By OBAKENG MAJE
10 November 2026 – Outgoing executive mayor of the Rustenburg Local Municipality, Shiela Mabale-Huma, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community, her political organisation, family, municipal officials and stakeholders as she concludes her term in office. In a heartfelt message reflecting on her time as executive mayor, Mabale-Huma described serving the municipality as one of the greatest honours and privileges of her life, saying the journey was characterised by challenges, sacrifices, lessons, achievements and unforgettable moments.
She further acknowledged that her tenure was not without difficulties, noting that there were moments that tested her strength, patience and determination. However, she added that faith, courage, resilience and perseverance enabled her to overcome the challenges.
“The road has not been easy. There were difficult moments, obstacles, disappointments and challenges that tested my strength, patience and resolve.
“There were times when the journey demanded more than I could have imagined. However, through faith, courage, resilience and determination, I persevered,” she said.
Mabale-Huma said she leaves office with valuable lessons, greater wisdom and a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities that come with leadership. She thanked the Rustenburg community for its trust, support, patience, encouragement and constructive criticism throughout her tenure, emphasising that the community’s voices, hopes and aspirations remained central to her commitment to public service.
“I would also like to express appreciation to the African National Congress (ANC) for entrusting her with the responsibility of serving as executive mayor, as well as for the political guidance, support and platform provided to her.
“To my family, I would like to extend special gratitude for their unconditional love, understanding, prayers and sacrifices. Their support had sustained me through demanding responsibilities, long working days and difficult decisions,” said Mabale-Huma.
She acknowledged municipal officials, traditional leaders (Magosi a rona), faith-based organisations, the taxi industry, community organisations, stakeholders and everyone who worked alongside her in serving the people of Rustenburg. As she prepares to hand over the baton, Mabale-Huma said leadership should not be measured by how long an individual occupies public office, but by the purpose with which they serve and the contribution they make to society.
“Leadership is not about occupying an office forever, but about serving with purpose, leaving a meaningful contribution and understanding that the work of building our communities continues beyond any individual term.
“I am leaving office with dignity, integrity and a clear conscience, confident that I had given my best in serving the people,” she said.
According to Mabale-Huma, the road may have been difficult, but it did not break her. She said the challenges did not define her, but how she faced and overcame them did.
“I carry with me the lessons, memories and experiences of this journey, knowing that public office is temporary, but the impact of genuine service should endure.
“Although my tenure as executive mayor was coming to an end, my commitment to serving humanity and the people of Rustenburg would remain unchanged,” said Mabale-Huma.
She said she may be concluding her term as executive mayor, but she will forever remain a daughter of the Rustenburg community, a servant of the people and a comrade committed to the ideals of a better society. Mabale-Huma concluded her message by thanking everyone who walked the journey with her, believed in her leadership and gave her the opportunity to serve.
“Aluta Continua! The struggle for better communities and a better future continues,” she concluded.
