Pretoria - Outgoing Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa was vibrant and happy after the 2011 local government elections when he was given the mammoth task of leading the capital at the tender age of 34.
Fast forward five years down the line - or six-and-a-half years later to be exact - and “Sputla” said he felt more vibrant, happier and wiser than when he first took the oath.
It becomes six years when taking into consideration that he became mayor about a year earlier, taking over from Gwen Ramokgopa, ironically his aunt, who had been appointed deputy minister.
“It was an absolute privilege for the ruling party and the people to give me a platform of being mayor.
“Many 34-year-olds don’t have the privilege of being bestowed with such an auspicious responsibility,” a jovial Ramokgopa told the Pretoria News on Tuesday.
Ramokgopa is in his final days at the helm of the third biggest metro geographically in the world. After next week’s elections, he will be succeeded by Thoko Didiza if the ANC emerges victorious.
However, before clearing out his Centurion office, he will first appear in the council for the final time on Tuesday. The purpose of the special sitting is to bid farewell to members who will not return after the polls.
Ramokgopa said the city bestowed on him the greatest honour and opportunity to serve it.
And his parting message to the masses of the capital city is: “I thank all of you for this rare opportunity and responsibility and for your support that has allowed this city to become a better and liveable place.”
Ramokgopa had just presented his end of term report at Freedom Park, where his audience included ambassadors and high commissioners, his executive and traditional leaders.
The outgoing mayor didn’t exhibit any bitter feelings about having to step out of the highest office in the capital, or if he did, then he hid this well.
In typical Sputla fashion, he waltzed into the hall flashing his trademark smile and dance moves as he had always done at public events even when he delivered what turned out to be his final State of the Capital Address a few months ago at the same venue.
The hall came alive when Ramokgopa joined some of the entertainment acts at the event, dancing with his MMCs and even joining the choir in a song.
Ramokgopa said he had no regrets about his term and would gladly accept the responsibility of being mayor again.
He said he initiated some projects that didn’t get to see the light of the day, but admitted that it was the nature of the job.
Ramokgopa said he considered those moments as challenges rather than regrets. “It was nothing that gave me sleepless nights.
“The best measure of a clean conscience is whether you are able to sleep at night, and that was the case with me,” Ramokgopa said.
Asked what he would change if he had another term in office, Ramokgopa said the projects that his administration had initiated were still relevant. He would aggressively address the housing backlogs, especially in townships.
He would also expand the A Re Yeng bus rapid transit, grow the Tshepo 10 000 initiative and address the rising scourge of nyaope in townships. He said his administration made several commitments to residents to amplify the provision of municipal services and infrastructure; and accelerated economic growth, job creation and social development. In addition, it committed to building sustainable communities with clean, healthy and safe environments, and integrated social services.
“These commitments are echoed in the work of the city over the term, and in our focus on accelerating service delivery, promoting growth and economic development and strengthening the institution,” Ramokgopa said.
From next Wednesday, when Ramokgopa is officially no longer on public duty, his immediate task will be to complete his PhD thesis, which he predicted would take him six months.
“Of course, I will also handle matters of the ANC as and when I am required to do so.
“In a few days, I will turn off the lights in my office for the last time,” he said.
“But even though my time in office and serving you will be over, the memories will never leave me; they will nourish me every day of my life.”
Pretoria News