The Chris Hani District Municipality led by Executive Mayor Cllr Lusanda Sizani, together with G-Fleet Acting Chief Operations Officer Vuyisa Mankumba, has officially handed over 66 of 136 brand-new service delivery vehicles to satellite offices across all local municipalities at the Indoor Sport Centre in Komani.

The handover forms part of a 48-month Intergovernmental Full Maintenance Vehicle Lease (FML) Agreement signed between the district municipality and G-Fleet, a government fleet management entity operating under the Department of Roads and Transport. Through the agreement, the district gains access to 136 service delivery vehicles, with the first 66 vehicles now being deployed.

Speaking during the ceremony, Executive Mayor Lusanda Sizani said the municipality's previous fleet cost R3 million per month to maintain, while the new FML arrangement will reduce monthly fleet management costs to about R1.5 million. "The initiative effectively reduces fleet management costs while strengthening operational resilience and mitigating service outages. Under the FML model, the monthly lease cost per vehicle remains fixed for the duration of the agreement, enabling improved financial planning and budgeting," said Sizani.

He added that the vehicles will significantly improve water service provision, operations, and maintenance across the district, enhancing the municipality’s ability to respond to service delivery challenges. He said the new fleet represents a major investment in the wellbeing of communities across the district.

“This initiative demonstrates the district’s commitment to improving services for our communities. Municipal service delivery directorates must increase their visibility and use these vehicles effectively to address service delivery challenges. Our communities deserve improved services, regardless of the upcoming elections,” he said.

G-Fleet Acting Chief Operations Vuyisa Mankumba said the municipality's employees completed a two-day workshop on fleet management responsibilities. He explained that G-Fleet, originally a Gauteng government initiative, now supports municipalities nationwide through an Intergovernmental Framework approved by National Treasury. Rather than competing with government garages, G-Fleet complements their services by helping municipalities manage vehicle fleets more effectively.

The mayors of all local municipalities within the district, together with the Executive Mayors of Chris Hani District Municipality, welcomed the handover as a progressive step towards improving water services and strengthening service delivery throughout the district.