MEDIA INVITE  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
ADM TO LAUNCH YOUTH SKILLS PROGRAMME IN MBHASHE 
ADM HEADQUARTERS, WEDNESDAY, 19 MARCH 2025 

The Amathole District Municipality (ADM), in partnership with the National Electronic Media Institute of  South Africa (NEMISA) and the South African Media Development and Diversity Agency (SAMDDRA),  will officially launch the Cell Phone Repairs Training Program on 20 March 2025 in Mbhashe  Local Municipality. This after invitation for applications for the programme had closed on 25 February  2025. 

This initiative aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of young people in the Mbhashe Local Municipality by providing accredited training in cell phone repairs. 

Programme Highlights: 

• Theoretical and practical training sessions
• Final assessments and moderation activities

Expected Impact: 

• Development of skilled and certified individuals to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the mobile computing devices industry
• Creation of sustainable jobs and income
• Positive ripple effects in local communities

Date: 20 March 2025 
Time : 11h00 
Venue : Mbhashe LM Animal Pound 

Join us as we empower the youth and contribute to the economic growth and development of Amathole East region. 

For media enquiries please contact Amathole District Municipality Acting Spokesperson Ms. Sisa 
Msiwa on 079 889 4921 | 071 215 8257 (WhatsApp) | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
NEMISA Spokesperson Ms. Victoria Tau on 081 257 4386 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  
Issued by the Amathole District Municipality in partnership with the National Electronic Media 
Institute of South Africa

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO HEAVY RAINFALL IMPACT ON 13 – 14 MARCH 2025

ADM HEADQUARTERS – TUESDAY, 18 MARCH 2025

Amathole District Municipality (ADM) has conducted a preliminary assessment following the heavy rainfall on 13–14 March 2025, which caused significant damage across multiple local municipalities. The municipality is actively coordinating response efforts to assist affected communities and mitigate further risks.  

Incident Overview  

Severe rainfall led to infrastructure damage, disrupted access routes, and affected several households.

Impact on Communities

- Amahlathi Local Municipality : Multiple households sustained structural damage.  

- Mbhashe Local Municipality : Infrastructure damage included flooding at Shixini Bridge, impacting road access between Aucland, Bhomela, and Fort Malan as well as multiple households.

- Ngqushwa ML – Multiple households

- Mnquma LM – Multiple households sustained structural damages along with road infrastructure

- Great Kei LM- Multiple households

Municipal Response & Support Measures 

- Rapid assessments have been conducted to determine the full extent of damages.  

- The municipality is working on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Shixini Bridge, a known flood risk area.  

- Further disaster classification and cost estimates are in progress.  

Way Forward

While ADM remains committed to supporting affected residents and ensuring swift intervention, local municipalities are also encouraged to activate their disaster joint operations committees to coordinate local based response and relief measures for the benefit of the communities. Residents are urged to report damages and emergencies to their respective local municipal offices. Further updates will be provided as assessments continue,

For media enquiries contact ADM Acting Spokesperson Sisa Msiwa on Mobile:  079 889 4921 | WhatsApp: 071 215 8257 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
POST COUNCIL UPDATE: ADM COUNCIL ADOPTS KEY RESOLUTIONS FOLLOWING STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
ADM HEADQUARTERS, WEDNESDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 2025 

The Amathole District Municipality (ADM) successfully concluded its two-day Institutional Strategic Planning Session on 25 February 2025, laying the foundation for strengthened service delivery and financial accountability. On the same day, the session was followed by a Council Meeting, where key resolutions, including the adoption of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) report and the Mid-Term Budget Adjustment were passed.

Strategic Focus and Discussions
The Strategic Planning Session prioritized critical development initiatives, including infrastructure, tourism, and property management. Notably, discussions included the planned transformation of an ADM-owned property into student accommodation near Fort Hare University to address housing needs. Financial accountability remained a key focus, with an emphasis on implementing the Audit Action Plan to address Auditor General findings. Other major topics included political intervention in Amatola debt, investment in arts and crafts as an economic driver, and potential research into the cannabis industry.

MPAC Report Adoption
During the Council meeting, the MPAC report was tabled and adopted, following an assessment of various ADM 
infrastructure projects. 
Key recommendations included:
• Strengthening security to prevent vandalism and theft of municipal infrastructure.
• Standardizing labour remuneration and enhancing support for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
• Enhancing collaboration with Eskom to mitigate power-related project delays.
• Enforcing penalties for contractor delays and ensuring only reputable service providers are appointed.
• Fast-tracking the recruitment of peace officers to address illegal water connections.
• Implementing robust project and risk management systems.

Mid-Term Budget Adjustment Approved
A key outcome of the Council meeting was the adoption of the Mid-Term Budget Adjustment, aligning financial planning with strategic priorities. The revised budget ensures efficient resource allocation to critical service delivery projects, addressing funding gaps, project delays, and operational challenges identified during the Strategic Planning Session and MPAC assessments.

Recognition of Traditional Leadership
During the meeting, the ADM Council Speaker took the opportunity to congratulate the district’s traditional leaders for their achievements in various categories at the South African Traditional Leaders Awards ceremony that recognize efforts in promoting indigenous culture and heritage across Amathole District. The Speaker commended their commitment to preserving and celebrating local traditions, reinforcing the municipality’s dedication to cultural heritage as a cornerstone of community development.

Commitment to Implementation
Closing the session, ADM leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the swift execution of the adopted resolutions. Municipal officials have been directed to operationalise key strategies, ensuring that discussions and planning translate into tangible benefits for communities.

For media enquiries contact Sisa Msiwa on 0798894921 | 0712158257 (WhatsApp) | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Issued by ADM Communications and Customer Care