ORGANISATIONAL STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION: MUNICIPALITY CHARTS FOR THE FUTURE

Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality held a successful Organisational Strategic Planning Session at Oasis Hotel in Mokopane on the 19 March 2025. Bringing together councillors, municipal officials 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 2025/2026 - 2027/2028 Draft Budget and all budget-related policies, engage in the strategic growth of the municipality and give performance feedback for the 2024/2025 financial year, which will show the status quo of all capital 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 third 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 and develop a Municipal Road, Storm-water, electricity and infrastructure Masterplan: A comprehensive, long-term strategic document that guides the development, maintenance, and upgrading of essential infrastructure within a municipal area. It aims to ensure that infrastructure meets the current and future needs of the community, supports economic growth, and promotes sustainable development.

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 session identified key components for focus.

Roads Infrastructure: This section addresses the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the municipal road network.

  • Assessment of existing road conditions and identification of problem areas.
  • Planning for new road construction and upgrades, including prioritisation of projects.
    • Storm-water Infrastructure: This focuses on the management of storm-water runoff to prevent flooding and protect water quality.
  • Assessment of existing storm-water drainage systems.
  • Planning for new storm-water infrastructure, such as drains, culverts, and retention ponds.
  • Strategies for managing storm-water runoff in urban and rural areas.

    • Electricity Infrastructure: This section deals with the planning and development of the municipal electricity network.

  • Assessment of current electricity demand and projections for future demand.
    • Integrated Infrastructure Planning: A crucial aspect of the master plan is the integration of these different infrastructure components.
  • Infrastructure projects are coordinated and aligned.
  • Potential conflicts between different infrastructure systems are avoided.
  • Resources are used efficiently.

    • The Acting Municipal Manager Mr. Donald Maphoru 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"