The Spatial Planning & Local Economic Development Department, led by Director Ms. Zolisa Xabadiya, is pivotal to the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), driving initiatives for spatial equity, sustainable housing, and robust economic growth. Operating from the head office in East London, with outreach to local municipalities across ADM’s jurisdiction, the department fosters accessible land development, organized settlement planning, and regional economic vitality. It is structured into two core divisions—Land and Human Settlements, and Economic Development—each comprising specialized sub-components managed by dedicated teams to deliver impactful services that align with ADM’s vision for inclusive and prosperous communities.
The department operates within a framework of relevant legislation, including the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, National Housing Code, and environmental protection regulations. Its primary objectives include ensuring accessibility to land development through key spatial features, providing adequate and sustainable human settlements with organized planning methods, and promoting regional economic development. This encompasses business enterprise growth, tourism and film industry expansion, heritage resource management, agricultural and agrarian reform contributions, and environmental stewardship to enhance community livelihoods through economic opportunities.
The Land and Human Settlements Division focuses on equitable land access and housing solutions through four sub-components. Land Administration manages land tenure and registration processes; Spatial Planning develops frameworks for urban and rural development; Human Settlement Development oversees housing projects and infrastructure; and Land Development Fund Management allocates resources for land-related initiatives, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.
The Economic Development Division drives prosperity through six sub-components. Economic Research analyzes trends to inform strategies; Business Enterprise supports SMEs and cooperatives; Heritage Resource Management preserves and promotes cultural sites; Agricultural Development advances farming and agrarian reforms; Environmental Management safeguards natural resources; and Tourism & Film Development boosts visitor attractions and industry investments, positioning Amathole as a cultural and eco-tourism destination.
The department collaborates with internal stakeholders, including ADM Council, Standing Committees, Legal and Executive Support Services, Amathole Film Association, and ASPIRE, to integrate efforts across governance structures. Externally, it partners with key entities such as the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, National Department of Tourism, Small Enterprise Development Agency, National Heritage Council, Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Association, South African National Botanical Institute, Eastern Cape Liquor Board, Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, Farmers Union, Department of Rural Development, National Department of Public Works, Provincial Department of Human Settlements, National Home Builder Registration Council, Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reforms, and Department of Local Government & Traditional Affairs. These alliances amplify ADM’s developmental impact.
Flagship projects underscore the department’s commitment to tangible outcomes, including the Tourism Imbizo for stakeholder engagement, Heritage Awareness campaigns, Bawa Falls Construction for eco-tourism, Armed Struggle Living Museums and Ntaba Ka Ndoda heritage development for cultural preservation, Hamburg Blue Flag certification for beach sustainability, EPWP Graduate Intern Program for skills building, and the Co-Operatives Skills Development Centre in Mnquma Local Municipality for enterprise empowerment. Annual events such as the ADM Tourism Imbizo, Amathole District Municipality Mayors Challenge, and Agricultural Expo further promote innovation and community involvement.
Through these initiatives, the Spatial Planning & Local Economic Development Department, under Ms. Zolisa Xabadiya’s leadership, upholds a professional, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach, driving ADM’s dedication to spatial justice, housing security, and economic empowerment for resilient community futures.