VOICES HEARD, FUTURE SHAPED: LEPELLE-NKUMPI CONCLUDES DRAFT 2025-2026 IDP AND BUDGET MAYORAL IMBIZOs

The Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality has successfully concluded its series of Mayoral IMBIZOs aimed at presenting the Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget for the 2025-2026 financial year to its communities. These crucial engagements, held across Mphahlele, Lebowakgomo, Zebediela and Mafefe / Mathabatha Clusters within the municipality from the 06 -13 May 2025, provided a vital platform for residents to engage directly with municipal leadership, voice their needs, and contribute to the development blueprint for the upcoming fiscal period.
Under the leadership of the Mayor, Cllr. Dr Meriam Molala the IMBIZOs saw significant participation from community members, ward councillors, traditional leaders, and representatives from various stakeholder groups. The sessions were structured to provide a comprehensive overview of the municipality's proposed plans, outlining key development priorities, anticipated service delivery improvements, and the financial framework underpinning these initiatives.
The Draft 2025-2026 IDP, a strategic document guiding the municipality's development over the next five years, highlighted key focus areas such as infrastructure development, job creation, local economic development, provision of basic services including roads and households’ electrification. The accompanying budget detailed the proposed allocation of resources to achieve these objectives, taking into account the municipality's financial constraints and revenue projections.
What made these IZIMBIZOs particularly impactful was the emphasis on genuine engagement and feedback. Residents were actively encouraged to ask questions, raise concerns, and offer suggestions on the proposed plans. This interactive approach fostered a sense of ownership and ensured that the final IDP and budget would be more reflective of the actual needs and aspirations of the Lepelle-Nkumpi populace. Key issues raised by community members during the IZIMBIZOs reportedly included the need for improved road infrastructure, more reliable water supply, enhanced sanitation services, increased opportunities for youth employment, and better maintenance of existing facilities. The municipal leadership attentively listened to these concerns, providing clarifications and committing to thoroughly consider the feedback in the finalization of the IDP and budget.
What made these IZIMBIZOs particularly impactful was the emphasis on genuine engagement and feedback. Residents were actively encouraged to ask questions, raise concerns, and offer suggestions on the proposed plans. This interactive approach fostered a sense of ownership and ensured that the final IDP and budget would be more reflective of the actual needs and aspirations of the Lepelle-Nkumpi populace. Key issues raised by community members during the IZIMBIZOs reportedly included the need for improved road infrastructure, more reliable water supply, enhanced sanitation services, increased opportunities for youth employment, and better maintenance of existing facilities. The municipal leadership attentively listened to these concerns, providing clarifications and committing to thoroughly consider the feedback in the finalization of the IDP and budget.
Speaking at the concluding IZIMBIZOs, Mayor Molala emphasised the importance of community participation in shaping the municipality's future. "These IZIMBIZOs are not just a formality; they are a cornerstone of our commitment to transparent and accountable governance," the Mayor stated. "The insights and concerns shared by our communities are invaluable in ensuring that our development plans are truly responsive to their needs. We will carefully consider all the feedback received as we move towards finalising the IDP and budget for the benefit of all residents of Lepelle-Nkumpi." The next step in the process will involve the municipal administration collating and analysing the feedback received during the IZIMBISOs. This will inform revisions to the draft IDP and budget before they are presented to the Council for final approval.