Midvaal highlights key milestones at 2nd Ordinary Council Meeting
On Thursday, 26 Februaryhe Midvaal Local Municipality celebrated a series of major milestones, including prestigious national awards, a R2 billion private sector investment and the tabling of its adjusted 2025/2026 budget.
Executive Mayor Peter Teixeira, during his concil address said: “The municipality continues to demonstrate that good governance and visionary leadership produce tangible results.”
Midvaal shines at PMR.africa Awards
Midvaal was recognised at the 2025 PMR.africa Golden Arrow Awards, securing three awards in the Local Government Initiatives category. The municipality received two Gold Awards for job creation, tourism, environmental management, infrastructure development and crime prevention, as well as an award for social upliftment and investment attraction. Teixeira was also honoured with the Diamond (1st Overall) Outstanding Pro-active Mayor Award.
“Midvaal is honoured to receive these prestigious awards, which recognise excellence, leadership, and innovation in service delivery,” he said.
R12 million road upgrade completed
The mayor confirmed that the long-awaited Papegaai Road gravel-to-tar project opened on 3 February at a cost of R12 million. Construction began in September 2025 and was completed on time and within budget. The project created opportunities for nine SMMEs and employed seven locals.
Teixeira highlighted that the road had long been identified in the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), adding that the upgrade would significantly improve access for residents travelling from Sicelo Walk-ups and surrounding areas to the Multipurpose Centre. Teixeira said: “Midvaal remains committed to investing in infrastructure despite limited resources.”
Lakeside Multipurpose Centre nearing completion
Significant progress has also been made on the Lakeside Multipurpose Centre, which is expected to open in June 2026.
According to the mayor, the astroturf field, tennis courts, ablution facilities, 5-a-side football pitch and main hall have been completed. Accoring to the Mayor only minor water connections and cosmetic finishes remain. “The municipality will continue investing in recreational spaces for community benefit,” he added.
Open Day highlights service delivery gaps
Midvaal recently hosted its first-ever Open Day in an effort to bring municipal services closer to residents. All departments were present to address complaints and service-related matters. Residents raised concerns ranging from billing queries and flooding to safety issues, illegal tuckshops and building plan approvals. While pleased with the turnout, Teixeira acknowledged shortcomings within the municipality’s response systems.
“It is unacceptable for residents to wait weeks without receiving feedback from departments or public representatives,” he said.
He added that many of the issues raised were operational matters that could have been resolved more swiftly, indicating the need to tighten accountability and improve organisational efficiency.
Service Delivery Thursdays reinstated
The municipality vows to reinstate “Service Delivery Thursdays” – coordinated blitz campaigns where departments work together in identified areas to address backlogs. These interventions will include grass and tree cutting, pothole repairs and road marking.
“We must remain a responsive institution that is committed to serving our communities,” Teixeira said.
R2 billion Soufflet Malt investment boosts economy
In a major economic development, Midvaal welcomed a R2 billion investment by Soufflet Malt SA, which broke ground on 5 February for a new malting plant. The project is expected to strengthen the brewery and agro-processing value chain, stimulate local suppliers – including emerging farmers – and create jobs.
Teixeira said the investment signals strong confidence in Midvaal and supports its transition from a strong agricultural base towards industrialisation. “This investment signals confidence in our municipality and affirms Midvaal’s commitment to attracting investment, supporting innovation, and promoting inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Investment Facilitation Committee strengthened
Following engagements with prospective investors and developers, the municipality is strengthening its Investment Facilitation Committee to reduce red tape and improve turnaround times. The committee will coordinate internal processes, ensure regulatory compliance and align developments with municipal priorities.
“Our goal is clear: to grow the Midvaal economy so that our residents benefit through increased opportunities and job creation,” Teixeira said.
Adjustment budget tabled
Council also tabled the Adjusted Capital and Operating Budgets for the 2025/2026 financial year, in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
Teixeira assured councillors that the municipality remains on track to meet its strategic and financial targets, explaining that the adjustment budget accounts for unforeseen expenditure pressures and updated revenue projections.
37 students awarded financial aid
The mayor announced that 37 students have been selected to receive funding through the 2026 Mayoral Student Financial Aid programme.
A total of R800 000 has been allocated, including a R50 000 contribution from Nedbank. Since its inception, the fund has disbursed over R2.3 million, benefiting more than 94 students. “To our learners, we are incredibly proud of how far you have come. Go forward and bring home that qualification,” Teixeira told beneficiaries present at council.
“Midvaal is not standing still”
In his concluding remarks, the mayor said the municipality remains committed to building a responsive and accountable institution. “Midvaal is not standing still. We are moving forward with purpose,” he said.
He quoted former President Thabo Mbeki, saying: “The defining challenge of our time is to build a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it.”
“In Midvaal, we strive to do exactly that,” Teixeira concluded.
