Ndlambe Local Municipality

Ndlambe Local Municipality is a Category B municipality within the Sarah Baartman District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

Overview

Type of municipality:Local Municipality (Category B)
MIIF classification:B3 (small towns)
Province:Eastern Cape
District:Sarah Baartman
Municipal code:EC105
Seat:Port Alfred
Number of wards:10
Total area:1,841 km² (711 square miles)
Population:87,797 (in 2022)
Executive mayor:Khululwa Ncamiso

About

Ndlambe Local Municipality is geographically located in the eastern region of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality.

The Ndlambe Municipality forms part of the Eastern Coastal Zone, which can be described as having a pristine coastal area, intertidal areas, and well-preserved river mouths, diverse vegetation, relatively low-density development along the coast, and major tourism potential.

Ndlambe Local Municipality comprises 10 electoral wards and covers an area of 1,841 km² (711 square miles), making it the smallest of seven local municipalities in the Sarah Baartman District, as it accounts for only 3% of its geographical area.

The administrative headquarters/seat of Ndlambe Local Municipality is in Port Alfred.

Ndlambe Local Municipality is bordered by:

Nestled in the picturesque Eastern Cape of South Africa, Ndlambe Local Municipality is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking an authentic and untouched experience.

With its diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and rich cultural heritage, the Ndlambe Municipality offers a unique blend of nature, history, and local charm.

Below is what the Ndlambe Local Municipality has to offer;

  • Rich Cultural Heritage: Ndlambe’s rich history and cultural heritage can be enjoyed by exploring the local museums and historical sites. The municipal area is home to various indigenous communities, each with its own traditions and stories to share. Visitors can engage with locals, visit traditional villages, and experience the warmth of Ndlambe’s people.
  • Scenic Beauty and Coastal Delights: The municipality boasts a stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean, featuring pristine beaches, hidden caves, and rocky cliffs. Kenton-on-Sea, one of the gems within the Ndlambe Municipality, is renowned for its clear waters and long stretches of sandy beaches. Perfect for water sports, sunbathing, or a peaceful beach walk, this area is a haven for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
  • Local Cuisine and Artisan Markets: Visitors can indulge their taste buds in Ndlambe’s local cuisine, where fresh seafood and traditional dishes take center stage. Visitors can also explore artisan markets showcasing handmade crafts, locally produced goods, and vibrant artwork, providing a glimpse into the creativity and talent of the community.
  • Addo Elephant National Park: Just a short drive away from Ndlambe, the renowned Addo Elephant National Park awaits. Home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the iconic African elephants, the park offers an unforgettable safari experience. Visitors can embark on guided game drives, witness the incredible biodiversity, and connect with nature on a whole new level.
  • Community Events and Festivals: Throughout the year, Ndlambe Local Municipality hosts various community events and festivals that celebrate local culture, art, and music. These gatherings offer an excellent opportunity to connect with the community, make new friends, and experience the lively spirit of Ndlambe.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Adventure seekers will find the Ndlambe Local Municipality to be a paradise with a plethora of outdoor activities. From hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the landscape to water-based adventures such as fishing and kayaking, there’s something for every nature enthusiast. The nearby Great Fish River also provides an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and exploring the region’s unique flora and fauna.

Population

According to the South African National Census of 2022, Ndlambe Local Municipality has a population of 87,797 people, compared to 63,180 in 2016 and 61,176 in 2011.

The municipality has a population growth per annum of 3.51%.

According to the 2022 Census, 21.3% of the population is under the age of 15, 63.7% is between 15 and 64, and 15.1% is over 65.

Racial makeup

According to the 2022 Census, 68.2% of the population in Ndlambe Local Municipality describe themselves as Black African, 23% as White, 7.6% as Coloured, and 0.4% as Indian/Asian.

Languages

According to the 2022 Census, 72.9% of the population speaks isiXhosa as their first language, 12.5% speak English, 11.9% speak Afrikaans, and 2.7% speak other languages.

Municipal council and management

The Ndlambe municipal council is comprised of 20 members elected by mixed-member proportional representation.

Ten councillors are elected by first-past-the-post voting in 10 wards, while the remaining 10 are chosen from party lists so that the total number of party representatives is proportional to the number of votes received.

In the election of 1 November 2021, the African National Congress (ANC) won a majority of 11 seats on the council.

Composition of Council (No. of seats by political party)– ANC: 11
– DA: 6
– EFF: 3
Controlling partyANC
Executive MayorKhululwa Ncamiso
SpeakerAndile Marasi
Chief WhipS Kolosa
Other Council Membersn/a
Municipal ManagerRolly Dumezweni
Chief Financial OfficerMichael Klaas
Senior Management– Nombulelo Booysen (Director: Community Protection Services)
– Lazola Maneli-Payi (Director: Corporate Services)
– Jackie Nel (Manager: Administration)
– Unathi Nondzube (Manager: Human Resources)
– Noluthando Vithi-Masiza (Director: Infrastructure Development)
Communications Officers– Cecil Mbolekwa
– Georgina Nkombisa (Customer Care Officer)

Corruption and financial mismanagement

Ndlambe Local Municipality is one of the few in the Eastern Cape Province not to have been flagged for audit irregularities. However, the Hawks are investigating allegations of corruption, and the municipality has been flagged by the Public Protector for poor service delivery, including unusable toilets, unfixed potholes, and braai areas in poor condition, with the municipality claiming to have insufficient funds.

In December 2023, the Ndlambe Municipal Council awarded a R700,000 contract for a one-day music festival, with the Local Residents Association expressing shock at the expense.

Towns/places

Below are the towns/places in Ndlambe Local Municipality.

Contact details

The contact details of Ndlambe Local Municipality are listed in the table below.

Postal Address:P.O. Box 13, Port Alfred, 6170
Physical Address:47 Campbell Street, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, 6170
Telephone:046 604 5500
Fax:046 604 5500
Email:info@ndlambe.gov.za
Website:www.ndlambe.gov.za