The newly elected executive mayor of the Vhembe District, Cllr Florence Dzhombere, said that everything must be done to fight poverty and that agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and the implementing of projects should be used to create jobs for poor communities.

“We want the dream of communities who voted us into office be realized, as they endured the long queues of the voting lines for a better life. As new councillors, we want to make our communities a better place to live in,” she said.

Mayor Dzhombere was speaking in Thohoyandou on Tuesday, shortly after the first council meeting.

During the event, 58 councillors were sworn in by a magistrate from Thohoyandou, Mr Luckson Ramavhale.

In his congratulatory message, a Cope representative, Mr Geoffrey Tshibvumo emphasised that the Vhembe District belongs to all the people who live in it, regardless of which political affiliation and urged all councillors to see to the speedy delivery of services to communities.

Cllr Jappie Ligege, representing the PAC, said new councillors must accept criticism so that they can be able to asses the needs of the people.