06 Jun 2022

Councillors Farayi Bonyongo of Nlapkhwane and Kudzai Tobokwani of Themashanga have been elected as chairperson and deputy of the North East District Council.

The elections took place n Masunga  on Friday.

The newly elected chairperson and his deputy, who were unopposed, take over from Cllrs Flora Mpetsane of Matsiloje and Zibani Mbalambi of Kalakamati.

In his acceptance speech, Cllr Bonyongo said he would work with all councillors from across the political divide to bring developments to the district.

He thanked fellow councillors for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the council for the remaining two and half years before the end of their five year contract.

He emphasised the importance of unity, saying it was key to bringing services to the people.

“It is my aspiration to ensure that I cement that bond of togetherness within this council,” he said, expressing hope that change in leadership would not bring disruptions to council operations. “I promise to lead this council with respect and hope the value will trickle down to all of us for effective service delivery,” he added.

Mr Bonyongo urged the councillors to work hand in hand with civil servants to deliver services to the people. He commended the outgoing council chairperson, and her deputy for diligently leading the district in the past two and a half years.

He noted that it was paramount to keep or improve on the standards set by his predecessors.

For his part, the new deputy council chairperson thanked the councillors for electing him to be part of the district leadership, promising to work with the council chairperson and the staff to take the district to another level. Meanwhile, one of the major ongoing projects in the district includes a 51km road project worth over P355 million.

The project entails construction of a 22.5km main road connecting Tshesebe, Mosojane and Masunga, including access roads from the main road to Masukwane, Pole, Mulambakwena, Letsholathebe and Kgari.

The project also includes construction of three bridges and 42 culverts in the district. ENDS