SHE IS ONE OF US – CDM CELEBRATES YOUNG PLANNER AWARD WINNER MAPHUTI MALOBA

Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) celebrated one of its own, Ms Maphuti Khomotso Maloba, who received the prestigious 2026 Young Planner Award from the South African Planning Institute (SAPI) during the Planning Africa 2026 Conference. The award recognised her contribution to the planning profession and placed the spotlight on the growing role of young professionals in shaping sustainable communities.Maloba, a Candidate Professional Planner in CDM’s Spatial Planning Unit, earned national recognition for her professional journey, which has included experience in private-sector planning consultancy, work with the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN), and municipal planning practice.

Born and raised in Polokwane, Limpopo, Maloba has developed expertise in integrated development planning, spatial planning, land use management and municipal planning governance. She also serves on the Municipality’s Investment and Funding Committee, where she contributes to discussions and processes supporting municipal development priorities.

The South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN) plays an important role in maintaining professional standards in the planning sector. Established under the Planning Profession Act, 2002 (Act 36 of 2002), SACPLAN is the statutory body responsible for regulating the planning profession in South Africa. Its mandate includes registering planners, promoting professional conduct, supporting quality planning education and training, and encouraging continuing professional development.

Through professional registration and the promotion of ethical and competent planning practice, SACPLAN helps ensure that planning professionals have the necessary qualifications, training and experience to contribute to responsible development. This is particularly important in municipalities, where planners help guide land use decisions, address spatial inequalities and support the development of inclusive, sustainable settlements.

Maloba’s professional journey also reflects the importance of continued learning, practical experience and professional development in preparing young planners to respond to South Africa’s complex spatial and development challenges.

Her latest achievement followed another significant milestone in 2025, when she secured second place overall in the SACPLAN Top 30 Young Planning Professionals Awards. The two recognitions across consecutive years highlighted her continued professional growth and commitment to the planning sector.

For Capricorn District Municipality, Maloba’s achievement represented an important milestone in recognising the expertise and potential of its employees. Her work contributes to planning processes that inform municipal development, land use decisions, investment opportunities and the long-term development of communities across the district.

The Municipality congratulated Maloba on her achievement, acknowledging her dedication and the example she sets for other young professionals pursuing careers in planning and public service.

Her recognition also reinforced the importance of investing in young talent, strengthening professional capacity and promoting excellence in local government. As municipalities continue to address development needs and build more inclusive communities, skilled planners remain essential to ensuring that growth is coordinated, sustainable and responsive to community needs.

Congratulations, Ms Maphuti Khomotso Maloba, on this outstanding achievement. You have made Capricorn District Municipality and the people of Limpopo proud.

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