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The Amathole District Municipality (ADM), through its Disaster Management Centre, and in partnership with Gift of the Givers, held a three-phase disaster relief program on Tuesday, 06 May 2025. This initiative provided crucial aid to Mbhashe Local Municipality communities affected by severe April 2025 storms. The program addressed the needs of 265 impacted households, many of whom had lost shelter and essential supplies.
Humanitarian aid, including blankets, food, and other necessities, was distributed to Dutywa (wards 2, 4, 8, and 9), Elliotdale (wards 11, 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29), and Willowvale (wards 13, 17, and 18), benefiting 50, 190, and 20 community members respectively.
Leading the programme in the absence of ADM Executive Mayor Cllr Anele Ntsangani were Mayoral Committee Members Cllr Bulelwa Madikane in Dutywa and Willowvale as well as Cllr Celiwe Genyane in Elliotdale. MMC Cllr. Bulelwa Madikane framed the intervention as a key component of ADM's ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and facilitating post-disaster recovery. She acknowledged the significant hardship caused by the effects of climate change, stating the loss of one's home as deeply traumatic, emphasising the importance of providing assistance.
In Xhora, MMC Cllr. Celiwe Genyane, put emphasis on the role communities play in building and shaping a municipality, informing attendees that partaking in municipal and governmental programs benefits greatly to help develop communities.
The event was also attended by Mbhashe Acting Mayor and Developmental Planning MMC Cllr. Nomvuyiseko Mgedezi, Ward Councillor Sonwabile Toyana, Gift of the Givers representetatives, officials from the district and local municipalities as well as those from key sector departments.
Mr. Mthuthuzeli Melithafa, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed sincere gratitude for the timely and effective intervention, emphasizing the crucial support provided to families in dire need. He commended the collaborative leadership and compassionate response to the community's crisis.

The Amathole District Municipality (ADM) held its final 2025/26 Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget Public Hearings in Mbhashe Local Municipality on 02 May 2025.
The session was led by ADM Executive Mayor Cllr Anele Ntsangani, accompanied by Mbhashe LM Acting Executive Mayor for the day Cllr Thethemini Sitwayi, ADM Mayoral Committee Members, local councillors and traditional leaders.
Guided by the National Treasury’s MFMA Budget Circular 129, the Executive Mayor announced an amount of R78.7 million in Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and R23 million in Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) funding for Mbhashe LM's water and sanitation infrastructure development projects.
Reflecting on ADM’s progress over the past three years, Ntsangani affirmed that the district is on a solid path of functionality and good governance.
He placed strong emphasis on local economic development, urging communities to take the lead in entrepreneurial initiatives, with municipalities and government structures providing necessary support.
He stated - “Let’s shift the narrative from service delivery to service development—because where there is development, service delivery will naturally follow.”
Cllr Ntsangani also called for responsible use of municipal infrastructure, warning against illegal water connections, vandalism, and the disposal of foreign objects in sanitation facilities.
“Abuse of these services negatively impacts the entire community. Unauthorized connections reduce water availability and compromise our ability to manage supply efficiently.”
Community members raised concerns about water access, with some noting existing infrastructure lacking water delivery, while others praised ADM's communication and temporary water provision.
The event included political, administrative, and traditional leadership, demonstrating ADM's commitment to inclusive governance.