Former Mangaung mayor scoops prestigious award

By: Staff Reporter

Former National Chairperson Of South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and Manguaung executive mayor Thabo Manyoni received an international award in recognition of the work he did in the sphere of local government in Kenya on Friday.

Speaking exclusively to Africa News Global on the sidelines in Kenya, a humbled Manyoni, who is now a Member of Parliament (MO), said he felt honored to be celebrated among the best public servants on the continent.

When asked about how he felt for being recognized outside South Africa, Manyoni said he was doing the work he was elected to do, not to be honored but to better the lives of the people.

“We are doing the work we were elected for, not for us to be honored but to better the lives of our people.

“We often don’t look for recognition when we execute our duties as leaders of society,” said Manyoni.

He shared his thoughts on the status of municipalities, particularly the ones in the Free State. Manyoni said the problems were at the top leadership, where political parties appoint people who do not understand how local government works.

Manyoni said it was no secret that many municipalities in the country were dysfunctional.

“In all honesty, if you don’t have good leadership in these municipalities the service rendered to the people will be of second class.

“We have good leaders especially in the Free State but most of them are being overlooked, hence we find our municipalities in this dire situation,” Manyoni added.

Former Zambian president Joaquim Chissano was also among leaders who were honored alongside Manyoni.

Chissano was honoured for the work he did In championing local government work in the Southern African Development Community (SADEC) countries as its former president and Vice President of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA)