His Worship The Mayor, Cllr VR Mlotshwa on behalf of Okhahlamba Local Municipality, under the DDM Catalyst Category, claimed the 1st prize of the Clean Audit Titans Award worth R100 000 cash price, surpassing 257 municipalities in South Africa to be ranked #1 for its consistent clean financial audit performance – the second within his Mayoral tenure. Such an achievement signifies that under his capable and astute leadership, Okhahlamba’s financial statements and records are accurate, transparent, and in adherence to established regulations and standards.

Ukhahlamba Luyizwi Labantu.

Today the Okhahlamba Local Municipality held its third Imbizo in Newstand, a traditional South African gathering designed to promote community engagement and knowledge sharing. This event brought together residents from various wards, offering them the opportunity to engage directly with key government departments and agencies.

The primary goal of the forum was to enhance communication between citizens and essential public services. The participating organisations included:

1. Department of Home Affairs  

2. Department of Social Development  

3. South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)  

4. Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)

This initiative aimed to improve access to critical services and information, helping to create a more connected, informed, and empowered community within the Okhahlamba municipality.

In a powerful display of community support, the Okhahlamba Local Municipality Youth Office organised a special prayer session today for matriculants on the brink of their life-changing final examinations. This event, held just 19 days before the commencement of the crucial matric finals on 21 October, underscores the profound significance these exams hold for the future of our young scholars.

The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including religious leaders, local government officials, educators, and the matriculants themselves. Pastor Maphalala and Bishop Gabela led the prayers, infusing the session with spiritual guidance and encouragement. His Worship, the Mayor, Cllr. V.R Mlotshwa, Deputy Mayor, Cllr. N.E. Tshabalala, and Speaker, Cllr. S.Z Khumalo highlighted the community’s united front in supporting these young minds during this critical juncture in their academic journey.

The matric final examinations represent a watershed moment in the lives of these students, serving as a gateway to their future aspirations and careers. Recognising the weight of this occasion, principals and teachers from various schools across the municipality attended the event, some offering words of motivation and support to the nervous yet determined matriculants.

As these young learners stand on the precipice of this monumental challenge, the Okhahlamba Local Municipality extends its heartfelt wishes for success to all matriculants. We acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and resilience that have brought them to this point, and we have full confidence in their ability to excel.

To our dear matriculants: As you enter the examination halls, know that your community stands behind you, cheering you on. May you approach these finals with confidence, clarity of mind, and the determination to showcase your best efforts. Remember, these exams are not just a test of knowledge, but an opportunity to open doors to your dreams.

We wish you strength, focus, and brilliance throughout this exam season. Your success is our success, and we eagerly await the bright futures that await you beyond these final papers. Good luck, and may you emerge victorious in this significant milestone of your educational journey!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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His Worship the Mayor, together with his deputy, the speaker and the municipal manager engaging with the farm dwellers in Winterton, accompanied by the Dept of Land Reform and Rural Development.

The Okhahlamba Local Municipality recently hosted its second imbizo, a traditional South African gathering focused on knowledge sharing and community engagement. Held in Emmaus, this event brought together over 300 residents from various wards, facilitating direct interaction with key government departments and agencies.

The forum’s primary objective was to bridge the gap between citizens and essential public services. Participating organisations included:

1. Department of Home Affairs

2. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

3. Department of Social Development

4. South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

5. South African Police Services (SAPS)

6. Various municipal departments

This initiative aimed to improve access to vital services and information, fostering a more connected and informed community within the Okhahlamba municipality.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

His Worship, The Mayor, Cllr VR Mlotshwa honouring South African actors who currently appear in Drama series for Umkhokha, My Brother’s Keeper, Uzalo, Muvhango and Sibongile & The Dlaminis. Their inspiration, dedication and remarkable talent continues to send shock waves across our home screens.

An imbizo, a gathering to share knowledge, hosted by Okhahlamba Local Municipality was coordinated with the sole purpose of connecting more than 300 community members, from 5 different wards, with the relevant government departments and agencies that offer the crucial services they need.

The present departments were: Dept of Home Affairs, Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development, Dept of Social Development, Dept Labour & Employment, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Dept of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), South African Police Services (SAPS), Health Systems Trust (HST) and different units of the municipality.