Lupane Local Board Chairperson Councillor Thandolwenkosi Nyoni signs the 2026 Performance contract.
“Fellow residents of Lupane, Stakeholders, and partners in development. I stand before you today, having just signed the 2026 Performance contract with the Honorable Minister of Local Government and Public Works. This contract is not merely a piece of paper. It is a solemn commitment to the people of Lupane and Central government that our Board will be held to the highest standards of accountability, transparency and progress.” Addressing the Central government’s concerns during this signing. The Central Government expressed serious concerns regarding two critical pillars of local governance, service delivery and its twin, revenue collection. It has been made clear that for Lupane to grow, we must bridge the gap between our budgeted aspirations and our actual financial performance.
Last year, Lupane Local Board reported a 10% collection rate. To be frank, this is unsustainable. A 10% collection rate means we are only operating at a fraction of our potential leaving 90% of our planned improvements for wards ,our roads, water infrastructure and waste management on the shelf.
“It is my deepest wish that we implement our budgeted projects for 2026. However, the reality is that service delivery is a direct reflection of revenue. We cannot build the Lupane we desire without the resources to do so. Should we improve our collection rates, I pledge that the Board will prioritise: upgrading local infrastructure to meet urban standards; enhancing waste management and community sanitation; and investing in youth and community development spaces,” promised Chairperson Nyoni.
To move the needle from 10% toward a sustainable target, Lupane Local Board will be launching intensive revenue collection awareness campaigns. We want to ensure that every resident understands where their money goes and how their contribution directly improves the quality of life for their family and neighbours. Beyond awareness, we are refining our strategies to make payment systems more accessible and efficient, ensuring that we remove any barriers to compliance.
Firstly, i want to emphasize that this will be an inclusive approach. Service delivery and revenue collection are two sides of the same coin and neither can succeed in a vacuum. We need to work together. Council, Residents and business owners alike. I invite all stakeholders to joins us in these feedback meetings and campaigns. Let us move away from the statistics of the past and work towards a functional, thriving Lupane. When we pay our dues, we empower our Board to deliver the excellence you deserve. Together, lets build a better Lupane encouraged Board Chairperson Thandolwenkosi Nyoni.
