Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) successfully hosted its 2025 State of the District Address (SoDA) on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, in Ermelo.
The event was presided over by the Speaker of Council, Cllr Busisiwe Sekhonde, and attended by Executive Mayors from the local municipalities, GSDM Councillors, stakeholders, and community members.
In his address, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu reflected on the Municipality’s achievements, ongoing challenges, and development priorities. He highlighted progress in infrastructure development, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and institutional strengthening.
Despite not being a Water Services Authority, GSDM continues to play a vital role in bulk infrastructure development, maintenance support, and water quality testing for all seven local municipalities.
Through strategic partnerships with the Department of Water and Sanitation, over R940 million worth of water and sanitation projects were delivered in the 2024/25 financial year, with major upgrades in Msukaligwa, Empuluzi, Rooikoppen, and critical interventions in Standerton and Taljaard.
Additional large-scale projects are planned for Amsterdam, Standerton, and Embalenhle. On roads and community facilities, GSDM, working jointly with local municipalities, rehabilitated over 18,000 m² of roads, including major works in Ermelo, Carolina, and Bethal.
Through the use of Jetpatcher trucks, nearly 35,000 m² of potholes were repaired, alongside 163 km of blading and 45.7 km of re-gravelling with plant equipment recently donated to local municipalities.
The Executive Mayor also welcomed progress on the 42 km Msukaligwa Ring Road, a strategic project in partnership with SANRAL valued at R800 million, expected to ease traffic congestion and stimulate economic growth upon completion.
The Executive Mayor further acknowledged GSDM’s trusted role as an Implementing Agent for catalytic infrastructure, with projects such as the upgrade of the Siyathemba Stadium in Dipaleseng under the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).
Additionally, through the Municipal Support Unit, skilled officials were deployed to Mkhondo and Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme municipalities to enhance financial oversight, contributing to the achievement of unqualified audit outcomes.
In addition, the report by Cllr Mngomezulu also highlighted the Siyathuthuka programme which created 138 sustainable jobs and, with a R826,000 National Treasury grant, supported 230 short-term jobs across the district.
The Executive Mayor’s report received broad support from Council, including members of the opposition, who commended the progress made and offered constructive recommendations, particularly on substance abuse prevention and improved disaster management.
GSDM remains committed to transparent governance, inclusive development, and sustainable service delivery that enhances the quality of life for all residents. The event was attended by Executive Mayors from the local municipalities, senior managers across the sectors, Councillors, stakeholders, and community members.
