Mbhashe – Amathole District Municipality (ADM) hosted its annual State of the District Address (SoDA) on Wednesday, 06 August 2025, in Willowvale, under the theme: “Reaffirming That the People Are Governing Through Rigorous Public Participation, Prudent Fiscal Policies and Effective Local Economic Development.”
Addressing the Willowvale Indoor Sports Centre, hosted by Mbhashe Local Municipality, filled with traditional leaders, residents, councillors, and government partners, Executive Mayor Cllr Anele Ntsangani outlined the progress, pain points, and plans, anchored in a message of responsibility, fiscal resilience, service delivery impact, and governance maturity.
“We must act boldly, govern wisely, and serve selflessly. The people must feel the municipality—
not only in our words, but in their lived experience,” said the Executive Mayor.
Reflecting on ADM’s progress toward stabilisation and financial accountability, Cllr Ntsangani highlighted the migration from the SAP finance system to the new SAGE platform, a decision he said would strengthen audit outcomes, revenue collection, and financial reporting. Further to this, he cited the institution’s current “over R100 million in reserves, enabling ambitious plans such as building its own offices in Qumrha using internal revenue”.
On ADM’s balanced R2.6 billion budget for 2025/26, he said this reflected fiscal prudence, bolstered by debt relief from Amatola Water and cautious staff provisioning. With the continued payment channel of Pay@ at partnering retailers, he said this would enhance revenue collection.
Touching on the service delivery milestones, the Executive Mayor said as per the mandate of ADM, water and sanitation delivery remained central. Testament to this was the notable expansion in underserved communities during the past financial year, including Hogsback (Raymond Mhlaba), Hebehebe and Hlobo schemes (Mnquma), and Siviwe Township (Great Kei).
“ADM also drilled over 11,000 pit latrine toilets across all local municipalities and recorded progress in sanitation infrastructure like Zizamele sewer reticulation and Shixini water supply, both due for completion by 30 August 2025,” he affirmed.
R383 million was allocated through various grants to fund infrastructure projects across the district, with standout allocations to Mnquma, Mbhashe and Ngqushwa, including bulk water supply schemes, sanitation upgrades, and borehole equipping.
Commending good governance, and in a pivotal moment of the address, he congratulated the Local Mnquma Municipality for achieving a clean audit. “This remarkable milestone is emblematic of strong
leadership, transparency, and robust financial governance, a best practice worthy of district-wide emulation”.
The Executive Mayor acknowledged the severe floods that displaced hundreds in Mnquma and claimed lives across the district. He lauded the District Development Model (DDM) in action, which saw coordination among government, civil society, and the private sector.
On social cohesion, heritage and local economic development, the SoDA 2025 also underscored the role of heritage, sport, and youth development in promoting unity and economic participation. According to Cllr Ntsangani, ADM is investing in revitalising heritage sites, such as Maqoma’s grave, and launching initiatives like the Mayoral Cup, SMME support, and a “Cleanest Town Competition” to drive civic pride and stimulate the local economy.
On youth and women empowerment with a strategic focus on inclusive development, the Executive Mayor reported:
- 170 youth benefitting from artisan training through CETA;
- 20 youth trained in mobile phone repair in partnership with NEMISA and SAMDRA;
- 40% of tenders awarded to youth-owned enterprises;
- 13% to women-owned businesses.
