New Era Dawns in Lepelle Nkumpi: Smart Town to Revolutionize Economy and Lives

By Mpho Dube, Editor‑in‑Chief, The Azanian

In a landmark moment for the province, the Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality, under the visionary leadership of Mayor Councillor Dr. Merriam Molala, is set to unveil a modern smart town that promises to reshape the economic landscape and transform the lives of thousands.

The development, slated to break ground on November 21, 2025, with a sod-turning ceremony, marks a significant milestone as the first new town development in the region since the dawn of democracy.

Sprawling over 160 hectares of prime land, the new town will boast a range of innovative features, including a reimagined Central Business District (CBD), residential community, sculpture park, outdoor soccer field, and a modern taxi rank. This ambitious project is expected to create over 10,000 jobs, injecting new life into the local economy and providing opportunities for residents to build a better future.

“This is more than just a development; it’s a beacon of hope for our people,” said Mayor Councillor Dr. Merriam Molala.“We are committed to creating a thriving, sustainable community that will uplift and empower our residents. This smart town will be a shining example of what can be achieved through visionary leadership and collaborative effort.”

The community is abuzz with excitement, and local business owners are eagerly anticipating the opportunities that the new town will bring. “This development is a game-changer for us,” said Thembi Mokoena, owner of a local spaza shop. “We’ve been waiting for something like this for years. It will bring more customers and opportunities for our businesses to grow.”

Ntabiseng Lekganyane, a young entrepreneur, echoed Mokoena’s sentiments. “I’m thrilled about the job opportunities that this project will bring. It’s a chance for me to build a better life for myself and my family.”

The development has also garnered support from local stakeholders, including traditional leaders and business organizations. “This is a momentous occasion for our community,” said Kgosi Thompson Maseko, a local traditional leader. “We welcome this development and look forward to working with the municipality to ensure its success.”

The municipality has invited various stakeholders, including business leaders, community members, and government officials, to attend the sod-turning ceremony. “We’re excited to break ground on this groundbreaking project,” said a municipal spokesperson. “We look forward to working with all stakeholders to make this development a success.”

As the Lepelle Nkumpi community eagerly awaits the start of construction, there is palpable excitement about the transformative impact this project will have. The new town is poised to become a symbol of progress, innovation, and resilience—a place where the dreams of today become the realities of tomorrow.

“This development is a testament to the power of collaborative effort,” said Dr. Molala. “We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on our community.”

The sod-turning ceremony on November 21, 2025, will mark the beginning of a new era for Lepelle Nkumpi. As the community comes together to celebrate this milestone, there is a sense of hope and optimism about the future.

“This is just the beginning,” said Mokoena. “We can’t wait to see what the future hold for our community."