By Buchule Putini
Willowvale – The Amathole District Municipality (ADM) has declared a new era of financial accountability and service delivery excellence, with Executive Mayor Cllr. Anele Ntsangani delivering a clear message from the 2025 State of the District Address (SODA): the district is rebuilding—on its own terms.
Speaking in Willowvale, Ntsangani revealed that ADM has, for the first time in its history, achieved R100 million in financial reserves, positioning it to self-fund key infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited construction of the Qumrha offices.
“This is not just a financial breakthrough—it’s a political statement. ADM is reclaiming its autonomy,” Ntsangani said to a crowd of councillors, officials, and community stakeholders.
Water, Toilets, and Tangible Progress
The mayor didn’t just speak finance—he spoke directly to the everyday struggles of the rural poor.
Over 11,223 pit latrines have been completed across the district, restoring dignity to thousands. Previously neglected villages now have access to potable water, and major supply projects—Shixini and Ngqamakhwe Phase 3—are nearing completion.
“These are not promises. These are realities on the ground,” Ntsangani said.
Responding to community demands, he confirmed that ADM has budgeted for the Sandile Dam Canal project, partnering with Amatola Water to bring sustainable infrastructure to life.
Ntsangani was unapologetic in his stance against corruption and the criminal vandalism of water infrastructure.
“We can’t deliver services while criminals destroy them,” he said, calling on law enforcement to bring perpetrators to book.
He urged the implementation of strong anti-corruption measures, warning that the abuse of public resources would no longer be tolerated in the district.
He also singled out Mnquma Local Municipality for achieving a clean audit, urging other municipalities under the district to “learn from Mnquma” and put communities before personal gain.
Underpinning this turnaround is ADM’s new financial system and a three-year debt relief plan, aimed at strengthening governance and cutting wasteful expenditure. Ntsangani made it clear: this is not a cosmetic overhaul—it’s a structural rebuild.
The 2025 SODA wasn’t just about ticking boxes—it was about resetting the tone. ADM is sending a message to the province and the country: it’s on a path of restoration, delivery, and accountability.
Whether the momentum holds will depend on political will, the integrity of leadership, and whether communities begin to see the change they were promised.
