07 May 2026

After 36 years of serving the public with honour and integrity, North West District council secretary, Mr Thatayotlhe Balapi has called it a day.

His last day was on April 30 and he retired as a proud leader, having led with trust and integrity that built strong foundations and leaves a true lasting legacy.

Affectionately known as ‘Mokwena’, in the workplace corridors, Mr Balapi would be remembered for his charismatic leadership and designing a workplace that reflected the public service’s strongest values of integrity, purpose and care for people.

He built trust and confidence in staff and newcomers and encouraged them to deliver quality service to the people.

North West leadership, alongside council staff members, business community and friends bid a heartfelt farewell to him in style, showering him with gifts, sharing fond memories of their experiences working with him and some wishing him good health, peace and fulfilment in the years ahead.

Dressed in vintage, they gathered at the Department of Fire premises to celebrate a life and legacy of a dedicated, committed and result-oriented leader whose contribution to the growth and development of the district was truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impact on both the council and the community.

Colourful as it was, the celebration featured a parade of fire officers honouring their leader for being a selfless dedicated officer for over three decades acting with integrity, transparency and consistency and ensuring staff worked towards a common goal rather than breaking into factions.

Many speakers took turns to praise him for the good work, saying his name would remain legendary as he had indeed written it in the hearts of people he meant to serve.

They highlighted that Mr Balapi has been reliable, professional and accommodating, always discreet, prompt and committed to his duties. 

They acknowledged that at times, he was charged with diverse assignments, some which entailed delivering government programmes to the communities and he executed as expected and impeccably.

Speakers also appreciated that he played a critical role in strengthening community partnerships and fostering unity towards driving development agenda in the district.

“I have no regrets working with him because I have learnt a lot from him and I am confident that he still has much to offer beyond public service,” said deputy council secretary, Ms Ogomoditse Royal appreciating that Mr Balapi was a dedicated public servant, cementing a legacy of service rather than merely ending employment.

While there is perception that leadership remained the biggest loyalty divider in the workplace, she is of the view that with Mr Balapi, it was not the case as he articulated purpose, motivated and allowed employees to focus on what mattered most.

Her leader, she said had been instrumental in driving development agenda in the district in a bid to improve livelihoods and strengthen communities.

The council chairperson, Mr Itumeleng Kelebetseng conceded that Mr Balapi is a loyalty driver, adding that he is departing in a way that respected colleagues and the public rather than acting out of haste or negativity.

He appreciated that Mr Balapi demonstrated the highest standard of respect, loyalty and honour to fellow councillors and provided a strategic direction, advised political leaders, managed corporate operation ensuring council operations aligned with the national development strategies.

For his part, the overjoyed Mr Balapi thanked staff and stakeholders in the district for the unwavering support during his tenure of office as the council secretary.

He expressed hope of the continued support to his predecessor so as to see continued development in the district. 

The retirree also described his career as rewarding, particularly working closely with political leadership over the years.

“I am leaving a happy man, with dignity, professional pride and a clear sense of accomplishment rather than burning bridges. I thank all for the support, the collaboration and the work we have done together as a team during my tenure in office,” he said.

Mr Balapi also implored staff to continue upholding professionalism principles and deliver quality services when they still have the chance if they want edto leave a lasting legacy. ENDS