The briefing, scheduled for 10:00 at the Matjhabeng main building in Welkom, is a move aimed at reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to transparency and accountability, said chief of staff, Mlungisi Martins. A key focus of the conference will be the progress of the Welkom Cargo Airport. 

Sébastien Investissements et Logistique’s CEO, Mark Brummer, confirmed formal site inspections and construction preparations were to start on the 25th of June, with the project entering its implementation phase. It is viewed as a cornerstone for revitalising the local economy and positioning the region as a key logistical hub.

Khalipha is expected to provide a detailed update on the project’s current status and its planned economic impact on the region, which has been the subject of recent public scrutiny and demands for greater transparency.

Khalipa will also address the ongoing controversy surrounding the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Questions were raised by Cogta on Friday (25/7) at the Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein about the alleged abuse of the EPWP funds. 

The briefing will likely shed light on the municipality’s response to these serious allegations and outline steps being taken to ensure accountability and proper use of the funds.

Other topics on the agenda include service delivery updates, the upcoming investment summit in September (18/9), and the implementation of the Audit Action Plan. Khalipha will also address allegations concerning solar projects involving a member of the mayoral committee and provide an overview of projects planned for the current financial year, including the acquisition of new service delivery vehicles. 

“This briefing reaffirms our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and keeping the public informed,” said Martins.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane mvh