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President Cyril Ramaphosa led the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in Kopano Indoor Sports Center, Welkom, Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Free State Province, under the theme ‘Leave No One Behind’. 

This was the second visit to the Province by the President, following an interaction with communities and stakeholders in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in 2022.The purpose of the second visit was to assess progress on commitments made and also give update  and interventions made by government.

Preceding the imbizo was a series of build-up outreach activities that were led by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, MECs and Mayors across the Lejweleputswa District Municipality and across the Free State Province.

A day before the Imbizo, there was a government exhibition day which was held at Boitumelo Mall, Thabong in Welkom. Various government departments and entities were exhibiting, providing information and services to the people.

Amongst the key activities was the launch of the cleanest and greenest Municipality competition that was hosted in Welkom by the Premier of Free State Mxolisi Dukwana. The competition forms part of the Letsema Cleaning Campaign which Free State government instituted to galvanize communities to work together with government in ensuring that their neighborhoods are clean, green and habitable.

During the visit, the community raised issues such as water and load-shedding, poor road infrastructure, crime, lack of housing, unemployment, sewage and cable theft.

In response to the issues raised, Ministers were given an opportunity to respond and provide updates.

On the issue of housing, 2000 houses will be built, the contractor is onsite, and the project will create jobs for the local communities. 

Vaal Central Water Board, has been appointed to fix waste water treatment that was dysfunctional and sewer lines that were not working. Work is currently underway to ensure the completion of waste water treatment.

An announcement was made that an additional 395 SANDF members will be deployed to assist in dealing with various crimes in the province, including illegal mining. Ten (10) more vehicles will be provided to two police stations around Welkom to ensure police visibility in the area and strengthen the police capacity to combat crime in the Province.

The Department of Home Affairs has procured 100 mobile trucks to provide services to different communities, and another batch of 100 trucks will be delivered before the end of the year. The community was  also encouraged to comment on the White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, which is open for public comment until 19 January 2024.

President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded the community engagement with acknowledging the robust engagement and meaningful contribution by community members and their willingness to work with government in ‘leaving no one behind’.

Issued by Government Communication and Information System