Merafong at a Crossroads: An Independent Look at the 2025 State of the City Address
- Karen Scheepers
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Yesterday, the Carletonville Civic Centre hosted the much-anticipated State of the City Address 2025 (SOCA), delivered by Executive Mayor Nozuko Best. The address reflected on the municipality’s challenges and progress while laying out a roadmap for Merafong’s future under the banner of Vision 2035. Key themes included financial recovery, improved service delivery, youth empowerment, and long-term infrastructure renewal.
Governance & Municipal Context
Merafong City Local Municipality, which covers Carletonville, Fochville, Khutsong and surrounding areas, has been operating under a Section 154 provincial intervention to strengthen governance and service delivery. In her address, Mayor Best acknowledged this oversight but stressed that recent reforms had begun to stabilise municipal operations, restoring confidence in the institution’s capacity to manage its own affairs.
Financial Recovery & Municipal Turnaround
A major highlight of the SOCA was Merafong’s financial recovery plan. Mayor Best reported that revenue collection had improved, debt was being reduced, and municipal accounts were on a stronger footing. These efforts, she noted, provided the foundation to channel more funds into essential services and infrastructure. The municipality also confirmed its participation in Gauteng CoGTA’s 10-point turnaround strategy, which aims to secure long-term fiscal health, strengthen smart metering systems, and reinforce governance through better accountability.
Infrastructure, Service Delivery & Partnerships
Service delivery was another focal point. Mayor Best highlighted the launch of the Spush iService Delivery Programme, designed to address ward-level issues such as water supply interruptions, damaged roads, waste collection backlogs, and unreliable electricity. She explained that this initiative was already restoring dignity by making municipal services faster and more responsive.
In partnership with CoGTA and Rand Water, Merafong also began tackling deeper infrastructure challenges, including sinkhole-prone areas, water security, and long-term by-law enforcement. These interventions formed part of the broader turnaround strategy announced earlier this month, which also included expanded smart metering and community safety improvements.
Vision 2035 & Youth Empowerment
The SOCA reinforced Merafong’s Vision 2035, first introduced in 2024, which sets out a path toward economic diversification and resilience. Mayor Best underlined the role of youth in this vision, confirming that programmes in cybersecurity and project management training had already been rolled out. These initiatives are aimed at preparing young residents for participation in the digital economy and creating meaningful pathways to employment.
Housing & Inclusive Development
The municipality also announced progress in housing and infrastructure development, with the renewal of informal settlements forming a central part of its strategy. Mayor Best stated that the goal was to build safe, inclusive, and sustainable communities that could withstand future challenges while improving quality of life for residents.
Civic Engagement & Public Involvement
Although the event itself was limited to invited council members, the municipality ensured accessibility through live streaming and interactive online platforms. Residents were encouraged to comment, ask questions, and share insights, making the SOCA not only a political statement but also a public dialogue.
Closing Reflections
The 2025 State of the City Address painted a picture of cautious optimism. While Merafong continues to face serious hurdles, ranging from financial strain to historical service delivery backlogs, the municipality has taken concrete steps toward stability. With its 10-point turnaround plan, investment in youth, commitment to housing, and a long-term vision anchored in economic diversification, Merafong’s leadership presented a future built on resilience, inclusivity, and renewed hope.
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