King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality has applied for the re-determination of its municipal boundary to the Municipal Demarcation Board.
The aim of this application that was endorsed by KSD Municipal Council on the 28 March 2022 is to expand the geographic area of King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality and integrate the areas that are on its (KSDM) border line.
Above that, the communities of these areas are mostly receiving services from Mthatha in terms of shopping, health facilities and other government services because of their proximity.
These areas include Xhorha (Elliotdale) as a whole, some areas from Mhlontlo Municipality (ward 1,4 and 5) and ward 10, 11, 12 and 13 of Nyandeni Municipality.
Currently, KSD Municipality has a population of close to half a million and has a budget that is equivalent to the mentioned population.
However, being regarded as the economic hub of the former Transkei, KSD Municipality finds itself servicing more than its population due to influx of people coming from the neighbouring municipalities for services whereas their budget is allocated in their respective municipalities.
The application of amalgamation of these communities will benefit both the affected communities and the municipality since they will be conveniently serviced by KSD Municipality with their related budget appropriately allocated to KSDM.
Adding to that, the inclusion of these areas will lead to the upgrade of KSD Municipality from category B to category A in term of size and status.
Engagements with various stakeholders to sought their inputs has been on-going and more consultation will be conducted.
This activity is part of KSD efforts towards being a metropolitan municipality.
