Bringing Parliament to the People: President Ramaphosa Closes Landmark NCOP Programme in Matlosana
- Karen Scheepers
- 1h
- 3 min read
The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has concluded its intensive week-long "Taking Parliament to the People" (TPTTP) programme in the City of Matlosana. The initiative, which ran from May 12 to May 15, 2026, culminated in a high-profile plenary session addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Spirit Word Church in Stilfontein. The week was marked by rigorous site visits, public hearings, and direct confrontations between residents and government officials over service delivery failures across the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
Day 1: Bridging the Gap in Human Settlements
The programme launched on Tuesday, 12 May, with a welcoming address by the Executive Mayor of the City of Matlosana, Cllr Fikile Mahlophe. Directed by Hon. Govender, Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, and Hon. Maine of the North West Provincial Legislature, the opening day focused on the Department of Human Settlements.
Residents utilized the platform to voice frustrations regarding housing backlogs and infrastructure. The NCOP leadership emphasized that the primary goal of the TPTTP is to strengthen accountability and ensure that local community voices directly influence national and provincial government responses.
Day 2: Infrastructure Crises and Economic Stagnation
On Wednesday, 13 May, the focus shifted to Local Economic Development (LED), mining, and energy. Public hearings were co-chaired by Hon. Mpho Gift Modise (Chairperson of the Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform, and Mineral Resources) and Hon. Paul Mosetlha Sebegoe of the North West Provincial Legislature.
Simultaneously, NCOP delegates conducted oversight visits to several "hotspots" to monitor project implementation:
Energy & Job Creation: A visit to the Urban Blue International Gas-to-Power Project in Klerksdorp revealed that the project is currently stalled, sparking concerns over missed energy contributions.
Health: Delegations inspected the Nic Bodenstein District Hospital and community health centres in Tswelelang and Tigane.
Utilities: Inspections of the Klerksdorp and Hartebeesfontein Wastewater Treatment Works highlighted concerns regarding water and sanitation management.
Economy: Visits to the PC Pelser Airport and the Matlosana Fresh Produce Market focused on identifying hurdles to local economic growth.
Day 3: Health and the "Beating Heart" of Democracy
By Thursday, 14 May, the programme intensified at the Spirit Word Church venue. MEC for Health Sello Lehari and MEC for Economic Development Bitsa Lenkopane faced a barrage of questions from the public. Moderated by Hon. Motlalepule Rosho, the session allowed residents of Stilfontein, Klerksdorp, and Kanana to engage directly on service delivery challenges and economic opportunities.
The delegation also visited Matlosana Estate Extensions 10 and 1149 to assess the progress of housing projects, while local SMME integration at Harmony Gold was scrutinized for its role in sustainable job creation.
Day 4: Presidential Address and the Path Forward
The programme reached its peak on Friday, 15 May, with a closing address by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Addressing a packed plenary session, the President acknowledged the severe challenges facing the municipality, including electricity stability and deteriorating infrastructure.
"Local government is the engine room of development. It is where national policies and provincial programmes are translated into action," President Ramaphosa stated. "We are determined that local government must rise anew from the ground up. Municipalities must be able to fulfil their role of building inclusive communities, expanding opportunity and upholding the dignity of all."
The President stressed that fixing local government remains a top priority, promising that the week's findings would inform future government interventions to ensure a more people-centered approach.
The "Taking Parliament to the People" programme in Matlosana has laid bare the significant service delivery gaps and economic potential in the region. While the week provided a vital platform for participatory democracy, the residents of Klerksdorp and surrounding areas now look toward the government to translate the promises of oversight and accountability into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
All image credits: City of Matlosana
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