Dorcus Mboyi appointed as Makhado's new mayor

Cllr Mahandana Dorcus Mboyi was officially elected the new mayor of Makhado Municipality during a special council sitting held on Wednesday, 15 November. This transition follows the removal of the former mayor, Samuel Munyai, earlier in the week.

Unlike Freda Nkondo, who was sworn in as the executive mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) on Thursday, 16 November, by a judge, Mboyi’s inauguration was conducted by the director of corporate services at the municipality, Mr Solomon Maguga. Many people are questioning whether this inauguration is, in fact, legal, as a person is supposed to be sworn in by a magistrate or judge.

Dorcus Mboyi, as she is better known, previously worked as a temporary lecturer at Makhado College of Education before she received a permanent position as teacher at Radzambo High School, where she taught from 2005 to 2011. She served at the ANC Nesengani branch as secretary, then ass chairperson, from 2003 to 2013, and served as Chief Whip for Makhado Municipality from 2012 to 2016. She also served on the leadership structures of the subregion before she became a regional executive council member. In 2021, she was appointed as the Speaker of Makhado Municipality until her recent appointment as mayor.

Several changes were made during the council sitting, including the appointment of the former portfolio head for technical services, Cllr Gumani Mukwevho-Mitileni, as the new Speaker of the council. Additionally, the former portfolio head for community services, Rachel Raliphada, has been moved to the position of portfolio head for technical services. Cllr Enock Sithi is the newly appointed portfolio head for youth and special programmes.

In her inaugural speech, Mboyi pledged her commitment to represent the ANC to the best of her ability, emphasising the need to work together to improve community service. She acknowledged the numerous challenges faced by the municipality, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. “We will fight corruption and bad management with the help of our communities. It is high time for the councillors from the different political parties to set aside their differences and unite to improve services,” she said.

However, not all residents shared her optimism. Mr Dumisani Mukhari was sceptical that the residents will witness any changes. “But, as residents, we wish they will provide us with water, develop our communities, finish the long-awaited multimillion-rand Waterval Stadium, build better roads, and strike the balance of hiring,” he said.

The DA’s Cllr Masilo Mpashe said they hoped for improved service delivery, particularly in water supply, better roads, sanitation, and employment opportunities.

Cllr Wiseman Ramalwa from the EFF also voiced their doubt about witnessing any significant changes, attributing the challenges the communities are faced with to the ANC. “It seems like the ANC is not ready to bring change because even the previous mayor promised a lot but did not bring any change,” he said.

Date:23 November 2023

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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