WEATHER ALERT!!!! 

04 June 2015, ADM Headquarters

Amathole District Municipality (ADM) has received a stern warning from the South African Weather Services (SAWS), that high seas with wave heights are expected along the coast of the Eastern Cape from 6h00 to 09h00 pm from 5 to 6 June 2015. 

The alert also states that snow is also expected over the high lying areas and this is expected to cause disruptive falls over mountain passes. 

ADM wishes to request motorists, road users and members of the public, to take necessary precautions.  

Issued by ADM Communications and Customer Care Unit. 

MEDIA INVITE/ADVISORY

ADM EXECUTIVE MAYOR TO DELIVER THE 2015 STATE OF THE DISTRICT ADDRESS

ADM Headquarters, Wednesday, 27 May 2015

The Amathole District Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Nomasikizi Konza will deliver the State of the District Address on Friday the 29th May 2015 at Dutywa Stadium next to King Hintsa FET College, Mbhashe LM at 10h00 am.

In the main, the State of the District Address is aimed at tabling the District’s Programme of Action, ADM’s local municipalities based budget allocations on all ADM competency areas of service delivery, for the 2015/16 financial year while outlining socio-economic gains made by the municipality since the ushering in of the people’s government.

Themed “Going back to basics, restoring our people’s dignity”, the 2015 SODA is expected to also put emphasis on eradication of sanitation backlogs, water infrastructure development, eco-tourism, agriculture and rural development ADM’s contribution to a noble cause of “opening the doors of learning for all”.

As a build up to main activities of the State of the District Address, ADM Senior Management will be hard at work in celebration Madiba’s life and legacy. In keeping with the international call of “Making everyday a Mandela Day”, ADM Management and will extend join hands and participate in the building or establishment of 142 toilets at eMangqosini village  which is located at Mbhashe local Municipality. The event is scheduled to take place on the 28th May 2015 and will commence at precisely , 08:30am.

It is said that “Its more than a celebration of Madiba’s life and legacy . It is a global movement to honour his life’s work and act to change the world for the better , It is in your hands”

As quoted in the book  - Troubled Waters by Joseph Diescho  “Ask not what your country can do for you but instead what you can do for your country”

The gallant 2015 SODA will also be preceded by a Gala Dinner which will be held on Thursday 28 May 2015 in King Hintsa Hall at 18h00. During the Gala Dinner, Her Worship the Executive Mayor is expected to recognize outstanding persons who made an enormous contribution to sports development,  nation building and social cohesion, in their respective industries. Among other distinguished persons who will receive the Special Awards of Recognition, are the legendary Ace Ncobo, Vuyani Bungu, Zolani Mkiva, Mthetheleli Ngumbela, Mzimasi Mnguni, Simphiwe Nongqayi, Ayabonga Khaka, Lonwabo Mtimka, Mandisa Williams, Zolisa Noxeke, Zandile Njeza and Thobile Mtya.

Communities are encouraged to listen to the Executive Mayor’s Address live on Umhlobo Wenene FM, Forte FM, Vukani FM and Khanya FM from 09h00 am (29 May 2015). This august event will also be streamed live on ADM website www.amathole.gov.za

NB: Members of the media are cordially invited to attend and cover this event. Transport has been arranged for reporters/journalists who may need assistance. The shuttles are scheduled as follows:

Shuttle 1

·         Departure Time: 07h00

·         Route/pick up points: Municipal Offices in Bedford – Adelaide - Fort Beaufort – Alice (Fort  Hare University Main Gate) – King William’s Town (Steers) - Qumrha enroute Dutywa Stadium.

Shuttle 2

·         Departure Time: 07h00

·         Route/pick up points: Municipal Offices in Chiselhurst (ADM Head Office) - Regent Hotel  (EL-Beach Front)– Khanya FM (Butterworth) enroute Dutywa Stadium.

RSVP: Ms Nonceba Vuso, Manager: District Communications, Cell: +27 (0) 82 419 0161 or E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Issued by the Amathole District Municipality’s Communications and Customer Care Unit.

Attached is the CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO HIS MAJESTY KING ZWELONKE 

Attachments:

Ahzwelonke.pdf

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375 kB

COMMUNITIES PLEASED WITH CHANGE IN MNQUMA  

As Amathole District Municipality (ADM) public hearings on the Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget Framework took off in Mnquma and Mbhashe on Thursday the 09th of April 2015, representatives from 16 wards of Mnquma Local Municipality were pleased with ‘evident’ change in their living conditions. The two sessions marked the first round of the 2015 public hearings, a third review of ADM’s five year strategic plan since 2011. A Draft IDP and Budget Framework were tabled to a packed Ngqamakhwe Town Hall. The hearings coincide with Imbizo Focus Week, another government’s commitment to deepen democracy, public participation and active citizenry while embracing government’s call to work together in “moving South Africa forward.” 

The public hearings are in keeping with Chapter 4 & 5 of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 as amended, which encourage and create conditions for the local community to participate in the affairs of the municipality, including the preparation, implementation and review of IDP and Budget.

Nosamkelo Maphuthuma of ward 13 in Ndakana said: “At ward 13 we have toilets, water, electricity and I am more than certain that not a single one at ward 13 will not receive a toilet structure,” before receiving overwhelming applause from the crowd. 

Maphuthuma’s views were quickly echoed by one proud Mzukisi Ngalo who thanked ADM for continuously engaging with communities and creating better living conditions for all. “Our living conditions have changed for the better and what gives us hope is ADM commitment to do more. To those who have not yet witnessed this change, we are more than hopeful that the work of government continues and nothing will stop it,” Ngalo said. 

The Integrated Development Plan public hearings are considered the biggest public participation platforms out of which a master plan that gives the overall framework for the development of programmes and/or projects is developed, for the benefit of communities. The exercise gives credence to local government public participation while deepening democracy, transparency and accountability. 

Acting Executive Mayor and Portfolio Head for Strategic Planning and Management Cllr Mbulelo Bikitsha told communities that a lot has been done and government is committed to address all backlogs but this required a “patience and collective action” as it takes government time to realise a complete package of service delivery.

“We are pleased to hear our communities showing confidence in the government of the day. We fully understand the frustrations some of them have that are a result of some of the backlogs that still exist in Amathole. We are resolute in our quest to address all the backlogs in the district, all we are asking for is patience and working together,” Bikitsha said. 

The following were among a list of milestones Bikitsha highlighted:

•         The proportion of Amathole households with access to piped water has increased since 2001 from 112 400 households (48.6%) to 166 600 households (70.1% of households) in 2011; 

•         Amathole households with access to a flushing toilet has increased from 29 000 households in 2001 to 41 300 households in 2011; 

•         Full eradication of bucket system in all formal areas. In 2015/16 ADM is set to develop a policy on the temporary/alternative service provision to informal settlements and farms as zoning challenges have adversely stifled eradication of the bucket system in informal settlements and farms

•         Over R56 million has been set aside for Mnquma Local Municipality to address water and sanitation backlogs in 2015/16. 

To ensure financial viability of a municipality that receives a total of 62% in granting funding, ADM also announced a proposed tariff increase of only 6%. The increase is in line with the average inflation and the maximum growth set by National Treasury. 

Bikitsha did not shy away from some of the service delivery challenges that are still confronting ADM. He said ADM is still faced with challenges such as aging water infrastructure, sanitation backlogs, access to electricity and illegal water connections. 

Contact: Siyabulela Makunga

Senior Manager: Communications & Customer Care

Communications and Customer Care Unit