The Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Cllr. Thanduxolo Khalipha, together with Acting Municipal Manager, Dr. Vuyo Adonis and Executive Management recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the China South Africa Youth Federation, led by its President, Luyanda Jonas, for a strategic engagement aimed at fostering long-term collaboration between the Federation and the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
The meeting focused on unlocking opportunities for economic development within Matjhabeng through targeted investment initiatives.
Key sectors identified for potential collaboration include manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy and property development. These sectors are expected to play a critical role in stimulating local economic growth, creating employment opportunities and enhancing the overall socio-economic landscape of the municipality.
The China South Africa Youth Federation is a dynamic platform that promotes cooperation between South African and Chinese youth.
Through programmes such as dialogue platforms, cultural exchanges and skills development initiatives, the Federation seeks to strengthen bilateral relations while empowering young people with global exposure and practical opportunities.
As part of its commitment to youth empowerment, the Federation highlighted available scholarship opportunities for deserving students and indicated that Matjhabeng will be considered among the beneficiaries for studies in China.
This initiative is expected to open doors for local youth to access international education and acquire critical skills that will contribute meaningfully to the development of the municipality.
In addition, the Federation, in partnership with the municipality, visited two local schools where they donated personal care products as part of a community upliftment initiative aimed at supporting learners and promoting dignity.
This engagement follows an invitation extended by the Executive Mayor to the Federation during the South Africa Investment Conference 2026, which was led by the President of the Republic and held in Sandton.
This initiative is expected to open doors for local youth to access international education and acquire critical skills that will contribute meaningfully to the development of the municipality.
The meeting marks a continuation of efforts to position Matjhabeng as an attractive destination for both local and international investment. Furthermore, the Federation extended an official invitation to the Executive Mayor and his delegation to visit China.
The purpose of the visit was to showcase Matjhabeng as an investment destination, explore innovative development models and engage potential investors with a view to unlocking further opportunities for the municipality.
In his remarks, Executive Mayor Khalipha expressed appreciation for the Federation’s visit and reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.
He further announced a dedicated municipal team that will work closely with the Federation to ensure the effective implementation of agreed programmes and to maximize the impact of this collaboration.
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Municipal investment profiling: A digital approach
In 2023, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA introduced the “Investment Profile Template Guide for Municipalities in South Africa” to help municipalities present their investment potential. Research showed only 15% of South African municipalities had investment profiles at the time.
However, limited financial and human resources have hindered digital promotion and investment attraction. SALGA has launched a programme to assist municipalities with digital initiatives, and the following municipalities are included in the first phase:
- City of Ekurhuleni (Gauteng)
- West Coast District Municipality (Western Cape)
- Mnquma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape)
- Matjhabeng Local Municipality (Free State)
The main objective of this project is to provide municipalities with a platform to market themselves as investment destinations to both domestic and foreign investors using an already existing platform and access to the Global Africa Network audience.
