The provision of clean water to Hammanskraal residents has emerged as a pressing issue once again, dominating discussions in the Tshwane council after Dr Nasiphi Moya, the newlyelected mayor, took her oath of office during a special council sitting on Wednesday.
If she lives up to her promise, Moya’s ascension to the mayoral seat, facilitated by ActionSA alongside the ANC and EFF, brings renewed hope for addressing long-standing water infrastructure challenges in the region.
In her acceptance speech, Moya made a heartfelt promise to all residents, saying, “To the residents of Soshanguve, Hammanskraal, Mamelodi, Centurion, Bronkhorstpruit, Ga-Rankuwa, Lynwood, Kameeldrift, Waterkloof, Irene, Sokhulumi and everyone residing in between, I am here to tell you that I am a mayor for all.” This unifying declaration signaled her intent to tackle the issues faced by residents across the diverse municipalities that make up Tshwane.
The mayor outlined ambitious plans to enhance the provision of essential services, stressing that sewage, water pipelines, and access to clean water would be prioritised as a matter of dignity.
Moya pointed out that for too long, residents of Hammanskraal have had to contend with inadequate water supplies, a situation she believes is fundamentally linked to basic human rights. “Under my leadership, the City will make sewers, pipes and water provision a well of dignity for all residents,” she stated.
Her plans extend beyond water provision; Moya emphasised the need for safer city conditions, revitalisation of economic nodes, and job creation through the Expanded Public Works Programme.
“We will invest in roads and transport infrastructure to ensure reliable access to work opportunities,” she confirmed. Additionally, her vision includes the delivery of dignified housing, a critical need especially for the less affluent communities.
As she takes the helm, Moya becomes the second woman to hold the title of Tshwane mayor, following the historic term of Dr Gwen Ramokgopa from 2006 to 2010. Previously serving as deputy mayor, Moya said she gained invaluable insight from engaging with councillors, officials, and residents across Tshwane.
She expressed a strong awareness of the socio-economic divides that plague the city—highlighting the palpable struggles faced by many residents in accessing basic services.
“The provision of quality basic services to all residents of the city is not a matter of politics, but a matter of principle. We owe this basic dignity to everyone we serve,” she stressed, affirming her commitment to working with the multi-party coalition to implement significant reforms in the local government.
In a counterpoint, Cilliers Brink, the opposition leader ousted just weeks prior, has vowed to hold the new administration accountable.
He stated that action would continue on the Hammanskraal water project initiated during the previous council, ensuring that it was not compromised by the interests of water tanker businesses.
Brink also outlined the necessity for disciplinary measures against officials involved in irregular contracts linked to the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant, along with efforts to maintain non-political appointments amid potential party tensions.
Looking ahead, Moya is set to announce her mayoral committee, setting into motion her plans to uplift various sectors across Tshwane.
As the new mayor promises progress, the city watches closely; the coming months will reveal whether these ambitious goals translate into tangible change for residents weary of ongoing service delivery challenges.
Pretoria