Ekhephini, 25 June 2026 – The Joe Gqabi District Municipality (JGDM) today convened its Second Ordinary Council Meeting for 2026 at the Council Chambers in Ekhephini, where councillors considered and adopted a range of strategic reports aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery and positioning the municipality for the commencement of the 2026/2027 financial year on 1 July.
In her mayoral address, Acting Executive Mayor, Councillor (Cllr) Unathi Hlathuka, reflected on the prevailing global and national environment, highlighting the importance of peace, economic stability and responsive local governance. She further called on the institution to enter the new financial year with renewed focus on implementation.
“Let us approach the new financial year with renewed energy, renewed commitment and renewed determination to serve our communities with integrity and excellence. Most importantly, we must ensure that the decisions taken in this Council Chamber translate into meaningful improvements in the daily lives of the people of Joe Gqabi District,” said the Acting Executive Mayor.
The Acting Executive Mayor further called for peace as organisations prepare for the planned march against undocumented foreign nationals on 30 June 2026; “We call on all participants and communities to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and responsibly,” she expressed.
Key matters considered by Council include:
Council noted and adopted the 2026/2027 Winter Season Preparedness Plan and Snow Protocol Contingency Plan. This plan will strengthen the municipality’s disaster preparedness and coordinated emergency response during the winter season.
The Water Services Development Plan for the 2026/2027 financial year was approved, which will provide the strategic framework for water and sanitation planning and infrastructure development.
The Service Level Agreement and Implementing Agent Agreement between Joe Gqabi District Municipality and the Joe Gqabi Economic Development Agency (JoGEDA) were renewed for the next three financial years (2026/27 – 2028/29). Furthermore, Council appointed a new JoGEDA Board for the new contract duration, as the term of the current Board ends on 30 June 2026. The new Board will assume office on 1 July 2026.This will enable the continued functioning of JoGEDA and its implementation of strategic infrastructure and economic development projects.
Council noted reports from the Audit Committee and the Council Resolution Tracker report, aimed at strengthening oversight, accountability and audit readiness ahead of the annual external audit process.
Council also received a report on compliance with the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Municipal Non-Negotiables, and the tabling of a Notice of Motion relating to bulk water and sanitation infrastructure in Pola Zone 2.
Speaking after the meeting, Speaker of Council, Cllr Mfundo Bongela, said the meeting demonstrated Council’s commitment to exercising effective oversight while ensuring that the municipality enters the new financial year on a strong governance footing.
Council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining sound financial management, preparing comprehensively for the upcoming audit process and implementing programmes that respond to the developmental needs of communities throughout Joe Gqabi District.
