Merafong City Launches Extensive IDP and Budget Consultation Roadshow for Vision 2035
- Karen Scheepers
- Apr 15
- 2 min read
The Merafong City Local Municipality has officially entered a critical phase of its strategic planning, launching a series of Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget consultations. Led by Executive Mayor, Cllr Nozuko Best, the initiative aims to align municipal spending and developmental goals with the immediate needs of the community under the banner of "Re-Imagining Merafong: Vision 2035."
Stakeholder Engagement Kick-off
The consultation process commenced on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, at the Carletonville Civic Centre. This opening session was specifically designed to capture the insights of key sectoral stakeholders. The municipality engaged in high-level discussions with:
Faith-Based Organisations: Addressing the role of spiritual leadership in community development.
Vulnerable Groups: Specific focus sessions for people living with disabilities, the elderly, women, and children.
Economic Drivers: Consultations with Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to discuss local economic growth.
Social Pillars: Youth representatives and stakeholders from the sports, recreation, arts, and culture sectors.
According to municipal leadership, these engagements are foundational to ensuring that the 2026/2027 budget is not merely a financial document, but a reflection of the diverse voices within the municipality.
Ongoing and Upcoming Public Consultations
Following the stakeholder sessions, the municipality has moved directly into ward-based public meetings to ensure broader community participation. As of Wednesday, 15 April 2026, residents of Kokosi (Wards 22, 24, 25, and 26) are meeting at various venues including the Molatlhegi Hall and Popo Molefe Stadium.
The municipality has released a comprehensive schedule for the remainder of April and early May to ensure all residents have an opportunity to contribute:
Date | Time | Location | Affected Wards |
16 April | 15h00 | Khutsong North | Wards 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 |
21 April | 15h00 | Fochville Civic Centre | Wards 14, 21 & 24 |
22 April | 15h00 | Greenspark & Wedela Halls | Wards 11, 20, 21 & 23 |
23 April | 15h00 | Khutsong South | Wards 1, 2 & 12 |
28 April | 15h00 | Blybank & Carletonville Civic | Wards 13, 16, 17, 18 & 28 |
The process will culminate in an IDP Representative Forum scheduled for 7 May 2026 at the New Council Chambers in Carletonville, where the consolidated inputs will be deliberated upon.
Commitment to Inclusive Governance
The "Vision 2035" framework sets a long-term goal for Merafong City to become an economically sustainable, community-oriented, and safe city. By taking the budget and IDP processes directly to open spaces, community halls, and stadiums, the municipality is attempting to lower the barrier for civic participation. This transparent approach is designed to monitor progress on current projects, such as those implemented in the 2025/2026 financial year, while identifying new priorities for the upcoming cycle.
The Merafong City Local Municipality encourages all residents to attend their respective ward meetings to ensure that the final IDP accurately reflects the service delivery requirements of every neighborhood.
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