There was a sense of excitement and renewed hope across Ngqamakwe on Tuesday as residents gathered to witness the official handover of two long-awaited infrastructure projects that are expected to improve community life while creating much-needed employment opportunities.
The day’s programme began in Ward 18, where Executive Mayor Councillor Tunyiswa Manxila-Manxila-Nkamisa, accompanied by Ward Councillor Mahanjana, officially handed over the rehabilitation project for the Ward 18 Town Hall, situated opposite the Ngqamakwe Magistrate’s Court.
For years, the once-important community facility had deteriorated due to neglect, becoming an eyesore and a gathering place for loiterers. Residents have long called for the building to be restored so that it could once again serve its intended purpose as a venue for community meetings, social gatherings and local events.
The rehabilitation project has now been awarded to A.K Builders, with construction expected to run for approximately six months.
The contractor will undertake extensive renovations, including the installation of new perimeter fencing to improve security, replacement of damaged flooring, and paving upgrades around the facility. Once completed, the renovated hall is expected to provide a safer, more welcoming and functional space for the Ward 18 community.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Executive Mayor Councillor Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa said the project represents more than simply restoring a building—it is about restoring dignity and pride to the community.
She noted that the rehabilitation would reclaim the hall from misuse and transform it into a valuable public asset where residents could hold meetings, host community programmes and strengthen social cohesion.
The Mayor also highlighted the municipality’s commitment to ensuring that local people benefit directly from development projects through employment opportunities. Approximately 20 part-time jobs are expected to be created during the construction period, providing temporary income to local families while skills are transferred to community members working on the project.
Residents attending the ceremony welcomed the development, expressing relief that the long-neglected building would finally receive the attention it deserves.
Many said they looked forward to seeing the hall restored as a safe and respectable venue that future generations could use for educational, cultural and community activities.
Following the Ward 18 ceremony, the Executive Mayor travelled to Ward 16, where another group of enthusiastic residents gathered for the official handover of a second major infrastructure project.
This time, the focus shifted from community facilities to improving transport and accessibility between neighbouring communities.
Contractor Abantsundu Building and Civil Construction was officially appointed to construct a low-level culvert bridge linking Ngcisininde and Gedwood Access Roads. The bridge is expected to significantly improve movement between the two areas, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when existing crossing points become difficult or unsafe to use.
Once completed, the new structure is expected to improve access for pedestrians, motorists and emergency services while strengthening connectivity between the neighbouring communities.
Construction is expected to take approximately six months, with an estimated 20 part-time employment opportunities to be created for local residents throughout the project.
Addressing community members during the handover, municipal leaders emphasised that improving infrastructure remains one of the municipality’s key priorities.
They said projects such as the rehabilitation of public facilities and the construction of transport infrastructure play a critical role in improving service delivery, supporting local economic development and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The municipality further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that development initiatives benefit local communities not only through improved infrastructure but also through job creation and local participation during implementation.
Community members in both wards expressed optimism that the projects would bring lasting benefits once completed.
Residents said the upgraded town hall would provide a much-needed space for community engagement, while the new bridge would improve daily travel and make it easier for people to access schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and other essential services.
The two handovers mark another step in the municipality’s broader infrastructure development programme, which seeks to modernise public facilities, improve connectivity and create employment opportunities across Ngqamakwe.
With construction now set to begin, residents say they are hopeful that both projects will be completed on schedule and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Municipal investment profiling: A digital approach
In 2023, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA introduced the “Investment Profile Template Guide for Municipalities in South Africa” to help municipalities present their investment potential. Research showed only 15% of South African municipalities had investment profiles at the time.
However, limited financial and human resources have hindered digital promotion and investment attraction. SALGA has launched a programme to assist municipalities with digital initiatives, and the following municipalities are included in the first phase:
- City of Ekurhuleni (Gauteng)
- West Coast District Municipality (Western Cape)
- Mnquma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape)
- Matjhabeng Local Municipality (Free State)
The main objective of this project is to provide municipalities with a platform to market themselves as investment destinations to both domestic and foreign investors using an already existing platform and access to the Global Africa Network audience.
