Office of the Mayor-Senqu Local Municipality

07/04/2025

20/03/2025

FOR MEDIA RELEASE

20 MARCH 2025

RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE CONCERNS AND LAND GRABS IN SENQU

The Senqu Local Municipality acknowledges the growing concerns regarding public infrastructure, security issues at Bensonvale, and the alarming rise in land grabs within our communities. We take these matters very seriously and want to reassure all residents that we are actively addressing these challenges with urgency and commitment.
Senqu Local Municipality remains dedicated to ensuring the safety, well-being, and prosperity of every resident in Senqu. As such, we are implementing both immediate interventions and long-term solutions to create a sustainable and stable environment for all.

Addressing Potholes – Immediate Action Underway: We recognise the inconvenience and dangers posed by potholes and we are committed to resolving this issue swiftly. A tender process is currently underway to appoint a qualified service provider to conduct rehabilitation of streets by replacing tar with paving in ward 10.

We continue daily to maintain roads, but the challenge remains that frequent rainfall often reverses the work done. Despite this, our teams are committed to ensuring that roads remain as safe and functional as possible.
Additionally, in Barkly East, Lady Grey, and Sterkspruit, streets are being resurfaced with paving to enhance durability and long-term usability.

R58 Road – Collaboration for Long-Term Improvement: The R58 road remains a significant concern for many of our residents. While this road falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, the Senqu Local Municipality has been in close consultation with provincial authorities to advocate for a permanent solution to its deterioration.

In the interim, the Department of Transport is currently implementing temporary measures to maintain the R58 and ensure it remains safe for commuters. We will continue pushing for a durable, long-term fix and will keep the public informed of any developments as there is work to be done for a permanent solution.

Resolution of Bensonvale Security Issues:
The Department of Public Works in the District is working towards ensuring that all outstanding personnel issues are dealt with to everyone’s satisfaction and that a lasting solution to all concerns is found as soon as possible.

Rampant Land Grabs – A Call for Collaboration: The issue of rampant land grabs, particularly involving foreign nationals, has created unrest and insecurity in several areas. The Senqu Local Municipality fully acknowledges the severity of this challenge and is committed to working towards a solution that upholds the legal rights of all landowners.

Traditional leaders, as custodians of the land, play a vital role in addressing this issue. The municipality is actively engaging with traditional leadership to form a united front against illegal land occupations. This engagement forms part of a comprehensive wall-to-wall plan aimed at finding sustainable solutions to land-related challenges within Senqu by both Senqu municipality and the Traditional leaders.
We urge all community members, including foreign nationals, to respect land ownership laws and work with local authorities to ensure that land allocation follows proper legal channels. The Senqu Local Municipality remains committed to supporting traditional leaders in addressing this issue and preventing further unlawful land invasions.
Commitment to Improved Service Delivery: The Senqu Local Municipality remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents. Addressing infrastructure and land-related concerns is a top priority. While we recognise the frustrations associated with poor road conditions and illegal land occupations, we are committed to resolving these issues sustainably and lawfully.
The process to appoint a contractor in Ward 10 is almost complete, and this project will replace the existing tar road with a more durable paving road. This upgrade aims to enhance road longevity and improve overall infrastructure quality.

However, it is essential to recognise that these challenges require cooperation from all sectors of society, including residents, traditional leaders, and the provincial government. By working together, we can implement effective solutions that foster a safer, more prosperous Senqu.
While we respect the right of residents to voice their concerns through peaceful demonstrations, we urge everyone to engage constructively with the municipality and traditional leadership to find sustainable solutions. Only through collaboration can we address these challenges effectively and ensure a better future for all.

We encourage residents to engage with the municipality directly to raise concerns, offer suggestions, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to build a safer, more inclusive community.

Together, we can create a Senqu that thrives for all of us.

ENDS…

Issued by: The Office of the Mayor- Senqu Local Municipality

20/12/2024

Senqu Mayor, Honorable V. Stokhwe wishes you all a festive of joy, safety and peace.

As we welcome the festive season, I extend my warmest wishes to all residents of our beautiful municipality. This is a time for celebration, reflection, and reconnecting with loved ones as we look back on the year and prepare for the new one.
To those who celebrate Christmas, may it be a joyful and blessed time filled with love, peace, and togetherness. May the spirit of Christmas inspire kindness and generosity in our hearts.
As valuable Senqu residents, your contributions to our community make Senqu stronger and more vibrant, and we honor the values of unity and diversity that bring us together.
As we travel to spend time with loved ones or enjoy the holidays, let us remember that safety must come first. I urge all residents to obey the rules of the road and work closely with law enforcement officers to ensure that everyone arrives safely at their destinations. Together, we can reduce accidents and save lives during this busy season.
Let us also celebrate responsibly, mindful of the safety and well-being of ourselves and others. May this festive season bring us closer as a community and inspire hope and determination for a prosperous new year.
On behalf of the leadership of Senqu Municipality, I wish you all a joyful festive season and a happy, safe, and prosperous New Year.

02/12/2024

01/11/2024

Senqu Local Municipality Host its First-Ever Pride Parade, Celebrating Unity and Inclusivity

Senqu Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Velile Stokhwe today joins the landmark Pride Parade, celebrating diversity and inclusivity within the community. The event, graced by the Hon Speaker, Councillors, and various mobile service departments, showcasing the municipality's commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for all residents. Hosted by celebrated program director Moshe Ndiki, the parade featured impactful messages of equality and acceptance. Renowned guest speaker Bambanani Mbane inspired attendees with words of empowerment, making the event not only a celebration but also a powerful statement of unity and progress in Senqu.

31/10/2024

Transport Month Closing Campaign Led by Mayor Velile Stokhwe in Sterkspruit

On October 30th, 2024, Mayor Cllr. Velile Stokhwe led a comprehensive campaign in Sterkspruit to close Transport Month with a strong call for road safety and community protection. Organized by the Senqu Community Services Department, the event gathered key stakeholders to strengthen public safety on Senqu’s roads and promote collaborative governance across sectors.

The program included participation from the Department of Roads and Transport, the Border Management Agency, SAPS, SANDF, Joe Gqbi Environmental Health Practitioners, Senqu Councillors, and the Herschel Uncedo Taxi Association (HUTA). Mayor Stokhwe encouraged all motorists to work closely with law enforcement to reduce road accidents and protect commuters. He emphasized that reducing road fatalities requires an active partnership between drivers and authorities to create safer roadways for all.

Mayor Stokhwe further stressed the importance of collaboration among all government departments, highlighting how a unified approach is essential in fostering a safe and secure environment in Senqu. The municipality remains dedicated to promoting safety and thanks all partners for their commitment to creating safer communities.

30/10/2024

Mayor Stokhwe visits four schools as support to Senqu Matriculants

The Honorable Councillor Velile Stokhwe, Mayor of Senqu Municipality, today visited four schools in the Senqu jurisdiction– St. Teresa SSS, Tlokweng SSS, Mehlomakhulu SSS, and Sterkspruit SSS to lend his support and encouragement to our matric learners as they prepare for their final examinations. Recognizing the dedication of these learners, Mayor Stokhwe delivered food vouchers to each school, designated specifically for use by matriculants during their study camps. This gesture is a testament to the Municipality’s unwavering commitment to education and the success of our youth.

This initiative was made possible through the invaluable partnership of our generous sponsors, whose contributions demonstrate the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors. The Mayor extends heartfelt gratitude to these sponsors for their dedication to uplifting our community and supporting our learners during this crucial time. By investing in our students, we are all investing in the future of Senqu.

As these young people prepare to step into the next phase of their lives, the Municipality and our partners are proud to stand beside them, encouraging them to stay focused, determined, and confident. We wish each learner success in their exams and look forward to the positive impact they will bring to Senqu and beyond.

19/02/2024

Honorable Mayor making a presentation on undocumented people

During the visit, the Honorable Mayor V Stokhwe engaged in constructive dialogue organised by Caritas Aliwal,, an NGO wing of the Roman Catholic Church delving into the complexities surrounding undocumented individuals in the Senqu local area. The discussions aimed at fostering understanding and cooperation between the local government and many other stakeholders to develop effective strategies to address the issues faced by stateless people who do not have any form of identificantion. The event underscored the importance of collaboration in finding sustainable solutions for this vulnerable population within the community.