By Lerato Mutlanyane

Premier leads Thuntsha Lerole programme delivering houses, a new library, farmer support and relief for vulnerable residents

Residents of the Rustenburg Local Municipality breathed a sigh of relief as North West Pre mier Lazarus Mokgosi led the final segment of the Thuntsha Lerole Phase 5 Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, reinforcing the provincial government’s commitment to fast-tracking service delivery and bringing government services closer to communities. Phase 5 of the programme, launched in August 2025, marks a strategic continuation of the prov ince’s efforts to deliver integrated services, tack le long-standing service delivery challenges and strengthen public participation in governance. On 6 March, Mokgosi and members of the pro vincial leadership officially opened the Tshukudu Library in Ward 45 and handed over RDP houses to beneficiaries in the Thekwane area. The premier also handed over two addition al houses in Bokamoso, advancing government’s drive to expand access to housing and restore dig nity to communities through improved living con ditions. Meanwhile, the province is stepping up efforts to combat the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which has affected several parts of the country. A vaccination campaign is already under way, with vaccinations administered and informa tion sessions conducted for farmers in the Mid delkraal area. The campaign forms part of broader efforts to accelerate vaccine roll-outs, strengthen coordina tion of funding and support farmers in protecting animal health and safeguarding the agricultural economy. As part of initiatives supporting education and learner wellbeing, 200 sanitary towels were distrib uted to learners at Areaganeng Secondary School, while school shoes were handed to learners from disadvantaged families at Marikana Primary and Kroondal Primary schools. The provincial government also delivered food parcels to vulnerable households in Wards 32 and 33, ensuring support reaches the most disadvan taged residents. Environmental sustainability formed part of the programme, with tree-planting activities conduct ed at the Masakhane Home-Based Care centre and at newly handed-over RDP houses. The programme concluded with an interactive community feedback session at Braampie Sports Ground in Marikana, although proceedings were briefly disrupted by rainy weather. With the completion of Phase 5 of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Pro gramme, attention now turns to whether the North West provincial government will soon roll out Phase 6. With Phase 5 of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerat ed Service Delivery Programme now concluded, the North West provincial government says the initiative continues to play a critical role in taking services directly to communities. Residents welcomed the delivery of housing, social support and agricultural assistance, while attention now turns to whether the province will soon roll out Phase 6 to sustain the momentum of bringing government closer to the people.