EKURHULENI’S MMC MLAMBO: “A CITY IS NOT BUILT BY GOVERNMENT ALONE”

“On behalf of the City of Ekurhuleni, I extend a warm welcome to all of you who have gathered here for this important Community Care and Partnership Outreach.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the China Hong Kong Association SA and the Germiston Chinese Business Community for this generous initiative and for the invitation to join you as a distinguished guest.

This event is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together. Today, we are not just handing over essential items like wheelchairs, blankets, and food parcels. We are handing over hope, dignity, and a tangible expression of solidarity.

The core of this outreach, supporting residents of Extensions 5, 8, and 9 speaks directly to our shared local priorities. By focusing on disability inclusion, food security, and social cohesion, we are investing in the most vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that no one is left behind. This is the very essence of inclusive local development.

Let me take a moment to elaborate on why partnerships like these are not just welcome, but essential to the future of our city.

In Ekurhuleni, we have a saying: “A city is not built by government alone.” The challenges we face—poverty, inequality, unemployment, and social fragmentation—are too large and too complex for any single actor to solve. The municipal budget, however carefully allocated, cannot reach every corner of need on its own. That is why community partnerships and Corporate Social Investment are not optional extras; they are strategic pillars of our developmental agenda.

Firstly, partnerships bring proximity and precision. Community-based organisations and local businesses understand the unique needs of our wards better than any government department ever could. When the Chinese Business Community identifies 1,000 pre-verified beneficiaries in Extensions 5, 8, and 9, they are not guessing, they are responding to real, lived needs. This is people-centred development in action.

Secondly, CSI is about dignity, not charity. When businesses invest in wheelchairs for mobility, school bags for education, and food parcels for nutrition, they are affirming the humanity and potential of every resident. True CSI restores agency. It says: “We see you, we value you, and we believe in your future.” That is far more powerful than a handout, it is a hand-up.

Thirdly, these partnerships build social cohesion and bridge divides. In a city as diverse as Ekurhuleni, initiatives like this bring together people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and sectors around a common purpose. They break down stereotypes, foster mutual respect, and create shared ownership of our collective well-being. When a business community invests in a neighbourhood that is not its own, it is saying: “Your success is our success.” That is the foundation of a truly inclusive city.

Fourthly, they catalyse multiplier effects. A food parcel feeds a family today; a school bag educates a child for years; a wheelchair enables a caregiver to return to work. These investments ripple outward, reducing pressure on public health facilities, improving school attendance, and strengthening local economies. In this sense, CSI is not a cost; it is a high-return investment in human capital and social stability.

And finally, partnerships foster innovation and agility. Government processes can be slow; community and business responses can be swift. When we collaborate, we combine the reach and legitimacy of the state with the flexibility and creativity of the private and civic sectors. That is how we pilot new solutions, scale what works, and adapt quickly to emerging crises, whether economic shocks, climate events, or public health challenges.

To the business community here today: I want you to know that your contribution is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. You are not just donors; you are co-builders of this city. And to the residents: please know that your city cares about you.

This initiative is a testament to the power of community and a reminder that we are all partners in building a better future for Germiston and our entire metropolis.

I would like to thank the organisers once again for their vision and hard work. Your commitment to this community is truly commendable. It is initiatives like these that strengthen the social fabric of our city and build bridges of understanding and cooperation.

I wish you all a successful event. Let us continue to work together to build a city of hope, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Thank you.”