On 31 October 2023, Amathole District Municipality (ADM) held a hybrid council meeting at Mbhashe Local Municipality Chambers to note and approve various institutional reports as tabled by both the Executive Mayor Anele Ntsangani and Council Speaker Onke Mgunculu.
As part of his opening remarks, Speaker Mgunculu welcomed Nkosi Khayalethu Mqalo after swearing him in as a member of council as he replaces Nkosi Xabiso Zulu.
"We are hopeful and working hard to ensure that just as it was during the winter season, no life will be lost during this period, and this can only be achieved if we work together with our communities" he shared.
However according to Mgunculu the initiation process will be open for those who are not in school, and those who are in school will undergo the practice when they are done with their exams.
Mgunculu expressed that the Municipal Demarcation Board conducted a Demarcation program wherein ADM alongside its Local Municipalities had to defend the district's Wards from being removed under its durisdiction as an act of Municipal boundaries.
"This is an ongoing program as we want to ensure that we fulfill our strategic objectives "-he said.
Council pronounced on the December shutdown period that ADM offices will close from the 18th December 2023 and reopen on the 3rd January 2024. This means the last day of work is the 14th of December since President Ramaphosa declared the 15th as a public holiday in celebration of the Springboks World Cup Victory. However during the shutdown period essential services employees will be on standby to ensure ADM communities are serviced.