MUNICIPALITY CHARTS COURSE FOR THE FUTUTURE AT ORGANISATIONAL STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION

Today, Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality concluded a successful two days Organisational Strategic Planning Session at Meropa Casino & Entertainment World in Polokwane from the 17-18 March 2024. Bringing together councillors, municipal officials, and traditional leaders to chart a course for the future.

The purpose of this session was to identify key priorities, developing actionable strategies, and ensuring the municipality remains responsive to the needs of its residents and also to present the 2024/2025 - 2026/2027 Draft Budget and all budget-related policies, engage in the strategic growth of the municipality and give performance feedback for the 2023/2024 financial year, which will show the status quo of all projects and future plans (IDP, SDBIP, and Budget).

Mayor, Dr. Cllr. Meriam Molala in her opening remarks reflected on the journey of the previous financial year with an emphasis on the challenges that were experienced but also touched on all the good things that happened and plans that will take the municipality forward.

"This Organisational Strategic Planning Session is a vital opportunity to reflect on our progress and identify areas where we can improve. she further reminded all councillors that the planning session is in preparation for their second financial year in office, we should not be starting the planning process, but instead review and ensure that we implement what is in the five years IDP" said Mayor Molala, assuming that this IDP/Budget addresses the following key issues:

•The budget covers all the 30 wards and traditional authorities in infrastructure projects. •Decentralisation of services through Thusong Service Centres and Maintenance Cost Centres and Maintenance teams. •To prioritise development of our Town Lebowakgomo (which is our District Growth Point) and Magatle which is in our Municipal Growth Point and further identified as by our Spatial Development Framework. •Our programmes must have element of increasing revenue base, which will probably be brought about by development of urban centres at Lebowakgomo and Magatle to Mehlareng. This will impact not only on our financial sustainability, but also on our existence because we must have revenue as municipality in order to sustain ourselves.

The session began with a review of the current landscape. Participants discussed recent accomplishments, ongoing challenges, and emerging trends that could impact the municipality. This analysis provided a solid foundation for brainstorming future goals.

Through facilitated discussions and interactive exercises, the group identified key areas for focus. These priorities might encompass infrastructure development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, or social well-being, depending on the specific needs of the municipality.

The Acting Municipal Manager Ms. Dorothy Diale in closing presented the declarations and resolution of the session, also reaffirming that the outcomes of the strategic planning session will be compiled into a comprehensive plan outlining the municipality's vision, goals, strategies, and timelines. This document will serve as a roadmap for decision-making and resource allocation in the coming years.

The successful strategic planning session demonstrates the municipality's commitment to proactive and inclusive governance. By working together, elected officials, staff, and residents can ensure the municipality continues to provide essential services and build a thriving community for all.

"Motho ke motho ka batho"