“We want you. Join now,” is the mantra of the newly established Matjhabeng Community Forum.
The forum was launched on Thursday (10/03) and the occasion was attended by more than 300 business people and residents.
“Community involvement is the only way to rejuvenate the economy,” says Jakes Jooste, a businessman and one of the masterminds behind the initiative.
“Each and every citizen of Matjhabeng needs to become involved to make this venture a success,” he says.
Thanduxolo Khalipha, executive mayor of Matjhabeng, has given his full support.
Khalipha, who came into office 100 days ago, is focussed on the needs of the people, and one of the big victories he has notched is to rectify the skewed rates and taxes, which were implemented in 2021.
Residents saw the benefits of this correction on their February municipal accounts.
“A clean city is a top priority. I am happy to be in this partnership to clean the city,” says Khalipha.
Jooste explains that the concept behind the Matjhabeng Community Forum is based on Bloemfontein’s Fichardtpark Community Forum’s model.
They focus on service delivery and efficiency.
For the Matjhabeng Community Forum to succeed, residents will pay a small monthly fee to them, but they will still have to pay their monthly municipal accounts.
“Fichardtpark fixes potholes, manages waste removal and keeps the streets and parks neat. A clean environment is a safe environment. This is what we will do,” says Jooste.
He says it is not their intention to take over Matjhabeng, but to rather work with and support the municipality.
“We want to start with the basics. We need to stand up and take responsibility. We are passionate about this town. We need to turn things around and walk away from the negativity.”
Philip van der Merwe explains that the Fichardtpark forum has the approval of the Manguang Municipality to perform certain basic services.
“We want to do this in Welkom, but five times bigger.
Van der Merwe says the Matjhabeng forum’s financial basis will be formed by monthly contributions from businesses and residents. The forum is a registered non-profit company.
“Residents need to buy into the project to make it succeed. We all have a moral obligation, we have all invested in this city, we are all gatvol, and our property values are declining – let us make a difference. We need to move forward,” says Van der Merwe.
- Visit mcf9460.co.za for more information. The registration form is on p 5 of Vista.
