11/03/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUBJECT: MAYOR CALLS FOR STABILITY, YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT DURING MUNICIPAL STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
WEDNESDAY, 11 MARCH 2026
The Mayor of Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, His Worship Cllr Eddie Maila, officially opened the Municipality’s Annual Strategic Planning Session currently underway.
In his opening remarks, the Mayor emphasised the importance of stability within both Council and the administration, noting that a stable governance environment is essential for the Municipality to deliver services efficiently and implement development programmes that improve the lives of residents.
The Mayor further highlighted that the Municipality continues to register progress on several infrastructure and service delivery projects across communities, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to advancing development in Fetakgomo Tubatse.
Addressing councillors and officials participating in the strategic planning session, Cllr Maila encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and bring forward innovative and practical ideas that will strengthen service delivery and accelerate development.
“This strategic planning session must produce clear and implementable programmes that respond directly to the needs of our communities. As leaders entrusted with public resources, we must ensure that our planning processes translate into tangible improvements in the lives of the people of Fetakgomo Tubatse,” said Mayor Maila.
The Mayor also raised concerns about the high levels of unemployment among young people in the Municipality, noting that the situation remains worrying despite the presence of numerous mining operations within the region.
“We cannot continue to have dozens of mines operating within our municipal area while the majority of our young people remain unemployed. The Mining Academy must not become a lip-service programme. It is long overdue and must be implemented meaningfully so that our youth acquire the necessary skills to participate in the mining sector,” said Cllr Maila.
He further emphasised that young people should be empowered not only as employees in the mining sector but also as entrepreneurs and SMMEs capable of participating in procurement and service opportunities within the mining value chain.
The Mayor also called for renewed engagements on the establishment of a university within the region, indicating that discussions on the matter must be revisited as part of the Municipality’s long-term development vision.
“It is difficult to imagine a growing city without a university. The time has come for serious engagements on the establishment of a higher learning institution that will expand access to education, skills development and research that supports the economic growth of our region,” the Mayor added.
The strategic planning session, which brings together the political and administrative leadership of the Municipality, will conclude on Friday, where key priorities and programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents will be refined.
ENDS
Issued by:
Office of the Mayor
Enquiries:
Komane Mahlako
Acting Manager: Developmental Communications and Marketing
076 554 5912
Malatji Girlie
Media Liaison Officer
013 231 1000