MEC launches the ZF Mgcawu District Road Forum in Upington

Today, the MEC for Roads and Public Works, Ms. Fufe Makatong, officially launched the ZF Mgcawu District Road Forum in Upington, marking an important step towards strengthening collaboration on road infrastructure matters in the district. The meeting was opened by the Executive Mayor of the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality, Cllr Maryna Basson, who reaffirmed the District Municipality’s commitment to the initiative. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of establishing a formal platform that enables direct communication between communities and the Department on matters relating to road infrastructure, service delivery and transparency.

Road infrastructure plays a critical role in supporting economic development across the district, as well-maintained and accessible road networks enable the movement of goods, services and people, while also improving connectivity between communities. The establishment of the District Road Forum is expected to strengthen two-way communication between government and communities, while also providing stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute to planning processes aimed at improving road infrastructure across the district.

The meeting was attended by Mayors from the Local Municipalities, representatives from the farming sector, the local business chamber, youth organisations and community organisations, reflecting the broad stakeholder interest in improving road infrastructure within the district. As part of the proceedings, the ZF Mgcawu District Road Forum was formally elected and constituted, establishing a representative structure that will guide the work of the Forum and support ongoing collaboration between stakeholders and the Department on matters affecting road infrastructure in the district.