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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In a bid to enhance the operational efficiency of the Okhahlamba Municipality, a comprehensive two-day Strategic Planning session was convened at the Alpine Heath Resort from 18 to 19 April, 2024.

During these sessions, the council and municipal officials engaged in robust discussions covering various critical aspects. Topics ranged from formulating policies and strategies for the upcoming financial year to addressing service delivery bottlenecks identified through the IDP/Budget Roadshow process, alongside reviewing the draft budget. Additionally, presentations were delivered by key stakeholders to enrich the deliberations. The session was facilitated by Mr. Eric Sithole of Nsikayezwe Management Consultants.

His Worship, Mayor V.R. Mlotshwa underscored the importance of establishing strategic alliances to propel the municipality forward, ensuring the realisation of its strategic objectives aimed at uplifting the lives of its citizens. He also stressed the significance of upholding the municipality’s clean audit status as a pivotal priority.

The overarching goal of these sessions is to enhance the municipality’s performance by prioritising community needs and effectively allocating resources within the constraints of the municipality’s budget.

The council, alongside stakeholders and municipal officials, reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to collaborating synergistically despite the escalating economic challenges, both locally and globally.