Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded Brings Service Delivery Momentum to JB Marks

Karen Scheepers
Sep 8
3 min read

The North West Provincial Government continued its push for accelerated service delivery through the Phase 5 Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded Programme, this time focusing on JB Marks Local Municipality. The initiative, which unfolded on 5 September, highlighted the government’s multi-sectoral commitment to improve community infrastructure, social welfare, and local economic development.

Empowering Arts and Culture

The Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation bolstered community creativity by handing over administrative packs to four Community Art Centers (CAC). These included Kanana CAC, Kopano ke Mmatla CAC, Tswelelang CAC, and Steve Biko CAC. Each center received essential resources such as laptops, toner cartridges, mobile speakers, paint, and brushes. The support is expected to strengthen operations and enhance artistic programmes that engage young people and foster community cohesion.

Supporting Local Entrepreneurs

The event also served as a platform for entrepreneurship development. Two local entrepreneurs were presented with dummy cheques from the Empowerment Fund, providing crucial financial assistance to grow their businesses. This move underscores government’s focus on stimulating grassroots economic activity and supporting small enterprises in rural and urban communities alike.

Housing and Land Ownership Progress

Housing delivery took center stage with the handing over of three RDP houses in Tshing Extension 9. These units form part of a broader allocation of 147 houses in the region, marking a tangible step in addressing housing backlogs.

Further, efforts to secure land ownership for residents were demonstrated through the distribution of 300 title deeds across the municipality. Although only ten were symbolically handed over during the Ga-Mogopa feedback session, the initiative reflects a concerted drive to fast-track property rights for beneficiaries.

Infrastructure and Safety Enhancements

Communities in Ga-Mogopa village saw direct benefits from infrastructure investment. A new solar high mast light was installed, while six existing lights were repaired to improve night-time visibility and safety.

At the Mogopa Satellite Clinic, residents gained improved access to resources through the provision of a JoJo tank, related accessories, and a vegetable garden kit. These additions are expected to support water security and promote food sustainability within the community.

Social Relief and Community Support

Aligned to the Social Relief of Distress programme, learners from selected schools received sanitary towels and school shoes, ensuring dignity and educational access for vulnerable groups. In addition, food parcels were distributed to ten needy households, providing immediate relief to families facing hardship.

Roads and Service Delivery on the Ground

On-the-ground service delivery was also prioritized, with teams conducting road blading and pothole patching across the municipality. These improvements, though basic, are critical for ensuring road safety, accessibility, and economic activity within local communities.

Government and Community Partnership

The event culminated in an interactive community feedback session at Ga-Mogopa Community Hall, where government departments, state-owned entities, and private sector partners provided on-the-spot services. The session was officially closed by the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, on behalf of Premier Mokgosi, reinforcing government’s accountability and commitment to community dialogue.

Driving Change at the Local Level

The JB Marks segment of Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded demonstrated the government’s intent to deliver tangible results through coordinated interventions. By simultaneously addressing housing, land rights, social relief, arts empowerment, infrastructure, and small business support, the programme highlighted a holistic approach to service delivery that directly engages communities and responds to local needs.