The multi-million-rand project between the Department of Rural Development and Masia Community is a good model of a very successful rural story that needs to be copied by other communities.

This was said by Executive Mayor Tshitereke Matibe during his visit to the Masia Traditional Council last week. Matibe’s visit was part of his mission to visit all senior traditional leaders in Vhembe to investigate the challenges facing the communities. During his visit, Matibe also expressed his appreciation for the good working relationship between the traditional council of Ha-Masia under the leadership of Thovhele Vho-Mmbangiseni Masia and his communities, that led to the construction of a library, a hall, theatre, computer centre, cultural village and sporting facilities.

Since the project started, more than 1 000 people have been employed and more will  benefit when the project is complete.

Matibe said he was grateful to see a traditional leader who was more than willing to see the development of his community like what was happening at Ha-Masia. “I hope other traditional leaders will learn from this project.  This development will create jobs, reduce poverty and crime.  I am proud of you, Thovhele Masia, and your people. Keep it up,” said Matibe.

Masia said he was happy to hear that they were on the right track.  He said the project started after he approached the Minister during the celebration of Masia Day some years back.

Matibe was also confronted with other challenges facing the community, such as a lack of clinics, the high crime rate, poor road conditions, the shortage of schools, a lack of shelter for pensioners and the water shortage. The community members said that they did not have their own satellite police station because of the demarcation which was created by the apartheid government.

Matibe said the issue of damaged roads would be addressed by the national government.  He said boreholes would be provided as a temporary solution to the water challenge facing the community but the Nandoni Dam would provide a long-term solution.

He said there must be an awareness campaign against the high crime rate in the area.