Delmas —The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature returned to the Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM) on 11-12 November 2025 to monitor progress on service delivery commitments made earlier this year.
Held at the Extension 6 Community Hall in Delmas, the session formed part of the Legislature’s ongoing oversight programme, which seeks to strengthen government accountability and improve service delivery in Mpumalanga.
In March 2025, the Legislature visited Delmas, where residents raised several complaints regarding the progress of service delivery. “This process allows us to track progress, hold departments accountable, and ensure that the issues raised by communities translate into tangible service delivery outcomes,” said Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature Speaker Makhosazane Masilela.
Victor Khanye Local Municipality Executive Mayor Vusi Buda addressed pressing issues raised by residents, particularly water shortages. Buda explained that the municipality purchases water from Rand Water, but due to financial constraints, can only afford 7,7 megalitres of the 26,3 megalitres required daily.
Six boreholes have been repaired, providing an additional 3,3 megalitres, leaving a shortfall of 11,2 megalitres. “If all households pay for municipal services, we will be able to buy more water and meet community needs,” Buda said, adding that indigent households receive free 6 kilolitres of water and 50 kWh of electricity each month.
Waste Management and Housing
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Speedy Mashilo, addressed environmental concerns, particularly illegal dumping in Extension 3. He confirmed that the Victor Khanye landfill site was granted its operational license in June — a step expected to improve waste management.
Mashilo also highlighted the ongoing construction of RDP housing projects and the establishment of a monitoring system to ensure transparency in beneficiary allocation. Out of 410 identified asbestos houses, 100 have been renovated and fitted with new roofs.
Education
Education MEC Lindi Masina said infrastructure challenges are being addressed, particularly at Waaikraal Farm, where overcrowding has affected learning. The department plans to deliver two mobile classrooms and one administrative block between January and February 2026.
Two new sites have been identified for the construction of a primary and a secondary. She also confirmed that a special boarding school under construction in Emalahleni will accommodate learners with special needs from across Mpumalanga.
Health
MEC for Health Sasekani Manzini acknowledged the community’s concerns about healthcare access in Ward 9. While the construction of a permanent clinic is dependent on future budget allocations, a mobile clinic currently serves the area twice a week. A gate clinic will also be established at Bernice Samuel Hospital to improve patient services, with funding allocated in the 2025–2026 financial year.
Head of Department, Dr Lucas Ndhlovu, presented a progress report highlighting improvements and ongoing challenges at Bernice Samuel Hospital, including the lack of a functional laundry facility.
He said a local mine, Mbuyelo Coal, has donated two industrial washing machines worth R650,000, which will be delivered once the hospital’s laundry building has been completed.
He added that helpdesk efficiency has improved, reducing patient waiting times, and the hospital now meets employment equity targets. There was an increase in the number of personnel per shift, from six to 12 to safeguard staff and patients.
Dr Ndhlovu reported that the main X-ray machine has been procured and is being installed. He also revealed that R20 million has been allocated for planning and design work of a new psychiatric hospital along the old Middelburg Road in Emalahleni.
Community safety
Brigadier Cele, the District Commissioner, presented a detailed progress report. He said Delmas Police Station currently has 121 officers, just four short of its required complement of 125. Renovations to the holding cells have been completed and upgraded lighting has enhanced safety and night operations.
Cele also highlighted the station’s ongoing partnerships with Botleng and Phaphamani Secondary Schools aimed at promoting safer learning environments, combating drug-related issues and addressing bullying.
“Through our Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Education, police officers have adopted schools as points of contact and regularly participate in school meetings to strengthen community relations,” Brigadier Cele told the Portfolio Committee the station faces serious logistical constraints, particularly a shortage of vehicles.
Currently, the station operates with 16 vehicles — half of the 32 required for effective visible policing. “We appeal that Delmas Police Station be prioritised when the next batch of vehicles is procured,” Cele urged.
Delmas Wastewater Treatment Works
The Portfolio Committee on Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, led by Chairperson Daniel Nkosi, conducted an oversight visit to the Delmas Wastewater Treatment Works on 12 November 2025.
The refurbishment project is 75% complete, with delays attributed to funding constraints, procurement issues, and geological challenges. However, challenges such as underground water seepage, poor contractor performance, and the discovery that parts of the site overlap a former landfill have slowed progress.
Penalties have already been enforced against the contractor, with mitigation measures including dynamic compaction, sub-soil drainage and extended working hours. The project’s completion date has now been postponed to March 2026.
Portfolio Committee Chairperson Daniel Nkosi said, “Contractors have contractual obligations. When milestones are not met, penalties are applied. Accountability is critical to ensure the people of Victor Khanye benefit from this investment.”
