POLOKWANE MUNICIPALITY: Achieves grade 6 status

Polokwane, the capital of Limpopo Province, has officially been upgraded to a Grade 6 municipality, placing it on par with South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities. This milestone is a significant step in the city’s development, reflecting its growing economic strength and population. With a total income exceeding R2.1 billion and a population of more than 2.2 million, Polokwane meets the criteria required for this classification.

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala stated that the upgrade is expected to enhance service delivery. "This transition ensures that revenue collected by the municipality is reinvested into critical services such as water provision, waste management, road maintenance, and other essential municipal functions. The improved status also makes Polokwane more attractive to investors, potentially driving economic growth and job creation."

Implications of the Upgrade Service Delivery Enhancements:

The municipality aims to use its increased revenue to improve infrastructure and basic services for residents.

Increased Investment Appeal:

The improved grading enhances the city's stability, making it more attractive to businesses and investors.

Higher Remuneration for Councillors:

The reclassification brings new salary structures for councillors and officials. A full-time mayor will now receive an annual package of R1,546,392, while the Speaker and mayoral committee members will earn R1,248,895 and R1,176,440, respectively.

Considerations and Future Planning

While the upgrade has been met with celebration, the DA raised concerns regarding Polokwane being able to ensure that service delivery keeps pace with its growing status. Opposition voices have highlighted areas that still require attention, such as infrastructure maintenance and water supply, urging the municipality to prioritise these aspects as it moves towards metro status.

Selala defended the reclassification, emphasizing that the city's revenue growth and population size justify the transition. "A Grade 6 municipality is better positioned to secure funding, attract investments, and implement large-scale service improvements. This is a step forward, not just for the administration but for the people of Polokwane."

The Road Ahead...

Mayor John Mpe has reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing metro status for Polokwane, though he acknowledges that additional work remains. "We have a vision for Polokwane’s future, and this milestone is part of that journey. Our goal is to continue improving service delivery and infrastructure while ensuring that our residents see tangible benefits from this upgrade."

A formal roadmap towards metropolitan status is expected to be developed, outlining key financial and infrastructural requirements. The next steps will focus on improving municipal governance, boosting revenue collection, and addressing outstanding service delivery challenges to ensure the city meets all the criteria necessary for full metro recognition.

While challenges remain, Polokwane’s leadership remains optimistic that this transition will ultimately lead to a more efficient and prosperous municipality. The success of this upgrade will depend on strong governance, financial accountability, and a sustained commitment to improving the lives of its residents.

"We have a vision for Polokwane’s future, and this milestone is part of that journey. We will continue improving service delivery and infrastructure while ensuring that our residents see tangible benefits from this upgrade." –Mayor John Mpe