Story: Linda Magazi
Councillor Thandeka Gloria Kulashe has been officially elected as the new Chief Whip of Emalahleni Local Municipality.
The decision was made during a special council meeting held earlier this week. Cllr Kulashe, who also served as Chairperson of the municipality’s Women’s Caucus, was elected unopposed following the tragic death of the former Chief Whip, Cllr. Xoliseka Bathandwa Lali, who was fatally shot at his Komani home in July 2025.
In addition to her new role as Chief Whip, Cllr Kulashe will continue to act as Director in the department of Infrastructure, Human Settlements, and Development. The position of Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus has since been filled by Cllr. Nobantu Kraqa, who was also elected during the same council sitting.
Mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality Cllr Nontombizanele Koni says the meeting also addressed several key issues impacting the municipality. A proposal by a potential investor to establish kraals and a feedlot on one of the municipality owned farms was tabled before the council for consideration. Additionally, the council discussed the partial cancellation of outstanding municipal debts, with some residents expected to benefit from a 50% debt write-off.
Koni alluded that the municipality is also seeking support from the Chris Hani District Municipality through its GIS Shared Service Centre, which is expected to assist local municipalities in technical planning and development support. Furthermor, another issue highlighted during the meeting was the formal registration of municipal farms. It was discovered that some of the farms are not yet officially registered under the municipality’s name, prompting a call for immediate rectification.
In matters related to youth development, the Lady Frere Sports Legends group submitted a request for municipal support to assist young football players who have been scouted and are expected to attend universities in the Northern Cape. The council noted the resignations of two municipal officials Ms. Bavuyise Mdingi and the municipal manager, Ms. Pumla Makoma both of whom have vacated their positions.
