Executive Mayor Vusi Nhlapho speaks to an audience of business professionals during a key address at the mayoral business breakfast.
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The Emalahleni Local Municipality hosted its annual Mayoral Golf Day Business Breakfast, bringing together local business leaders, community stakeholders, and government representatives in a bid to strengthen collaboration for social development.
The event, led by the Speaker of Council, Councillor Millicent Shabangu, set the tone for a morning of dialogue around the city’s most pressing social challenges, including drug and substance abuse, unemployment, and youth development.
Addressing the attendees, Executive Mayor Councillor Vusi Nhlapho called for a united front between the public and private sectors to drive sustainable community change. He urged businesses to support aftercare programmes, arts and culture initiatives, and youth-focused projects aimed at rehabilitation and social reintegration.
“This is our moment. We stand at a crossroads between broken families and rising crime, yet also among striving youth and a renewed sense of purpose in our city,” said Nhlapho, noting that collaboration and accountability would be key to rebuilding the community’s social fabric. The Mayor also emphasized that the municipality’s vision for Emalahleni hinges on community healing, financial discipline, and the promotion of local culture as pillars of progress.
Cllr Shabangu, who directed the programme, highlighted the importance of addressing mental health as a cornerstone of community well-being. Quoting Nelson Mandela, she reminded attendees that “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” The municipality expressed appreciation to its partners and sponsors, including Seriti and Empower Machite, for their ongoing commitment to local development and social upliftment.
