City of Matlosana Steps Up Economic Partnerships and Public Accountability
- Karen Scheepers
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
The City of Matlosana is moving forward on a dual track of aggressive economic revitalization and heightened legislative accountability to position itself as a premier, investment-ready hub in the North West Province. On Friday, 29 May 2026, the municipality gathered key public and private sector leaders at the Rio Casino in Klerksdorp for a "Power to Partnership" Business Breakfast, unveiling major developmental goals in renewable energy, township economics, and a R1.8 million public-safety partnership with Harmony Gold Mine.
Balancing this commercial drive with institutional transparency, the municipality simultaneously issued crucial public notices on Monday, 1 June 2026, opening both its Adjusted 2025/26 Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) and the new Draft 2026/27 performance frameworks for public scrutiny and community input.
Municipal Leadership Outlines Vision for Strategic Alliances and Growth
The City of Matlosana has embarked on a proactive strategy to enhance its economic competitiveness and foster stronger alliances with the private sector. Through targeted stakeholder engagements and an emphasis on collaborative governance, the local municipality aims to position itself as a premier investment-friendly destination within the North West Province and the broader South African landscape. This shifted focus highlights a concerted effort by leadership to tackle local service delivery issues while opening up sustainable avenues for inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprise (SMME) empowerment.
Business Community and Council Align at Networking Session
In a bid to bridge the gap between government planning and private industry, the City of Matlosana hosted a "Power to Partnership" Business Breakfast Networking Session on Friday, 29 May 2026, at the Rio Casino in Klerksdorp. Facilitated by Programme Director Mr. Daddy Khuselo, the event served as a platform for open dialogue between administrative heads, political leaders, and prominent figures from local industries.
Opening the session, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Service, Mr. Kgosietsile Seitshiro, emphasized that long-term job creation and sustainable growth are impossible without a coordinated front between the state and private businesses. In his keynote address, Executive Mayor Cllr Fikile Mahlophe expanded on this vision, detailing the municipality's core developmental priorities.
According to Cllr Mahlophe, the local economic agenda will focus heavily on:
Renewable Energy: Capitalizing on solar power and battery storage initiatives.
Asset Revitalization: Upgrading and commercializing underutilized municipal properties.
Diversification: Bolstering traditional mining sectors with investments in agro-processing, tourism, and the township economy.
Addressing immediate safety and infrastructure concerns within the Klerksdorp Central Business District (CBD), Mayor Mahlophe announced a R1.8 million partnership with Harmony Gold Mine. This funding will kickstart the first phase of the Klerksdorp CBD CCTV project, which features a refurbished control room and systematic camera installations. Managed under Acting Director for Local Economic Development (LED) Dr. Keaobaka Boikanyo, the security rollout will proceed across two to three phases with completion targeted by 2028. To maintain momentum, the Mayor proposed establishing quarterly formal engagements with local businesses, recognizing them as the municipality’s foundational investors.
Investment Portfolios and Sector Insights Highlighted
The networking session also spotlighted immediate, practical investment options within the region. Mrs. Tebogo Ramone, Assistant Director for LED, presented a portfolio of "bankable" investment projects designed to showcase sectors ready for immediate public-private financing.
The event featured structured panel discussions allowing local enterprises to voice operational challenges and market insights. The first round of discussions included representatives from:
Bond Equipment
Harmony Gold Mine
Mekgabo B Creations (Jewellery Manufacturing)
Danika Spa
Mohau Molotsi Civil (Civil Engineering and Development)
A subsequent panel brought in viewpoints from the transport, automotive, and entertainment sectors, featuring participants such as Mr. Molefe from a local Klerksdorp CBD motor dealership, Mega Works and Showtime Entertainment, MXN Development, Mr. Shakes Mayekani from the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), and Ms. Lucy Mgwabeni of Yonica Trading and Projects, who spoke on the critical role of women in leadership.
A final accountability panel, comprising Mayor Mahlophe, Dr. Boikanyo, Director of Community Service Mr. Phehello Setona, and Director of Infrastructure Mr. Nelson Mongale—responded directly to the concerns raised. The municipal executives provided clarity on bureaucratic processes, upcoming infrastructure projects, and formal pathways for partnership, underscoring Council’s commitment to transparent communication.
The investment appeal of Matlosana remains grounded in its geographical positioning along the N12 Development Corridor, which seamlessly connects Gauteng, the Northern Cape, and Botswana. This corridor reduces logistical costs and enhances market access via robust rail, road, water, and energy networks. Supported by an established labor pool and lower relative costs for land and utilities, the municipality intends to utilize these structural advantages to attract large-scale developers and nurture local SMMEs.
The session concluded with messages of support from the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality MMC for LED, Mr. Ald. Raymond Mampe, and a closing address from Municipal Manager Ms. Lesego Seametso, who called for structural renewal and a diligent focus on foundational services like road maintenance and grass cutting to restore the city's operational reputation.
Public Compliance and Performance Frameworks Tabled
In addition to economic development initiatives, the City of Matlosana has prioritized administrative accountability by releasing critical statutory notices regarding its planning and performance frameworks. On Monday, 1 June 2026, Municipal Manager Ms. L Seametso issued official updates regarding the municipality's Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plans (SDBIP).
1. Adjusted 2025/26 SDBIP
Notice is given that the Adjusted 2025/26 SDBIP was formally approved by Council on 27 May 2026 under Council Resolution CC97/2026. Published in line with Section 54(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), Act No. 56 of 2003, and Section 21A of the Municipal Systems Act (MSA), the adjusted document is accessible via the municipality’s official website or physically at the Civic Centre in Klerksdorp (Room 301, Performance Management, Monitoring and Evaluation Office).
2. Draft 2026/27 SDBIP and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Concurrently, the municipality has tabled the Draft 2026/27 SDBIP (Council Resolution CC98/2026) on 27 May 2026, alongside a formal invitation for community participation in setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance targets for the upcoming financial period. This public consultation is mandated under Regulation 3(4)(b) of the Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations (2001) as well as relevant sections of the MSA and MFMA.
The details for public inspection and the submission of feedback are structured as follows:
Detail | Specifications |
Physical Inspection Location | Room 301, Third Floor, Performance Management Section, Civic Centre, Klerksdorp |
Official Website Portal | |
Online Publication Date | Wednesday, 3 June 2026 |
Email Submissions | |
Postal Address | The Municipal Manager, PO Box 99, Klerksdorp, 2570 |
Postal/Email Label Requirements | Must be clearly marked: “Comments: Draft 2026/27 SDBIP” |
Telephonic Assistance | 018 487 8520 (For community members needing assistance writing comments) |
Public Closing Deadline | Friday, 12 June 2026 at 12:00 |
Through the simultaneous rollout of investment-centric business forums and transparent municipal performance reviews, the City of Matlosana is actively seeking to balance economic acceleration with institutional compliance. By keeping communication channels open with both corporate stakeholders and local residents, the administration continues to lay down the regulatory and infrastructural groundwork required to achieve an inclusive, competitive local economy.
All image credits: City of Matlosana
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