Participatory democracy in Vhembe: District municipality mayor bolsters hope, assures communities of inclusion in budgetary planning
The forests at Mabvete village and surrounding areas in the far-eastern Vhembe region, Limpopo, are lush now that the rains have fallen.
When framed by the morning sun’s rays, the now lush forests give the area the scenery, making it an outdoorsy place especially given the tourist attractions such as the nearby Sagole Big Tree – the largest baobab tree in South Africa.
The communities in the area are known for their livestock and vegetable farming prowess, and resilience which need to be supported by government services.
Given a scary start to this year’s summer season due to drought, the rains have now brought hope of yet another household food-secured future.
The hope was bolstered by a recent visit to Mabvete village by Vhembe district municipality mayor, Freda Nkondo, who assured communities of inclusion in the budgetary and service delivery planning.
Nkondo was with her team of directors and managers from various municipal departments and units, and was also accompanied by Musina local municipality mayor, Godfrey Mawela, and his team.
The mayoral imbizo gave an opportunity to communities and their structures to inform the municipality of their needs, challenges and suggested solutions. At the same time, the municipality empowered them with information to deal with own issues affecting their livelihood.
What came out strongly from the communities was the issue of water provision, and others such as crime, health and education facilities, roads, and unemployment that the municipality would need collaboration with the provincial government to address them.
The pleas by communities was aptly summarised by the chief, Avhatendi Ratshibvumo Rammbuda, who called on the municipality to change the focus on planning: “The impact of development should not be felt by a little section of the community,” he said.
Nkondo gave assurance to the community for an assessment by technicians of some of the boreholes to assist in the provision of water in the area.
“As Vhembe district municipality and being a water services authority, we may have to buy drilling rigs and we have so far procured two, and may be delivered in the coming months. It will also help us to save money that would have been used on private service providers.
“As government, we must interact with communities for them to inform us of their needs and challenges. We listened to them and this will help us to in our planning sessions,” she said.
She also spoke in length about the need for families to be vigilant against food poisoning, and for vendors to adhere to conditions now set to fight the scourge that led to hospitalisation, and deaths, of some learners.
The Vhembe region is endowed with natural beauty and has various tourist attractions. It was against this background that Nkondo also spoke of the need to promote tourism to boost local economy.
The mayoral imbizo resonated well with a call by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, for municipalities to be always connected with communities and be “the voices of the people”.
