MUNICIPAL
NEWS Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality A Leader in the Truest Form Women leaders in local government have fearlessly and bravely broken down stereotypes and proven day-byday that their political participation, representation, decision-making and influence is impactful on the communities that they serve. One such women, Councillor (Cllr) Merriam Malatji, Mayor of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, has demonstrated what true leadership looks like. The second born of seven children, her activeness in politics was evident from a young age, and she has consistently strived to capacitate herself for work in local government and amongst communities. (Cllr) Merriam Malatji, Mayor of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality
Cllr MM Malatji grew up and attended school in Namakgale, Mopani District, Ba-Phalaborwa LM. From 2006, and at a young age, she participated in the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) as well as the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL). That same year she was elected as Deputy Secretary in the ANC Phalaborwa branch where she rose to Deputy Chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC), a post she held until 2011. As her prominence grew, she was nominated to serve as Chairperson of the ANC in the Zakes Ngoasheng Branch as well as Chairperson of the ANCWL. In 2011 she served as Ward Councillor and midterm was appointed as a full time Cllr, heading up the Infrastructure Portfolio. In 2016 she served as Speaker of the Ba-Phalaborwa Council all the while serving as the Secretary of the
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Municipal Focus
Women’s Caucus and the Treasurer of the ANCWL between 2011-2014. In 2016 Cllr Malatji was once again nominated as Chairperson to lead the Salome Masiye branch, which she continues to spearhead in this position to date. No stranger to breaking glass ceilings, she also currently serves at the sub-regional level as the Chairperson and is the first woman ever to fill those shoes in the Phalaborwa sub-region. With a heart to serve, Cllr Malatji is a true foot soldier who has hit the ground running in various NGOs over the years including Thushanang Day Care Centre. As Convenor of the ANCWL in the subregion, she is also an advocate for the upliftment of women and youth in the community, particularly because she too grew up in a child-headed family after her mother’s passing at an early stage in her life.
Not one to shy away from hard work, Cllr Malatji is a self-starter who, when challenged by poverty, attempted various business initiatives such as the Ikageng Burial Society for 65 women in her community to put food on the table. She is mother to one daughter with two granddaughters. A lover of all things local and home-grown. A humble servant-leader, always ready to roll up her sleeves and work for her community. Her passion for the community is what has been her driving force and kept her active in politics. She serves as she leads – with humble integrity. Today she serves as the Mayor of Ba-Phalaborwa LM, but also campaigns daily on Gender Based Violence (GBV) matters and the education of those most affected by poverty.
