KUNGUMCIMBI ohloniphekile futhi ozithobayo kimina ukuthi nginikezwe umsebenzi omkhulu kangaka wokuba ngusihlalo woMkhandlu kaMasipala waseKokstad. Kungumthwalo engiwemukela ngokukhulu ukuzithoba. The Structures Act is very specific about the functions of the Speaker which is mainly to ensure that the Council is holding meetings in all levels, facilitation of municipal oversight function, ensuring that the Executive is held accountable by Council.

Habakkuk 2v2-3 The LORD answered me: “Write down the vision; write it clearly on clay tablets so whoever reads it can run to tell others. One draws inspiration from this Vision of a People Centred City of Economic Possibilities by 2047. As the Speaker, I have a task to lead the attainment of this vision which has been written in plain terms by those who came before us, Oo Dlangamandla.

We are taking the marching orders from the manifesto of the ANC presented to the people of South Africa by the President of the ANC Cyril Ramaphosa which assured the public of clean governance, ethical leadership, competent councillors, roads, water, and sanitation, fighting corruption and defeating the roots of poverty. We must run a clean Governance that is responsive to the people, adhering to sound financial management and committed in fighting corruption.

I will intensify stakeholder relationships which will assist in navigating through the key challenges faced by our town, and I am certain that working together we will win the battle against poverty. I will use an open-door policy in the office of the Speaker, I will also encourage unity among Councillors, because a Pride of divided lions can never kill, even a limping Buffalo.

I wish to thank the people of Kokstad for voting in, this ANC led Council. Nginesiqiniseko sokuthi sizozithathela phezulu izidingo zabantu. Kumele ngibonge ne-ANC ngokungethemba kulo msebenzi wokuba ngusihlalo walo Mkhandlu. Ngizokwenza imisebenzi yami ngokukhulu ukucophelela.

Ngiyabonga. Thank you.