The Technical Services Department of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), led by Director Ms. N. Msebi and operating from its head office in East London, is tasked with the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of municipal engineering services, as mandated by the Municipal Structures Act, Act 117 of 1998, as amended. Subject to annual review by the Demarcation Board and the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the department ensures that these functions align with district-wide strategies outlined in ADM’s 5-year Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which is reviewed annually. The department is structured into two core divisions—Planning, Programme Development & Implementation, and Operations—each overseen by dedicated teams to deliver reliable, sustainable, and equitable infrastructure services across ADM’s seven local municipalities.

The department operates under key legislation, including the Water Services Act, National Land Transport Act, and Division of Revenue Act, prioritizing accessible and sustainable water, sanitation, solid waste, and transport infrastructure. Its objectives focus on meeting national service delivery targets for universal access to potable water and sanitation, integrated solid waste management, and public transport facilities within a 2km walking distance for all households, while fostering job creation and community development.

The Planning, Programme Development & Implementation Division comprises three units. The Planning & Design Unit identifies and develops water services infrastructure projects through consultation, feasibility studies, and compliance with the Water Services Act. It maintains drawing and specification guidelines and oversees special projects like interim water provision and sanitation initiatives, while managing the Sanitation Resource Centre, which promotes sanitation technologies and good practices (contact: 043-851-1110/3). The Building and Services Planning Unit drives rural and urban regeneration through the Land Reform and Settlement Plan and Housing Strategy, manages building plan control for two local municipalities, administers the Rural Transport Infrastructure and Services Grant, and oversees the Road Asset Management System (RAMS). This unit includes sub-units for Building and Planning Services, which handles amenities, buildings, and renovations; Solid Waste, which manages regional waste sites and transfer stations; and Transport, which develops public transport facilities and RAMS. The Project Management Unit (PMU) administers the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, manages the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP), and supports contractor development through initiatives like the MasakheSonke Incubator Programme. The PMU operates across three regions: Western (Nkonkobe, Nxuba, Ngqushwa), Central (Amahlathi, Mnquma), and Eastern (Great Kei, Mbhashe).

The Operations Division, through the Water Service Provider (WSP), ensures equitable, reliable, and sustainable water and sanitation services (contact: 043-703-5854). Key functions include maintaining water sources, operating pump stations and treatment facilities, managing water and sewer networks, reducing water loss, and ensuring compliance with national water quality standards (SANS 241). The division oversees regional operations across the seven local municipalities, supported by teams responsible for water care, asset management, and mechanical and electrical maintenance.

Key flagship projects include accelerated sanitation programs to eradicate backlogs, the Eastern Regional Solid Waste Site in Ibika, Butterworth—the first of its kind in the Eastern Cape—and the implementation of the Road Asset Management System to enhance public transport access. The department collaborates with internal stakeholders like ADM Council and external partners, including the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Eastern Cape Integrated Transport Planning Committee, to drive sustainable infrastructure development. Through these efforts, the Technical Services Department upholds a professional, community-focused approach, advancing ADM’s commitment to equitable service delivery and improved quality of life.

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.

The Corporate Services Department, led by Director Dr. Vuyo Dlelaphantsi, is a cornerstone of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), driving operational excellence and employee well-being. Based at the head office in East London, with satellite offices strategically located across local municipalities within ADM’s jurisdiction, the department ensures a professional and supportive environment. It is structured into two core divisions—Integrated Human Resource Management (IHRM) and Integrated Support Services (ISS)—each managed by Senior Managers and supported by specialized units overseen by Unit Managers. These units work cohesively to deliver high-quality human resource and administrative services, aligning with ADM’s mission to enhance service delivery and foster a caring workplace.

The department operates under a robust legislative framework, including the Constitution of South Africa, Labour Relations Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Equity Act, Municipal Systems Act, Municipal Structures Act, and Skills Development Act, among others. Its core objectives include implementing an effective job evaluation system to ensure fair grading and remuneration, promoting sound labour relations, fostering a safe and healthy work environment, and providing training and development for employees and Councillors to elevate service delivery standards. The department also supports the realization of externally focused Integrated Development Plan (IDP) objectives, contributing to ADM’s broader community service goals.

The IHRM Division is dedicated to optimizing human capital through four key units. The Job Evaluation and Organizational Development Unit ensures optimal organizational structures, maintains up-to-date job descriptions, and implements accurate job evaluation processes for appropriate TASK grading. The Labour Relations Unit manages employer-employee relations, resolves disputes, and promotes workplace transformation through professional assistance and negotiations. The Employee Wellness and Safety Unit enhances employee well-being through confidential Employee Assistance and Wellness Programmes (EAP/EWP), implements HIV/AIDS workplace initiatives, and ensures compliance with safety regulations. The Human Resource Development Unit drives skills development through learnerships, internships, bursary schemes, and training programs for both employees and Councillors.

The ISS Division provides essential auxiliary services to internal departments and external stakeholders, ensuring operational efficiency. Its units include Personnel Administration, which manages payroll, benefits, leave, and employee records; Switchboard Services, ensuring effective telephonic communication; and Archives, maintaining a compliant and secure record-keeping system. The Cleaning and Tea Services Unit ensures hygienic and well-maintained facilities, while the Messenger Services Unit facilitates efficient postal delivery. Building and Property Management oversees cost-effective maintenance of council properties, and Assets Management, including fleet management, ensures proper management and insurance of council assets. Security Services safeguard council premises, and the Calgary Museum Management Unit oversees a state-of-the-art conference facility available for bookings by local municipalities and government entities (contact: Ms. Tembisa Noqoko at 043-783 2203 or Mrs. A. Mc Allister at 043-701 4077). The division also manages office automation contracts and office accommodation lease agreements to ensure adequate workspace.

The Corporate Services Department collaborates with all ADM departments to create a conducive work environment, providing essential tools like vehicles, telephones, and office spaces, while ensuring timely dispute resolution and staff development. Externally, it partners with key stakeholders such as the Local Government SETA, Provincial Archives, labour unions (IMATU and SAMWU), professional associations like the HPCSA, the Auditor General, SARS, pension funds, medical aid schemes, and insurance companies. These partnerships strengthen the department’s ability to deliver on its service provision mandate, ensuring a professional, efficient, and caring environment that supports ADM’s commitment to excellence and community welfare.

The Budget & Treasury Office, led by Chief Financial Officer Mr Ncedile Zengethwa, serves as the financial backbone of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM), ensuring efficient and effective financial operations. Operating from the head office in East London, the department drives fiscal discipline, enhances expenditure quality, allocates financial resources, and strengthens financial governance across the district. Committed to promoting shared growth and socio-economic equity, it fosters responsive budgeting, value-for-money spending, and the protection of municipal assets, aligning with ADM’s mission to achieve sustainable development and community welfare.

The department operates under key legislation, including the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), the Constitution of South Africa, and the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations, among others. Its primary objectives include turning around the district’s financial viability, building asset management capacity, achieving clean audit reports, ensuring long-term financial sustainability, promoting good financial practices, providing financial advice to the council, ensuring compliance with accounting and legal requirements, and implementing revenue-generating strategies.

The Budget & Treasury Office is structured into two sub-directorates: Financial Management and Supply Chain and Asset Management, each overseen by Senior Managers to deliver high-quality financial services.

The Financial Management Division comprises two units. The Revenue Management Unit ensures accurate and timely billing for all billable consumers, maintains the integrity of the billing master file, enforces credit control, registers indigent consumers for subsidies, and manages cash reconciliation in compliance with MFMA Circular 50 of 2009. The Budgeting Unit, managed by Senior Manager Ms. Sharon Kalis, coordinates budgeting and expenditure control, supports departments with budget formulation, facilitates budget adjustments, and ensures compliance with the Division of Revenue Act and Treasury regulations. It prepares the Annual Budget (Schedule A), Adjustment Budget (Schedule B), monthly reports (Schedule C), Section 71 and 72 reports, and VAT returns, while monitoring budget implementation and externally and internally funded projects.

The Supply Chain and Asset Management Sub-Directorate encompasses the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Unit and the Asset Management Unit. The SCM Unit, guided by the MFMA and the Constitution, implements a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective SCM policy. It manages demand, acquisition, logistics, risk, supplier performance, and contracts, ensuring timely delivery of resources, compliance with procurement processes, and effective contract management, including dispute resolution and performance monitoring. Key initiatives include service provider development, contractor development, speedy contract awards, and reduced SCM deviations. The Asset Management Unit, led by Senior Manager Ms. Sibongile Mkhohlakali, oversees the acquisition, safeguarding, and maintenance of municipal assets in compliance with MFMA Sections 14 and 63 and GRAP standards. It develops and implements the Asset Management Strategy, maintains the asset register, and ensures assets are classified correctly (e.g., PPE, investment property, intangible assets) while facilitating asset management and maintenance plans.

The Budget & Treasury Office collaborates with all ADM departments to align financial strategies with service delivery goals and engages external stakeholders such as National Treasury, SARS, and the Auditor General to ensure compliance and transparency. Through its flagship projects, including contractor development and performance monitoring, the department drives financial sustainability and accountability, reinforcing ADM’s commitment to effective governance and community-focused development.