Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) conducted a formal investigation session with KSD Municipality to discuss the two applications that the municipality made with Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) pertaining to the outer boundary redetermination and recategorization from category B to category A municipality.
This occurs after the Municipality applied to the Municipal Demarcation Board in March 2022 to be designated as a Metropolitan, citing, among other things, the Municipality’s status as an economic centre for the former Transkei region and its ability to serve a population that is significantly larger than its half-million budgeted population.
The proposed redetermination of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality’s municipal boundaries includes the exclusion of Xhorha/Elliotdale Town from the municipal areas of Mbhashe Local Municipality and Amathole District Municipality; the exclusion of Wards 2, 4, and 5 from the municipal area of Mhlontlo Local Municipality; and the exclusion of Wards 10, 11, 12, and 13 from the municipal area of Nyandeni Local Municipality and amalgamate them with King Sabata Local Municipality and O.R Tambo District Municipality to establish a new Category A Municipality.
Key topics were discussed during the session held on Thursday October 19, 2023 included understanding the MDB’s role in the demarcation of municipal boundaries and its implications for service delivery and governance. The session further assisted in identifying challenges faced by KSD Municipality and other stakeholders in the demarcation process and other issues.
Representatives from other affected municipalities were present including Nyandeni, O. R. Tambo, Mbashe and Amathole District Municipalities. The MDB engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding the demarcation of municipal boundaries and the impact on our respective stakeholders. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange valuable insights, share concerns and explore potential areas of cooperation.
The municipalities and key stakeholders expressed their views and concerns in the establishment of KSD as a Metro which will enable us to collectively address and work towards mutual beneficial outcomes.
The Executive Mayor appreciated the MDB’s willingness to engage in an open and constructive discussion. We believe that this meeting marks the beginning of a positive and collaborative partnership that will contribute to the overall development and well-being of our communities.
Moving forward, KSD will continue to actively engage with the MDB, the affected municipalities and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the interests of our community members and the communities they serve are well-represented.
We look forward to future collaborations and the positive impact they will have in our municipality and the broader community.
Two Circulars in 2021 were released, where it was indicated that the MDB will be opening the municipal boundary redetermination process after the local government elections in 2021. The process is expected to conclude in 2024 and is in phases.
