LEPELLE-NKUMPI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY MAKES HISTORY WITH A SUCCESSFUL SOD-TURNING AND INVESTOR CONFERENCE

On Friday, 21 November 2025, The Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality celebrated a historic milestone with the successful hosting of a Sod-Turning Ceremony and Investor Conference, marking the beginning of a major transformative development centred on the Lebowakgomo Business Area.

The high-level event was attended by the MEC for Limpopo Provincial Treasury, Mr Kgabo Mahoai, the Chairperson of SALGA, Cllr John Mpe, Capricorn District Municipality Representative, Cllr Calvin Masoga, the Chief Whip, Cllr Given Sello, Executive Committee Members, Councillors, Traditional Leaders, as well as international and local investors. The ceremony was opened by the St Engenas Zion Christian Church Brass Band, whose presence reinforced the collective commitment to advancing the municipality's development agenda.

Stakeholders who delivered messages of support included SANRAL, CDM, and COGTA. In her welcoming address, the Mayor, Cllr Dr Meriam Molala, reaffirmed the Municipality's dedication to driving sustainable economic development. She highlighted the recently secured R7 billion investment commitment for the development of the Lebowakgomo Smart City, a 160-hectare catalytic project that will reshape the socio-economic outlook of the municipality

The Smart City development is expected to stimulate the establishment of over 500 new businesses, create thousands of jobs, and introduce advanced urban infrastructure. The project will incorporate innovations from the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, including smart grids, high-speed broadband, renewable energy solutions, green building standards, and AI-driven water management systems. The vision also includes mono-rail transport systems and solar-powered industrial facilities.

Mayor Molala further emphasised that the Business Area (BA) development lies at the core of the Smart Town vision, describing it as the "engine room" of a prosperous, resilient, and green future. She outlined key budget requirements, including R35 million for ICT broadband and R100 million for strategic road expansions, such as upgrades along the Orrie Baragwanath Panorama Route. She also announced the establishment of the Local Economic Development (LED) Forum to strengthen coordination and investor partnerships.

SALGA Chairperson, Cllr John Mpe, commended the municipality for its long-term developmental vision and emphasised its strategic importance in driving economic expansion at district and provincial levels. He noted that as Polokwane continues to grow rapidly, the impact of Lepelle-Nkumpi's development will be equally significant.In his message of support, CDM Representative Cllr Calvin Masoga reassured investors of Capricorn District Municipality's full backing, particularly in ensuring reliable bulk water supply, a critical enabler for sustainable development and investor confidence

Delivering the keynote address, the MEC for Treasury, Mr Kgabo Mahoai, applauded the leadership of Dr Molala and the demonstration of commitment shown through the sod-turning ceremony earlier in the day. He highlighted the favourable provincial investment climate, noting that the 2025 Provincial Investment Conference secured R170 billion in commitments, including over R450 million pledged specifically towards the establishment of the Lepelle-Nkumpi Smart Town.

The event not only marks the commencement of a major infrastructure development initiative but also reaffirms Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality's emergence as a hub of innovation, resilience, and inclusive economic growth.

"Motho ke motho ka batho"