Dr AB Xuma Month Launched with Service Projects and Community Events

The Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality has officially marked the start of Dr AB Xuma Month, a commemorative programme held throughout March to honour the legacy of renowned South African leader Dr Alfred Bathini Xuma.

The municipality declared March as Dr AB Xuma Month to recognise the values that defined Dr Xuma’s leadership, including disciplined governance, accountability, and a commitment to improving the living conditions of communities.

Municipal officials say the commemoration is intended not only as a historical reflection but also as a practical initiative aimed at strengthening service delivery and community participation across the municipality.

Honouring a Historic Leader

Dr Alfred Bathini Xuma played a significant role in South Africa’s political history and is widely recognised for his leadership and advocacy for social progress.

According to the municipality, the annual programme seeks to keep his legacy alive by encouraging public servants and residents to work together toward improved public services and community development.

The municipal council emphasised that Dr Xuma’s belief that leadership should deliver measurable improvements remains a guiding principle for the municipality’s work.

Infrastructure and Service Delivery Projects

As part of the commemorative programme, the municipality has planned several activities throughout the month.

These include the handover of completed bridges, oversight visits to construction sites, and road maintenance initiatives aimed at improving local infrastructure.

Municipal leaders say these activities are intended to demonstrate practical service delivery while also highlighting the municipality’s commitment to infrastructure development.

Clean-Up Campaigns at Local Hospitals

In recognition of Dr Xuma’s lifelong commitment to healthcare and human dignity, the municipality will also conduct clean-up campaigns at All Saints Hospital and Mjanyana Hospital.

The campaigns aim to promote cleaner and safer environments for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.

Municipal officials say the initiative forms part of a broader effort to encourage community involvement in maintaining public facilities.

Memorial Lecture and Awareness Campaigns

The programme will also include a memorial lecture for municipal employees, which aims to deepen understanding of Dr Xuma’s leadership values.

Officials say the lecture will encourage public servants to internalise these principles and apply them in delivering responsive and people-centred services.

Additional awareness campaigns are expected to encourage residents to participate actively in protecting public infrastructure and supporting municipal development initiatives.

Community Race and Public Participation

One of the highlights of the month will be the annual Dr AB Xuma Month Race, which will bring together residents, municipal employees, and stakeholders.

The race forms part of efforts to promote unity and encourage broader community participation in the commemorative programme.

Municipal leaders say the event symbolises a shared commitment to building stronger and more connected communities.

A Call to Action for Communities

Mayor Cllr Siyabulela Zangqa said the commemoration highlights the importance of principled leadership and collective responsibility.

He noted that meaningful progress is achieved when strong leadership works alongside an engaged and responsible community.

According to the mayor, the month-long programme serves as a reminder that improving communities requires cooperation between government institutions and residents.

Continuing Dr Xuma’s Legacy

Municipal officials say Dr AB Xuma Month is intended to be more than a symbolic observance.

Through infrastructure projects, health-related initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, the municipality aims to translate Dr Xuma’s values into tangible improvements for residents.

The council believes that by promoting ethical leadership and community participation, the programme can contribute to long-term development and improved service delivery in the municipality.