, inclusive and sustainable. We will prioritise local economic development, support small businesses, strengthen EPWP programmes, promote skills development and build partnerships with investors and the private sector to stimulate job creation,” Tau said.
Council also elected Nthabiseng Magengenene as the new speaker following the resignation of former speaker Selloane Khiba.
Magengenene called for unity among councillors across political lines, saying cooperation was critical to strengthening oversight, improving public participation and ensuring council resolutions were fully implemented for the benefit of communities.
The latest leadership changes are widely seen as an attempt to restore political and administrative stability, strengthen accountability and improve service delivery in the troubled municipality.
