GTM Mayor Odas Ngobeni.
Following his recent election, the new Mayor of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Councillor Odas Ngobeni, has laid out a clear path for his tenure. In response to questions regarding his leadership approach, his plans for the municipality, and his strategy for maintaining stability within the council, Mayor Ngobeni emphasised a return to basics: consistent service delivery and direct engagement with the people of Tzaneen.
A Commitment to Visible Leadership
Mayor Ngobeni describes his new role as an exciting challenge that he accepts with great humility. He is firmly committed to a style of collective leadership that prioritises the promises made to the electorate—specifically, a robust program aimed at building better communities.
A central theme of his early days in office will be increased visibility. The Mayor has made it clear that he and his team will not be leading from behind desks; instead, they will be present on the ground in communities facing service delivery challenges. “We have already rolled up our sleeves and will be present in communities facing challenges—communicating and intervening,” the Mayor noted. For Ngobeni, this connection with residents will be the defining hallmark of the fifth council’s work in the coming months.
Building on the Foundation
When asked about his predecessor, Councillor Gerson Molapisane, Mayor Ngobeni spoke with respect. He intends to honour the work done over the previous four-and-a-half years rather than attempting to erase that legacy. “We will not erase his legacy; rather, we will carry the work forward,” he stated.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Mayor has begun a series of strategic engagements. These include meetings with internal stakeholders, municipal management, organized labour, and the broader workforce. Furthermore, he plans to consult with various sectors across the municipality, starting with traditional leaders in the coming days, reinforcing that his primary focus remains on service delivery rather than internal politics.
Addressing Council Dynamics and Priorities
Regarding the recent atmosphere in the council chambers, Mayor Ngobeni dismissed claims of deep-seated divisions. He characterised the recent debates, including those during the meeting on May 28, as robust and expected, arguing that vigorous debate is a healthy part of democracy rather than evidence of a fractured council.
Looking ahead, the Mayor has outlined a comprehensive list of priorities designed to improve the municipality:
*Core Service Delivery: The administration will focus on tackling fundamental service-delivery commitments and ensuring the proper implementation of the newly approved budget.
*Infrastructure Maintenance: A key goal is to improve the municipality’s maintenance capacity while taking active steps to prevent the vandalism of public infrastructure.
*Revenue and Investment: The Mayor aims to improve revenue collection and create a stable, welcoming environment for local investment.
*Economic Growth: Council will look to build strategic partnerships that drive local economic growth and create much-needed job opportunities.
*Communication and Accountability: Ngobeni emphasised the need to reconnect with residents by strengthening accountability and improving the way the municipality communicates its challenges and interventions.
Rejecting Political Distractions
Mayor Ngobeni issued a stern warning against the tendency toward political grandstanding. He argued that party squabbles must never be allowed to distract from the core mandate of serving the people. “The institution has established systems, and we will not allow the council to become a battlefield for selfish interests,” he stated.
As the administration settles into its duties, the Mayor remains focused on tangible results. He believes that the success of his leadership will ultimately be measured by the work delivered on the ground. Residents can expect more detailed plans regarding his specific projects and timelines during the upcoming State of the Municipal Address, which is scheduled for the coming weeks. By prioritising transparency and direct community involvement, Mayor Ngobeni hopes to steer the Greater Tzaneen Municipality toward a period of renewed progress and stability.