Mnquma newSJANUARY - JUNE 2017Putting People First

Mnquma newS

Executive Mayor Cllr Thobeka Bikitsha delivering the state of the municipality address.

A community member interacting with Mnqumaleadership during the IDP roadshow.

Executive Mayor Cllr Thobeka Bikitsha(far right) handing over school uniform to needy pupils.

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CONTENTS PAGEMAYOR’S SOMA HIGHLIGHTS SERVICE DELIVERY 3

IDP ROADSHOWS KICK OFF 4

MAYOR DONATES NEW UNIFORM 5

JOY AS SMMEs GRADUATE 6

MAYOR HOLDS IMBIZO 7 CLEAN-UP DRIVE CREATES JOBS 8

MONEY TIPS FOR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS 8

EDITORIAL TEAMEditor: Loyiso MpalantshaneSub Editor: Sibongile MadalaneNews Writers & Photographer: Pumlisa Bikitsha

JANUARY - JUNE 2017

MAYOR’S SOMA HIGHLIGHTSSERVICE DELIVERY

BY SIBONGILE MADALANE

Mnquma Mayor Councillor Thobeka Bikitsha delivered her maiden State of the Municipality Address (Soma) during a glittering event attended by hundreds of elegantly dressed stakeholders from a wide-range of sectors.

Bikitsha’s speech was roundly welcomed by more than 500 guests who gathered at the Msobomvu Community Hall, which was emblazoned in the municipality’s green, orange and yellow colours.

The Mayor, dressed in a snow white suit, told the audience that the municipality had spent nearly R60million on the construction of rural access roads and recreational facilities during the past financial year (2016/17).

She also revealed that up to 2 280 houses had been connected to the power grid through Eskom, 282 and 376 RDP houses were erected in Extension 14 and Siyanda New Rest, respectively.

To overcome the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality, Bikitsha said a total of 2 499 jobs were created during the same period, drawing a huge round of applause from opposition councillors, traditional leaders, the public sector, business leaders and Mnquma residents.

“In an endeavour to keep infrastructure operational and deliver services to our people, the Department of Public Works has also maintained 4 130 KM of roads across nine out of the 31 wards which are spread out in more than 12 areas,” she said.

Mnquma Local Municipality was currently finalising the construction of a sports field in Teko-Kona and a taxi rank, both in Centane, she added.

In his reaction, the leader of the main opposition party in the Mnquma Council, United Democratic Movement (UDM) PR Councillor Zamindawo Mqolo welcomed Bikitsha’s speech, saying it was an indication that Mnquma municipality was putting the lives of its people first.

“We welcome the speech. It points out that the municipality is headed in the right direction. Despite all the upheavals, we commend council for the achievements. We take full responsibility of the Mayor’s address because we were all part of the processes that led to the achievements highlighted,” said Mqolo.

Bikitsha, who delivered her speech on May 23 during a time when South Africa saw a spate of killings involving women and children, condemned any forms of abuse against society’s most vulnerable.

“Let us protect our women and children from the brutal killings which have sent shockwaves throughout the country over the past few days”, she said.

Three modern-day galvanised steel elevated bridges, called Bailey bridges, were completed in the Mnquma jurisdiction (Bawa, Zazulwana and Mazizini villages). They were built by members of the South African National Defence Force and the national department of public works to improve rural road infrastructure. A state-of-the-art Butterworth Swimming Pool was 99% complete and due for a handover to the community within weeks, said Bikitsha.

Outlining the future, Mayor Bikitsha turned her focus on projects that were in the pipeline for the upcoming financial year 2017/2018. She said further road infrastructure upgrades were planned from July 1, 2017, moving forward.

Eskom would electrify 5 721 more houses, with a further 200 homes to be connected to the municipal power grid while at the same time investigating renewable energy options. The municipality’s Local Economic Development unit had set aside R860 000 to address unemployment, poverty and lack of skills, she said. “Together we can do more for our people,” concluded Bikitsha.

For the full State of the Municipality Address, you can visit the municipality’s website:www.mnquma.gov.za; Facebook page: Mnquma Municipality or the Mayor’s office at 60 Blyth Street, Butterworth.

Executive Mayor Cllr Thobeka Bikitsha delivering the state of the municipality address – Picture by: Sinethemba Jenkins.

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IDP ROADSHOWS KICK OFF BY SIBONGILE MADALANE

Mnquma Local Municipality kicked off it’s IDP/PMS and Budget Roadshows between April 3 and April7 across the municipality’s 31 wards.

The annual roadshows are aimed at encouraging residents to get more involved in the budget and financial planning processes of the municipality.

Addressing hundreds of residents who attended the roadshows over four days, Executive Mayor Councillor Thobeka Bikitsha outlined the draft IDP 2017/2022, draft 2017/2020 Mid-term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF), 2017/2018 Tariff structure and budget-related policies for public comment.

She also highlighted service delivery achievements of the previous year in each ward. During the sessions, communities were afforded an opportunity to present their priorities in order to influence the 2017/2018 IDP and Budget.

“It is very important for all residents to play an active role in this process as it gives them the opportunity to comment on the draft IDP and Budget before it is tabled before the council for

adoption. Your comments will be collated for inclusion in the final IDP & MTREF”, Cllr Bikitsha told the crowds.

Cllr Bikitsha was pleased to announce that for the 2017/2018 financial year, the municipality had R68 776 350 in the Capital Budget and R71 069 751 for the Operational Budget.

During the consultations in all 31 wards of Mnquma, water shortages due to drought, electricity and road infrastructure were highlighted as the main concerns in service delivery.

In response, Cllr Thobeka Bikitsha said that solutions to these challenges were being sought.

“Measures are put in place to attend to these challenges. Amathole District Municipality has put aside R155 800 000 towards water supply and infrastructure upgrade. The Department of Public Works has allocated R51 500 000 for patch gravelling and re-gravelling while Eskom has allocated R 162 300 101.62 for electrification and connection of 8 391 households”, she said.

Community members interacting with Mnquma leadership during the IDP roadshow – Picture by: Sibongile Madalane.

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MAYOR DONATES NEW UNIFORMS BY SIBONGILE MADALANE

Councillor Thobeka Bikitsha and her Executive Council embarked on a 2017 Back To School Campaign to ensure smooth commencement of the new school year.

Mnquma’s 2017 Back to School Campaign saw a total of 120 pupils from schools in Ngqamakhwe, Centane and Butterworth replacing their torn shoes, worn-out shirts and jerseys with brand new school uniforms donated by Mnquma Local Municipality.

This annual event seeks to encourage education as a tool out of poverty and the 2017 campaign was rolled out between February 28th and 1st of March. The annual campaign is part of Mnquma’s Mayoral Outreach Programme where needy pupils from local schools are supported with brand new school uniforms, shoes and other learner support material to encourage them to attend classes and boost their confidence.

Social workers from Department of Social Development and teachers who work closely with the pupil’s families helped to identify pupils who benefited. The lucky schools this year were: Nozulu, Diya, Mzwandile, Mpumalanga in Gcuwa. JM Boltina, Lower Ngqamakhwe, Toboyi, Hlobo in Ngqamakhwe. Sezela, KuloMbombo, Jojweni, Ndoqa in Centane.

Addressing pupils, inter-departmental officials and parents, the Executive Mayor Cllr Thobeka Bikitsha urged councillors to adopt a “hands-on” approach and prioritise education in their respective wards as part of rolling out service delivery. Both parents and pupils welcomed the municipality’s gesture.

Executive Mayor Cllr Thobeka Bikitsha(far right) handing over school uniform to needy pupils. Pictures by: Loyiso Mpalantshane.

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A total of 18 Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMME’s) and Cooperative owners have expressed their hopes for the future after graduating in Business Management Course as part of a strategic partnership between Mnquma Local Municipality and King Hintsa Technical and Vocational Education and Training College. The joyous event was held at the Msobomvu Community Hall on the 06th of February 2017. It was one of the achievements of the strategic partnerships forged with five Eastern Cape Institutions of Higher Learning; King Hintsa TVET College, Fort Hare University, Walter Sisulu (WSU), Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), Fort Cox College of Agriculture near Alice.

The graduation ceremony evoked mixed emotions with Msobomvu community hall filled with the melody of applause as students were presented with competency certificates.

During her address, King Hintsa TVET College Principal Noluthando Balfour said, “Poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and skills challenge affects the whole of South Africa. The college is being responsive to the needs of the communities which we are serving, hence we have a strategic partnership with Mnquma Local Municipality.” She wished the graduates well into the future.

“To the honourable graduates, this is the beginning of a long journey. The skills that you have acquired from the college must benefit your communities. I sincerely congratulate each and every one of you on your great achievements,” said Balfour.

An elated Masibulele Fatyi, one of the graduates who runs a spaza shop said, “I am very happy. I am confident that I will be able to turn my spaza shop into a supermarket through the skills and knowledge acquired at the college”. Fatyi said the programme focused on how to grow profit, how to preserve during market uphills; tough times and how to grow the business.

Portfolio Head of Local Economic Development Councillor Ndyebo Skelenge encouraged the graduates to use their knowledge to make a meaningful impact in society. “The certificates awarded at this special event aren’t the end point for these students and their learning but it is the foundation for them to build upon. These beneficiaries are transformed from the bondage of ignorance to a world of knowledge.” he said.

JOY AS SMME’S GRADUATE BY SIBONGILE MADALANE

Hard work pays off to the new graduates - Pictures by: Sibongile Madalane.

Mnquma Local Municipality hosted two high-profile and significant events working in partnership with the national Department of Public Works, Mbashe Local Municipality and the Xhosa Royal House.

One of the events was the unveiling of a memorial tombstone erected in honour of 10 people who died after their car was swept away by heavy rains while crossing a low-lying bridge in Bawa Village on one fateful day in September 1993.

The Minister of Public Works, Nkosinathi Nhleko, provincial MEC for Public Works, Thandiswa Marawu, Bisho Member of the Provincial Legislature Nomawethu Gqiba and Executive Mayor Councillor Thobeka Bikitsha officially unveiled the granite tombstone in the presence of the victims’ family members, traditional leaders, Butterworth residents and government officials on Sunday May 14.

The memorial tombstone is government’s symbolic gesture to honour and preserve the memory of those who perished in the tragic accident. To heal the wounds and prevent further loss of life due to poor rural roads infrastructure, government has since built an elevated galvanised-steel Bailey Bridge with the help of soldiers from the South African National Defence Force near the old disused low-lying bridge.

The second historical event saw the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Fikile Xasa, the general secretary of Congress of Traditional Leadership of South Africa (Contralesa) Xolile Ndevu, academia, business persons, politicians, the clergy, journalists and other senior government officials descend on the shores of Mnquma Local Municipality for the annual King Hintsa Memorial Lecture. The event was delivered by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) linguist Professor Ncedile Saule to a packed auditorium at the Butterworth Christian Centre on Friday May 12.

Speaking on behalf of Mnquma Local Municipality’s Executive Mayor, councillor Ndyebo Skelenge called for the renaming of Butterworth after those who had fought against injustices visited on the Xhosa people to help preserve the municipality’s rich history for future generations. The call was met with a loud applause from the public gallery.

Professor Saule told the crowd that large volumes of information about the legacy of the late Xhosa monarch, King Hintsa ‘Aah Zanzolo’ and his Xhosa people were still untold and much of what was available in the public domain was distorted and misleading as it was told from a subjective point of view. King Hintsa was shot in the back of the head near the Mbashe River and had his head and ears cut off in May 1835, 182 years ago. His skull has never been found.

King Hintsa’s descendant and reigning Xhosa monarch King Mpendulo Sigcau revealed that one his late grandfather’s was still intact in Mission Village and the Xhosa Royal House would be lobbying government to declare it a heritage site.

MNQUMA HONORS BAWA VICTIMS AND KING HINTSA’S LEGACY BY LOYISO MPALANTSHANE

From left, Public Works Minister Nathi Nhleko, Mnquma Executive Mayor Cllr Thobeka Bikitsha, Provincial Public Works Mec Thandiswa Marawu

and Bisho Mpl Nomawethu Gqiba

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MAYOR HOLDS IMBIZO BY LOYISO MPALANTSHANE

Executive Mayor Cllr Thobeka Bikitsha addressing the community of Ward 28.

Community members of Ward 28 engaging the leadership during the ImbizoPictures by: Sibongile Madalane.

The Executive Mayor of Mnquma Local Municipality, Councillor Thobeka Bikitsha has assured Mnquma residents that their service delivery concerns would be attended to as with extreme urgency. She said this during in Imbizo which was held at Ncerhane Junior Secondary School near Wavecrest Beach in Centane at Ward 28 on Tuesday March 7.

At the event which was attended by scores of young and elderly people, Cllr Bikitsha outlined service delivery milestones during the past financial year (2015/2016), which include the construction of access roads between Mvandaba to Moyikwa and Lichi to Qolweni, the Ngqusi Water Scheme and Ngxaxho – Cebe Water Scheme. Three villages (Macibe, Mgobhozi and Ncerhana) were already switched on while a further 145 homes were lined up for electrification at the end of June 2017. Cllr Bikitsha was accompanied by Housing Portfolio Head Cllr Nokuku Dube, Infrastructural Planning and Development Portfolio Head Cllr Maliza Ntshonga, Ward 28 Cllr Monwabisi Mxoko and municipal officials.

Qolweni resident Rantjies Neku welcomed the Mayor’s visit. He said most basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity had been delivered to Ward 28 and urged others to await their patient. “Life is now much easier, they are busy with road construction. Now it’s time for government to deliver services to

all the other people as well,” he said.

“In the next financial year (2017/2018), a further 700 homes in Ngcingane, Engqingqini, KwaJoni, Takazi, Mcwasi, Mngweskolo, ngqosi and Nombajana will be electrified,” said Cllr Bikitsha. “ I am shocked that some of the houses have not yet been electrified such a long time after we attained democracy. Even Tat’uMandela’s remains will shake from his grave if we dare fail on the electrification of rural areas. We will remain in touch with Eskom to make sure that you are connected to the power grid,” said Cllr Bikitsha.

She said Mnquma Local Municipality would work closely

with other government departments to assist communities with agricultural inputs including cropping, dipping tanks, fencing and fishing permits. Cllr Bikitsha urged residents to use water sparingly to mitigate the effects of the current drought. She told residents about the R170m funding by the Office of Premier Phumulo Masualle to address water shortages in Mnquma Local Municipality. Cllr Bikitsha has promised to probe incomplete projects, including the Lichi to Qolweni Road. A new contractor would be appointed to carry on with the project. Cllr Bikitsha told the Ward 28 constituency that her council was working very hard to bring stability to Mnquma Local Municipality.

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CLEAN-UP DRIVE CREATES JOBS BY PUMLISA BIKITSHA

Mnquma’s clean-up campaigns has created temporary jobs for 80 previously unemployed residents. Campaign beneficiaries are deployed in the Solid Waste and Environmental Services Unit and are assisting in keeping the various towns of Mnquma, including coastal areas, free of litter.

Acting Manager for Solid Waste Asanda Masinyane said, “One of our key focus areas as the municipality is to provide solid waste and environmental services to our communities. The municipality conducts clean- up campaigns on a monthly basis as part of providing basic services to communities“.

“During these campaigns, we empower community members with basic knowledge of waste management, recycling and re-use of waste products”, she said.

The jobs will initially last for six months pending renewal. One of the beneficiaries, Nothemba Sihlabeni(41) from Ward 1 said, “I really appreciate being employed as I have been sitting at home doing nothing. Moreover, I was not aware about the importance of keeping the environment clean”, said Sihlabeni.

She said she was proud to be part of a team that was working to ensure a healthy environment to prevent disease. “A healthy environment is the responsibility of all Mnquma residents”, said Sihlabeni.

MONEY TIPS FOR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS BY SIBONGILE MADALANE

Mnquma Local Municipality hosted a financial management workshop to help Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and Co-operative owners to grow their rands and make cents out of their business ventures. Twenty five (25) SMME’s and Cooperative owners were given training on good governance, bookkeeping and the know-how of keeping their businesses afloat.

Mnquma Local Municipality realizes the importance of the SMME sector as an essential component of growing the economy, creating jobs and fighting hunger.

Manager SMME’s and Co-ops Portia Mhaga said the municipality recognises the need to invest in SMME’s and Cooperatives as they are key drivers of economic growth and job creation.

“Based on the skills audit, training on financial management was identified as one of the key skills required by local SMME’s. It is the municipality’s aim to channel these community businesses into the mainstream of the economy”, she said.

Ms Zoliswa Mnqokoyi, facilitator from Eastern Cape Development Corporation said the training also promotes independency and business confidence within the members of SMME’s and

Cooperatives.

“Lack of skills is one of the major challenges which directly affect economical growth and sustainability of businesses”, said Ms Nomajama Qamza, a member of Amathole 4960 Coop. “I am grateful that the municipality has afforded us the opportunity to attend the financial management training. It will definitely assist us to maintain our records of financial activities”, she concluded.

Entrepreneurs of Mnquma showcasing their competence certificates Picture by: Sibongile Madalane.

General workers cleaning the streets of MnqumaPicture by: Pumlisa Bikitsha.

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The Executive

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Executive Mayor- Cllr T. Bikitsha

Council Speaker - Cllr Z.M Mnqwazi Chief Whip - Cllr Z. Mkiva

Mayoral Committee

Ward Councillors

UDM PR Cllr K.G. Magwaca

DA PR Cllr Z. Bomela

AIC PR Cllr A.A. Krakri

ANC PR Cllr G.N. Nombil

UDM PR Cllr M. Mkhilili

EFF (PR) Cllr B. Kave

ANC PR Cllr T.Z. Xhongwana

UDM PR Cllr N.M. Mpambani

EFF (PR) Cllr G. Guqaza

PR ANC Cllr N. Thandaphi

UDM PR Cllr S.N Tshazi

EFF PR Cllr N.H Kendle

PR ANC Cllr S. Matutu

DA PR Cllr S.L Mafanya

COPE PR W.M Ntongana

Portfolio Head Community Services Cllr N. Layiti

Portfolio Head Water and Sanitation Cllr T. P Ntanga

Portfolio Head Corporate Services Cllr N. Sheleni

Portfolio Head Infrastructural Planning & Development - Cllr M.E. Ntshonga

Portfolio Head - Cllr N.P Dube

Portfolio Head Local Economic Development Cllr N.H Skelenge

Portfolio Head Budget & Treasury Office - Cllr L. Mgandela

Portfolio Head Special Programmes Cllr C. Mtsi

Portfolio Head Communications Cllr N. Jiya - Ward 09

Portfolio Head Strategic Management - Cllr T. Nkamisa

Chief Whip - UDM (PR) Cllr Z.A. Mqolo

DA PR Cllr N. Ntolosi

PAC PR Cllr N. Lusizi

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Ward Councillors

Cllr M Ndungane- ward 16 Cllr M. Mxhoko - Ward 28 Cllr N Plaatjie- PR Councillor ANC Cllr N. G Ndongeni - Ward 24 Cllr N. Lusizi - Ward 31

Cllr N. Monakali - Ward 12 Cllr N. R. Tshona - Ward 7 Cllr N.L. Zaba - Ward 26 Cllr N.N. Nqolomlilo - Ward 23 Cllr N.Q. Sukwana - Ward 8

Cllr S. Lilise - Ward 25 Cllr T. Makeleni - Ward 30 Cllr T. Ntyinkala - Ward 27 Cllr T.C. Nkutu - Ward 21 Cllr T.H. Mpeta - Ward 20

Cllr V. Nkehle - Ward 19 Cllr W.W. Mbadlanyana - Ward 6 Cllr X.I Pupuma - Ward 17 Cllr Y. Mngonyama - Ward 4 Cllr Z. Gade - Ward 18

Cllr A.B. Madikane - Ward 3 Cllr L Tsipa -Ward 22 Cllr L. Mbentsula - Ward 29 Cllr L.M Mtalo - Ward 11 Cllr L.S Sobekwa - Ward 10

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Chief B. VusoMabheleni Butterworth

Chief B.L Ntleki- Fingo Centane

Chief D. MpangeleImidange Centane

Chief M. MagodlaMazizini Ngqamakhwe

Chief M. NguzaMahlubini Ngqamakhwe

Chief N. NyhilaMazizini Butterworth

Chief N.S.NgxiyaMazizini Ngqamakhwe

Chief N.V.G DondasheNqusi Centane

Chief P. NguzaMazizini Butteworth

Chief V.L MbasaMabheleni Ngqamakhwe

Chief W.M. MahlangeniMabheleni Butterworth

Cllr Z. Mnqokoyi - Ward 14 Cllr Z. Sobekwa - Ward 5 Cllr Z.C. Mfazwe - Ward 13 Cllr Z.Siyo - Ward 1 Cllr. S.M Molosi - Ward 2

Traditional Leaders

Chief Z.M DyantyiMatshaweni Centane

Ward Councillors

Cllr S. Ncetezo - Ward 15

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