Community Progress and Economic Development in Merafong City
Bringing together provincial leadership, community members, local entrepreneurs, and regional organizations, the municipality embarked on several key initiatives designed to enhance public safety, celebrate female leadership, and support informal traders across the region.
Provincial Safety and Service Delivery Imbizo
The month opened with a major public engagement event at Khutsong Stadium on 03 September 2026. The Gauteng Provincial Government, led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, MEC Jacob Mamabolo, and Merafong City Executive Mayor Cllr Nozuko Best, hosted the Integrated Provincial Safety and Service Delivery Imbizo. Organized in partnership with multiple municipalities across the province, including Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Sedibeng, West Rand, Emfuleni, Lesedi, Midvaal, Mogale City, and Rand West, the event created a direct link between government officials and residents.
Community members attended in large numbers to voice their concerns regarding public safety, local infrastructure, and service delivery challenges. The platform provided an opportunity for leaders across all spheres of government to listen, account to the public, and commit to coordinated action aimed at accelerating service delivery and building safer neighborhoods.
Celebrating Women in Leadership and Business
Gender empowerment and the recognition of female leadership took center stage on 05 September 2026 through two distinct events. Executive Mayor Cllr Nozuko Best began her day at the 11th Annual Vita Basadi Awards 2026, hosted by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to honor women whose contributions continue to shape local communities and support democratic values.
Later that evening, Executive Mayor Best and MMC Segakweng attended the 2nd Annual Women in Business Awards and Gala Dinner, organized by the Black Ladies Organisation. During the ceremony, the Executive Mayor presented the organization with the Icon of Impact Award in recognition of its work in supporting female entrepreneurs. In her address, Mayor Best emphasized the importance of collaboration among women, calling for expanded opportunities and greater representation for female leaders in decision-making spaces.
Boosting Township Enterprise with the IMEDP Initiative
Economic empowerment was the focus on 11 September 2026, as the Merafong City Local Municipality partnered with the Department of Small Business Development and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) to roll out the Informal Micro Enterprises Development Programme (IMEDP). The initiative aims to equip local informal traders with essential business skills and tools to boost productivity and foster sustainable livelihoods.
During an official handover ceremony led by the MMC for Local Economic Development, Tourism, and Rural Development, Cllr Jeff Tibane, 56 selected beneficiaries from various informal sectors received specialized business equipment and machinery valued between R15,000 and R20,000 each. The initiative highlights ongoing municipal efforts to strengthen township economies and integrate small business owners into the broader local economy.
Through direct public consultation, support for community organizations, and tangible investments in small enterprise, Merafong City Local Municipality continues to implement programmes aimed at improving safety, local infrastructure, and economic opportunity for its residents.
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