Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality - Municipalities South Africa

Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality is a significant administrative region situated in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of South Africa’s North West Province. Encompassing a vast area, it is the largest among the five municipalities in the district, accounting for a quarter of its geographical expanse. The municipality’s administrative seat is in Zeerust, a town that serves as the central hub for governance and service delivery.

Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality Geographical and Administrative Overview

The municipality spans approximately 7,192.86 square kilometers, characterized by a mix of urban centers and extensive rural areas. While Zeerust is the primary urban settlement, other notable areas include Ikageleng, Henryville, Olienhout Park, Shalimar Park, Welbedacht (Lehurutshe Town), and Groot Marico. However, the majority of the population resides in rural or peri-urban environments, with over 40 villages scattered across the municipality. These rural areas, comprising about 70% of the municipality’s total area, often face challenges related to unplanned development and limited access to basic services.

Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality Demographics

As per the 2022 data, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality has a population of approximately 161,605 individuals. The demographic distribution is predominantly Black African, accounting for 94.4% of the population, followed by smaller percentages of White (3.8%), Coloured (0.9%), and Indian/Asian (0.7%) communities. The age structure indicates that 30.0% of the population is under 15 years, 61.6% falls within the 15 to 64 years bracket, and 8.3% is aged 65 and above. The dependency ratio stands at 62.3 per 100 individuals in the working-age group.

Governance and Political Structure of Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality

The municipal council comprises 37 seats, with 19 ward councillors elected directly by the wards they represent, and 18 proportional representative councillors allocated based on party lists to ensure proportional representation. In the 2021 municipal elections, the African National Congress (ANC) secured a majority with 23 seats. Other parties represented include the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 5 seats, Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) with 5 seats, Democratic Alliance (DA) with 1 seat, United Christian Democratic Party (UCDP) with 1 seat, Forum For Democrats (FFD) with 1 seat, and Freedom Front Plus (VF) with 1 seat.

Economic Landscape of Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality

The municipality’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, tourism, and small-scale industries. Agricultural activities include both subsistence and commercial farming, with crops such as maize, sunflower, and vegetables being cultivated. Livestock farming is also prevalent. Tourism potential lies in the municipality’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes, including the Marico River and surrounding mountainous terrains. Efforts are underway to promote local economic development through initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, investment attraction, and the establishment of small and medium enterprises.

Infrastructure and Service Delivery

Service delivery remains a critical focus area for the municipality. According to the 2016 Community Survey, 34.9% of households had access to piped water inside their dwellings, 40.3% had flush toilets connected to sewerage systems, and 93.3% used electricity for lighting. However, challenges persist, especially in rural areas, where access to basic services is limited. The municipality continues to implement infrastructure development projects aimed at improving water supply, sanitation, electricity distribution, and waste management services.

Education and Social Services

Educational attainment levels indicate that 13.7% of individuals aged 20 and above have no formal schooling, while 28.8% have completed matriculation. Higher education attainment stands at 6.1%. The municipality, in collaboration with provincial and national departments, is working to enhance educational facilities and access to quality education. Social services, including healthcare and welfare programs, are also being strengthened to address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Environmental and Energy Initiatives

In line with sustainable development goals, the municipality has embraced renewable energy projects. Notably, the Zeerust Solar Power Station, a 75MW photovoltaic plant, was commissioned in January 2021. Occupying 179 hectares, the facility comprises 250,080 solar panels and generates approximately 180 GWh annually, supplying electricity to around 84,000 homes. The project contributes to the national grid and supports the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

Challenges and Developmental Goals

Despite progress in various sectors, the municipality faces ongoing challenges, including high unemployment rates, especially among the youth, inadequate infrastructure in rural areas, and limited economic diversification. To address these issues, the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) outlines strategic objectives focusing on economic growth, infrastructure development, social upliftment, and environmental sustainability. Collaborative efforts with stakeholders at all levels are essential to realize these goals and improve the quality of life for residents.

Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality Contact Details

Postal	PO Box 92, Zeerust, 2865
Physical	Cnr President & Coetzee Streets, Zeerust
Tel	087 945 1747
Web	www.ramotshere.gov.za

Resident Queries

Accounts	082 482 0177 motseane.lencoe@gmail.com
Electricity	083 883 5604 tebzmorobz@gmail.com
Refuse & Waste	073 473 1115 phakalanetr@gmail.com
Roads	072 427 9482
Service Delivery	018 642 1081
Water	079 869 7667 mokgalagadid@gmail.com

Fun Things To Do At Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality

Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, located in South Africa’s North West Province, offers a rich blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and wildlife experiences. Here are some activities and attractions you might enjoy:

Cultural and Historical Sites

Kaditshwene Village Ruins: Explore the remnants of what was once the largest Iron Age settlement in southern Africa, offering insights into the region’s ancient Tswana civilization.
Zeerust Museum: Delve into the local history and culture of the Marico region through various exhibits and artifacts.
Dinokana Mission Lehurutshe: Visit this historic mission station to learn about its role in the spread of Christianity and education in the area.
Kleinfontein Memorial: Pay respects at this memorial site, which holds significance in the local history.

Nature and Wildlife

Madikwe Game Reserve: Embark on a safari in this renowned reserve, home to the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife species.
Tshukudu Dam: Enjoy birdwatching, fishing, or a peaceful picnic by the dam, surrounded by serene natural landscapes.
Marico Nature Reserve: Experience the diverse flora and fauna of the bushveld in this protected area, ideal for nature walks and photography

Conclusion

Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality embodies a region rich in cultural heritage and natural resources, with significant potential for growth and development. Through concerted efforts in governance, economic planning, and service delivery, the municipality aims to overcome existing challenges and pave the way for a prosperous future for its communities