MIDDELBURG — Middelburg and Hendrina Residents Front (MHRF) has announced its chairperson, Jomo Segage, as its mayoral candidate for Steve Tshwete Local Municipality ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
Segage said his nomination was confirmed during a party meeting held two weeks ago. He will also stand as the MHRF’s candidate for Ward 22, which covers Mountain View, Rockville and Chromeville.
Segage said residents were increasingly frustrated with service delivery and governance challenges in Steve Tshwete.
“For quite a long time the Steve Tshwete municipality has been under siege, and it is time for the people of Middelburg to stop it,” he said.
He said the party aimed to restore public confidence through improved governance, infrastructure renewal and better service delivery.
“This town used to be better in the past. I am referring to infrastructure, service delivery, economic activity and civic pride, which have since deteriorated. This is what we need to restore as MHRF,” Segage said.
According to Segage, the party’s campaign would focus on both service delivery and preserving the town’s identity.
The announcement comes as the MHRF prepares to launch its manifesto in July.
The MHRF manifesto focuses on merit-based governance, improved service delivery, infrastructure upgrades and lower municipal rates for residents.
“We choose the path of meritocracy and good governance to deliver us unity, hard work, development, inclusivity and shared prosperity,” the manifesto states.
What the Manifesto Proposes
The MHRF says it will continue a programme aimed at reducing rates and taxes for residents. It also commits to intensifying the fight for clean and transparent governance and building administrative capacity so services are delivered on time.
On economic development, the manifesto proposes a resource-based economic model focused on diversification. It links this to extensive human resource development, saying skills growth is central to expanding the local economy.
The organisation says it plans to improve municipal infrastructure, strengthen governance, support economic development and prioritise local residents for employment opportunities.
The manifesto lists portfolios it will prioritise, including the Office of the Municipal Manager, Technical Services, Local Economic Development, Spatial Development, Environmental and Waste Management, Community Services, Corporate Services and Financial Services.
“The MHRF manifesto provides realistic, achievable goals aimed at addressing the challenges facing residents,” Segage said.
