29/05/2026
METSIMAHOLO TABLES MASSIVE SERVICE DELIVERY BUDGET
This morning, Friday 29 May 2026, the Refengkgotso Community Hall in Refengkgotso, Deneysville became the centre of attention as the Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo Local Municipality, Cllr Jack Malindi, delivered the much-anticipated State of the Municipal Address and 2026/27 Budget Speech before councillors, municipal officials, stakeholders and members of the community.
The sitting was chaired by Council Speaker Cllr Lucas Fisher in what many described as one of the municipality’s most significant council gatherings in recent years.
As residents sitted in the community hall with expectation written across their faces, Mayor Malindi stood before the people to reflect on the municipality’s journey since the beginning of the current administration in 2021 and the leadership transition in 2023. His speech carried a tone of reflection, responsibility and determination as he acknowledged both the struggles and progress experienced during the term of office.
“This Budget Speech is presented at a moment of deep reflection, historical significance, and renewed responsibility,” said Malindi.
He emphasised that despite political challenges faced over the years, Metsimaholo had managed to maintain a commendable degree of political stability through cooperation, tolerance and democratic maturity. His remarks were met with applause from councillors and community members who witnessed a rare moment of unity inside the council chambers.
But it was the announcement of a massive fleet and yellow plant acquisition programme that truly captured the attention of everyone in attendance.
In a bold move aimed at improving municipal operations and accelerating service delivery across the municipality, council approved a funded budget.
The acquisition will be funded through a finance lease and is expected to significantly improve the municipality’s ability to respond to service delivery challenges affecting communities.
The planned fleet and machinery purchases include:
🔹 10 sedans
🔹 15 long wheelbase LDVs (4x2)
🔹 6 long wheelbase LDVs (4x4)
🔹 3 double cab LDVs
🔹 1 eleven-seater passenger vehicle
🔹 1 three-ton crew cab truck
🔹 2 eight-ton flat deck trucks
🔹 1 vacuum tanker
🔹 3 drinkable water tankers
🔹 1 additional water tanker
🔹 3 cherry pickers
🔹 3 front-end loaders
🔹 2 tractors for grass cutting
🔹 4 tipper trucks
🔹 4 skip loaders
🔹 8 refuse compactors
🔹 1 motor grader
🔹 1 cold milling machine W 200 F
🔹 3 vibrating drum rollers
🔹 5 backhoe loaders
🔹 1 heavy load transport truck
🔹 2 crane trucks
🔹 1 minibus taxi
Residents inside the hall reacted positively as the list was read out, with many seeing the investment as a long-awaited intervention to tackle poor roads, refuse removal delays, water supply interruptions, overgrown public spaces and ageing municipal infrastructure.
The announcement of additional water tankers brought particular excitement among communities affected by recurring water shortages, while the acquisition of road maintenance machinery raised hopes for improved infrastructure maintenance across Metsimaholo.
In a strong show of unity, the funded budget was approved by all councillors present during the sitting. The unanimous approval marked a significant political moment for the municipality and demonstrated collective support for the municipality’s service delivery plans moving forward.
Community members leaving the hall expressed cautious optimism, with many saying they now hope to see visible implementation of the promises made during the address.
For some residents, today’s address represented more than a budget presentation, it symbolised a municipality attempting to rebuild public trust, strengthen governance and restore dignity to communities through improved service delivery.
As Metsimaholo enters the final year of the current administration’s term, all eyes will now be on the implementation of these commitments and whether the promised machinery and fleet acquisitions will translate into meaningful change on the ground.
Today’s sitting may well be remembered as a defining moment in the municipality’s journey toward rebuilding capacity and improving the lives of its people.
