The mayor, Ntombi Mekgwe appealed to all residents in Ekurhuleni − “black and white” − to commit themselves to building a better society.

She reiterated the government’s commitment to its major priorities: education, health, rural development and land reform, creating decent work and fighting crime.
Addressing the council’s monthly meeting, Mekgwe said celebrating the 20th anniversary of the release of former president Nelson Mandela this year, after 27 years of incarceration, was a momentous and historic event.

In the spirit of Madiba’s release from prison two decades ago, the mayor urged the community of Ekurhuleni: “Let us recommit ourselves to a democratic and free society, in which everyone can live together in harmony with equal opportunities”.

She called on the local councillors, public representatives in Ekurhuleni to take the lead in their commitment to reviving the legacy of Mandela.
Referring to President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation address, the mayor said: “We must make this year one of action and work towards “strengthening our constitutional democracy for the benefit of all, but especially the poor”.

She reaffirmed her commitment to a caring government, working towards a developmental state to lay the groundwork for growth in pursuance of a long-term infrastructural and social transformation programme.

The mayor also touched on the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) protest march and the handing over of their memorandum containing several demands. 

“Ekurhuleni metro is all times willing and open to engage with our workers’ representatives and we are committed to building and maintaining a dedicated, satisfied and content workforce.”