Tag Archives: the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance

Molapisi to convene a MUNIMEC engagement session in Rustenburg

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Picture: The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 August 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said his department will launch a forum called MUNIMEC in Rustenburg. Molapisi said this will address intergovernmental programmes and how the department and municipalities will work in a more integrated manner.

He further said the forum is constituted by Members of Mayoral Council of all municipalities responsible for Human Settlements, across the province. Molapisi added that MUNIMEC is an intergovernmental relations forum, where he interacts with municipal leaders to improve service delivery and governance at municipal level.

“It is a consultative platform involving the MEC, Mayors, Municipal Managers and other stakeholders within the Human Settlements value chain to foster cooperation and coordination between the provincial department and the municipalities to ensure effective service delivery to communities.

“The forum will deliberate on the progress report in addressing the housing backlog as well as the status of housing delivery across the province. The forum will ensure that there will be alignment between planning and budget processes in identifying needs by communities,” he said.

Molapisi said this will allow him to share with municipalities, the Minister and MEC’s meetings and Executive Council resolutions, regarding issues relating to Human Settlements. He said among others, the forum will monitor and evaluate projects in local municipalities and further advise the department on relevant issues to be attended to.

“The forum will also assist in curbing the sporadic community protest and keep communities informed about departmental programmes and plans for individual municipalities.

“The forum will further assist in coordinating other critical issues of Human Settlements Developments, such as water, electricity and sanitation, and also keep community leaders updated on plans and challenges relating to the department,” said Molapisi.

He said the forum will meet quarterly and assist in coordinating service delivery in local municipalities. Molapisi said the department will use the MUNIMEC platform to explain housing policies, programmes and qualifying criteria.

“Through this platform, the department will also guide municipalities to develop and approve township layouts that meet the housing code standards, and help to avoid costly designs.

“This forms part of our effort to strengthen the District Development Model (DDM) and improve planning at local level. The department has from time to time appealed to municipalities to work closely with it,” he said.

Molapisi indicated that it’s critical for both spheres of government to discuss service delivery and also the special needs of communities. He also called on both municipalities and his department’s officials to work beyond the call of duty in making sure that delivery is realized at the local level.

“The forum will be launched at Rustenburg Civic Centre, Rustenburg Local Municipality on 28 August 2025 at 8am,” said Molapisi.

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Over R160m used to improve Informal Settlements in North West thus far

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Picture: Informal Settlements in South Africa/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 August 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has expressed concern on various challenges which affect the living conditions of communities in the province. Molapisis said this calls for the government to intervene and implement strategies to remove these challenges.

He further said the department has completed provincial informal settlements upgrading strategy, which is aligned with the National White Paper on Human Settlements. Molapisi added that the informal settlements strategy will enable the upgrade of 219 informal settlements for full upgrading to phase three, which will enable the commencement of informal settlements upgrading projects.

“This upgrading program follows three critical phases, that is land acquisition, formalization of land rights; and phase three which is the installation of essential services (water, sewer, roads and stormwater).

“These phases are linked to the identification of the priority services in informal settlements,” he said.

Molapisi further said in the 2024/2025 financial year, the department had upgraded seven settlements in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. He added that they have upgraded settlements in Mamusa, Amalia Ext 5, Maquassi Hills, Wolmaranstad Ext 17 and 19, Lebaleng Ext 6, Matlosana Kanana Ext 17 in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

“We have also upgraded informal settlements in Rustenburg, Popo Molefe and Mbeki Sun to Phase 3 in Bojanala District and managed to deliver 2504) units through the Informal Settlement Upgrading Partnership Grant.

“For the current financial year, the department has planned to deliver two thousand five hundred (2,257) service sites, at a total budget of R166 567 170 million,” said Molapisi.

He highlighted that the remaining funds will be allocated to land acquisition and formalization in priority areas. Molapisi emphasised that the department is committed in transforming informal settlements into thriving communities and to prioritise housing and to implement a long-term plan for societal changes as this would leave lasting and positive impact in the lives of the communities.

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Action taken against ‘rebellious’ councillors   

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By OBAKENG MAJE

30 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said they will continue to take decisive action to confront corruption, fraud and poor governance entrenched in various municipalities across the province.

Molapisi said in terms of Section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000), and in his capacity as the MEC responsible for Local Government, he has authorised investigations into serious allegations of maladministration, fraud, corruption and other irregularities in the Greater Taung, City of Matlosana and Madibeng Local Municipalities.

“In the case of Greater Taung Local Municipality, the investigation was triggered by persistent instability within the municipal council, which rendered it incapable of discharging its statutory responsibilities. The investigation is completed and remedial actions have been instituted against those councillors who have been implicated.

“We can confirm that the municipality is now stable and is able to execute its executive obligations. In the City of Matlosana, the investigation followed irregularities within governance and administrative structures,” he said.

Molapisi further said the investigation was completed at the end of 2024/2025 financial year. He added that the report will soon be communicated to the council and the findings implemented.

“On 15 July 2025 – we invoked Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act to investigate allegations of maladministration and malfeasance in Madibeng Local Municipality.

“I met with the council to introduce the appointed law firm which will conduct the investigations. During the meeting, councillors have thrown their weight behind the investigations,” said Molapisi. 

He said the findings will be finalized within three months and shared with all stakeholders for action. Molapisi said the investigation is part of a broader drive to restore ethical governance, rebuild public confidence and ensure that municipalities truly serve the people.  

“EXCO has also resolved to invoke Section 139 (1)(a) of the Constitution in Mamusa and Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipalities. The decision has been communicated to both municipalities and is therefore expected to implement the directives and submit monthly reports to the department. 

On 13 December 2023, 26 municipal councillors in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, allegedly convened a special council sitting in the absence of municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai and municipal manager, Andrew Makuapane, where they elected Lerato Babuseng as the new Chief Whip, Kealeboga Seboko as the new municipal speaker and Onkarabile Tong as the new mayor.

The latter accused the former of widespread corruption and maladministration. They alleged that this has affected the smooth running of the municipality and forced Moipolai to request intervention from the then North West MEC for COGHSTA, Nono Maloyi.

Meanwhile, the Action SA councillor, Mika Moeti said he is not aware of the report and he cannot comment.

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A 100 years-old woman receives RDP house

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Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

22 July 2025- In celebrating the International Nelson Mandela Day, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, led a successful handover of a newly-built house with furniture to Bele Martha Nkatiso (100) from Vrischgewaagt village, Atamelang.

Molapisi further said the handover marked a special tribute to the struggle icon Nelson Mandela and highlights the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its most vulnerable citizens. He added that the fully furnished house is as a result of a successful government and private sector partnership aimed at addressing housing backlogs, as well as strengthening relations between the two sectors to deliver affordable housing and enhance social change.

“The gesture is inspired by the call Tata Mandela made, which is for everyone to take action in addressing the world’s social injustices. Today is a day of giving back and making a difference in the lives of our communities, this is exactly what Nelson Mandela stood for, which is to give back in a way which changes the lives of our people.

“It is for that reason that as the government we saw it fit to bring joy in the face of Nkatiso and her family. We are happy to see that she’s lived up to a 100 years, we are happy to have used this day with the people we’ve collaborated with to give you a house where you can live comfortably, safely and without worry,” said Molapisi.

In receiving keys to the house, Nkatiso gave gratitude to the department and stakeholders for building her family a house, she said this will mark a significant improvement in their living conditions as they have lived in a dilapidated shack divided into two sleeping areas, living space and kitchen.

“I thank the Lord for answering my prayers. I have longed for a proper home, and today, my dream has come true,” she said. 

In addition to the furnished house, Nkatiso also received food parcels, blankets and toiletries courtesy of various stakeholders, who responded to the call and played their part in honour of Nelson Mandela.

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Molapisi hand over two houses to needy families

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Picture: One of families receive a house from North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has fulfilled a promise he made last year by handing over houses to two destitute families in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa, as part of build-up to his department’s Budget Vote that will be held later this month. Molapisi said the generous gesture was made possible through a successful partnership between the Department of Human Settlements and one developer contracted by the department to build houses in the area.

He further said the developer is said to be competent in the construction of houses with credible track record for constructing low cost houses for the department. Speaking during the handover, Molapisi added that it is through collaboration between the public and private sectors that they will be able to address the housing backlog and ensure that people have access to safe, affordable, and dignified living spaces.

“Today, we have brought back the dignity of the Setshogela and Montshabatho families. The houses we are handing over to them are a sign that our government continues to care about the plight of its people.

“This act of generosity has not only provided a safe and dignified shelter for the two vulnerable families but has also restored hope and a sense of belonging. It is through such meaningful interventions that lasting social change is achieved,” he said.  

Molapisi said the donation of the houses comes at the right time ahead of the departmental budget vote, which will be held on 23 July 2025, where he will outline plans by the department to achieve the mandate of creating a sustainable human settlement for all the citizens of the North West. He said the department extends its heartfelt appreciation to the philanthropists for their continued unwavering commitment to social responsibility and for making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.

“Their contribution is a true example of the power of partnerships between the government, private sector and communities in building a better future for all. 

Meanwhile, the handover was accompanied by other donations such as food parcels from the Department of Social Development, vegetable and seedlings from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and planting of trees in each household by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism. 

Receiving keys to the newly-built house, Kgomotso Ivy Setshogela, thanked the government and the contractor for gifting her family with the house. She said they now have a proper house structure to sleep in.

“I am grateful to the MEC and the contractor for affording me and my family shelter as I had long lost hope in our situation,” said Setshogela.

Setshogela (47) lives with 12 dependants in an old cracked house, which is on the brink of collapsing. The family survives through child support grants received by some of the children in the household.  

Another house beneficiary was the jubilant, Mmiki Montshabatho (70) who also gave gratitude to the department and all those involved for gifting the family with the new house. Montshabatho said she is overjoyed with the gesture and hoped that this does not only end with them and the same should be extended to others in need as well.

“We are a family of nine and we have been staying in a one-roomed shack. We did not have access to any government benefits such as grants and healthcare as we face challenges with civil documentation,” she said.

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Invocation of Section 139(1)(a) at Mamusa     

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Picture: The embattled Mamusa Local Municipality 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

11 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi has expressed deep concern after disruptions at a meeting meant to officially communicate the invocation of Section 139(1)(a) of the Constitution at Mamusa Local Municipality as resolved by the Provincial Executive Council.

In an unprecedented turn of events, community members demanded to meet Molapisi directly reporting alleged failure by council to follow due process in the appointment of senior officials and a lack of service delivery amongst others. 

Molapisi further said he takes a ‘dim view’ and strongly condemns actions by community members. He added that although disappointed by the disruption, he still chose to listen to the community’s concerns. 

“We urge them to allow the Department of COGTA to do its work and help fix the problems. In respect of matters currently before the court, including the reappointment of the Municipal Manager, we urge the community to allow due legal process to take its course, await outcomes and respect courts systems. 

“An urgent meeting with councillors will be convened within seven days to address outstanding issues. In light of today’s events, I am more determined to carry out the Provincial Executive Council’s decision. The decision of EXCO will be communicated to the council and implemented without fail,” said Molapisi.

IMATU branch secretary in Schweizer Reneke, David Motswana said as the union, they welcome the decision. Motswana said two days ago, municipal employees embarked on a protest over unpaid salaries. 

“It is not for the first time that municipal employees go months without getting their salaries. However, some municipal employees embarked on a protest because they do not want the legitimate Municipal Manager, Rantsho Gincane in the cocoon,” he said.

SAMWU branch secretary, Lebogang Tutubalang shared the same sentiments. Tutubalang said: “You will remember that Section 139(1)(a) of the South African Constitution allows a provincial government to intervene in a municipality when it fails to fulfill its executive obligation. 

“This intervention involves issuing a directive to the municipal council, instructing them on how to meet their responsibilities. So, we will not stand in the way of MEC to implement a mechanism to ensure the municipality upholds its constitutional and legal duties.”

Tutubala said the implementation was done after analysis and they welcome that. 

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‘Situation in Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality is deeply concerning’

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Picture: The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Oageng  Molapisi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 June 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Oageng  Molapisi said he has noted the statement issued by the Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) regarding the state of governance in the Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality. Molapisi said he agrees with the committee that the continued failure by the municipal council to elect a mayor is a “clear violation of governance norms, with serious implications for oversight, service delivery, and accountability.”

He said he also supports the permanent appointment of the mayor for municipal governance stability. Molapisi further said during the invocation of Section 139(1)(a), he had directed the municipality to finalize the election of the mayor.

“Although notable progress and commitment on the side of the administration since the invocation of Section 139(1)(a), the situation in Kagisano-Molopo is deeply concerning and cannot be ignored. The residents of the municipality deserve effective, accountable leadership and a council that upholds the rule of law and serves the public interest.

“In addition to the report to be submitted by the Speaker of Council as directed by SCOPA, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will send a senior delegation to Kagisano-Molopo in the coming week to engage with the municipal council, provide legal guidance, and ensure that the municipality urgently complies with the legislative requirements for the election of a mayor or acting mayor,” he added.

Molapisi thanks SCOPA for its vigilant oversight and reiterates his department’s commitment to clean governance, ethical leadership, and the urgent restoration of the rule of law across all municipalities in the province.

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Molapisi commits to advancing housing for Military Veterans

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By OBAKENG MAJE

202 June 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said his department has promised to expeditiously arrange a meeting between North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and the province’s military veterans. This comes after a Provincial Imbizo on the Military Veterans Housing Programme held at Mogwase, near Rustenburg.  

Molapisi further said the Imbizo was held in line with the resolution of the Human Settlements MINMEC, provided feedback and information on the interventions approved by Cabinet to fast-track the delivery of adequate housing to Military Veterans.

He added that key challenges affecting the programme include disagreements about approved plans by the Department of Military Veterans, locations, where homes are built, qualifying criteria, untraceable members and beneficiaries, and a lack of serviced sites amongst others.

“This is despite veterans of the armed forces being either homeless, living with their families, or living in unfavourable conditions as a result of the programme’s poor performance.

“Before the start of the Imbizo, we handed over three completed houses to Military Veterans at Mabele-A-Pudi village and Bapong. We urge the veterans to exercise patience as the government works in their best interest,” said Molapisi.

He said that as a caring government, they recognise the sacrifices of military veterans towards achievement of democracy and freedom. Molapisi said he will personally facilitate the meeting between the departments and Mokgosi to address their challenges.

“We are aware of most of them and we are more than willing to address them. We further promise to engage with municipalities through the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to encourage them to also address their needs, such as the provision of service sites for the construction of houses.

“The Department of Human Settlements should also ensure that they make provision for those who are still in service and earning more and are not qualifying for the houses through the First Home Finance Programme,” he said.

Molapisi said other resolutions he made were to engage the Department of Public Works to avail properties that are no longer in use.

“To track and monitor progress, the Military Veterans Housing Programme will now be discussed at MUNIMEC meetings, where I interact with municipalities on a range of issues about service delivery.

“As our liberators, I pledge to do everything in my power to make sure you get what you deserve, and I will use the departmental budget speech to further address your concerns. There will be less talk and more action this time,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to military veterans, most of their challenges emanate from mistreatment from government officials, as most of their calls are not being answered. They said their applications take forever to be processed and the fact that they do not want to be served by people who have never been in the military, as they would not understand their plight.

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Molapisi assess progress in the Redirile Housing Project

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Picture: The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

27 May 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi expressed his satisfaction on the progress registered. This comes after Molapisi’s recent visit to Redirile Housing Project, wherein 385 housing units are being constructed in Redirile Township, in Derby.

He said this demonstrates the department’s commitment to ensuring that the elderly, people with disabilities and child-headed families are provided with quality housing, their living conditions are improved and they regain their dignity.

“I am very pleased with the speed in which the project is moving at. This shows that we are moving in the right direction to ensuring that our communities have decent housing.

“As a department, ours is to ensure that we create and facilitate sustainable human settlements for our people as this will help to improve the quality of their households,” said Molapisi.

He said the Redirile Housing Project is part of the department’s efforts, which aims to provide quality housing to residents, particularly those who have been living in very dire conditions for years. Molapisi said the project, which started in 2022 is currently at 90% completion, with less than 30 units remaining to be completed and handed over to beneficiaries.

“If the department can keep up with this speed, they will be able to tackle all the housing backlogs they are faced with, thereby providing communities with decent homes and improving their livelihoods,” he said.

Moreover, Molapisi together with the Head of Department, Kgomotso Mahlobo and departmental officials paid visit to an elderly woman (84), who has been staying in a dilapidated shack with her six grandchildren for years and has not benefited from the government’s low-cost housing scheme. He expressed his concerns on the family’s living conditions and committed that his department together with the local municipality will follow-up on the matter to ensure that the household situation improves and the elderly woman gets a decent house.

“It cannot be correct that an elder at her age is still exposed to such living conditions. As the department, we will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to ensure that a house is being built for her,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Department, Kgomotso Mahlobo echoed the Molapisi’ sentiments that the department, working together with municipalities, will continue to identify elders and assist them. Mahlobo further stressed the importance of regular applications follow-ups and reviewing housing policies to ensure that they are appropriate for identifying deserving applicants.

“By doing so, the department can better support vulnerable community members and provide them with the assistance they need,” she said.

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MuniMEC promotes cooperative governance and institutionalisation of the DDM

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Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 April 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi has underscored MuniMEC as a critical platform aimed at promoting cooperative governance, intergovernmental collaboration, coordinated policy implementation and institutionalisation of the District Development Model (DDM). Molapisi delivered the keynote address at the inaugural meeting held recently and attended by Executive Mayors, Mayors and Senior Managers across three spheres of government.

He further said the MuniMEC convened under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work”, brought together leadership from municipalities, oversight institutions, strategic partners and traditional authorities to reimagine local government and address systemic challenges, improve financial accountability and ensure service excellence. Molapisi added that the MuniMEC session is more than a meeting.

“It is a collective recommendation to serve our people with integrity, urgency and accountability. It marks a new chapter of renewed focus and determination to address non-compliance, infrastructure backlogs, fiscal instability, and the rollout of critical human settlement and sanitation programmes.

“Amongst key issues discussed during the session was the persistent non-compliance with legislation governing the recruitment and selection of senior municipal managers, Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) expenditure per municipality, the importance of developing credible budgets and management of debt,” said Molapisi.

He said the session also highlighted underperformance of MIG by some municipalities and resolved that the affected municipalities must develop recovery plans. Molapisi maintained that poor expenditure of infrastructure grants by municipalities is unacceptable.

“We have municipalities that do not spend on their grants funding, yet our communities are still without clean water, decent homes and access roads. This is not just unfortunate – it is intolerable. It is a betrayal of our people’s constitutional rights.

“Appointments of Senior Managers against the guiding policies and regulations are a travesty of justice, it undermines professionalism and fuels governance instability,” he said.

Molapisi said municipalities must align with all prescribed regulations, or risk continued dysfunction and costly litigation.

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