Polokwane Municipality has noted with concern a misleading video clip that is currently circulating on social media platforms, which distorts the context and content of remarks made by the Executive Mayor, Cllr Makoro John Mpe, during a recent Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultation session with the Molepo/Chuene/Maja Cluster community.
The video in question selectively presents a moment where the Executive Mayor is seen addressing a disruptive individual in the audience.
Unfortunately, the clip deliberately omits the broader context of the discussion, which centred on the equitable allocation of municipal resources particularly with regard to road infrastructure development across all wards.
The Executive Mayor was explaining that, due to budgetary constraints and the principles of fair service delivery, it is not feasible to tar all roads in a single area within one financial year.
The approach adopted by the municipality ensures that development is shared equitably among communities.
It was during this explanation that a member of the audience began to disrupt the session, thereby undermining the purpose of the engagement and the rights of other residents to participate meaningfully.
The Executive Mayor’s response, which is now being taken out of context, was a firm but reasonable attempt to restore order and ensure the continuation of a constructive dialogue.
It is regrettable that the video has been manipulated in a manner that seeks to misrepresent the Executive Mayor’s intentions and derail the spirit of public participation that underpins IDP consultations.
Polokwane Municipality continues to uphold its commitment to transparency, inclusive governance and meaningful engagement with all residents.
The municipality, therefore, urges members of the public to be cautious of misinformation and to seek full and verified context before drawing conclusions.
The municipality further stands firm in its resolve to serving all communities fairly and to ensuring that every citizen has a voice in the development of our city.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
