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Amathole District Municipality (ADM), in collaboration with Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality and partners including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Home Affairs, SASSA, the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, and other key stakeholders, commemorated the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 14 October 2025, under the theme “Building Resilient Communities.”
This marked ADM’s second annual observance of the event, with the inaugural program hosted in Mnquma Local Municipality in 2024. The initiative is rooted in raising community awareness and strengthening local disaster preparedness. Notably, the Skiti informal settlements in Mnquma LM who were gravely affected by floods this year served as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of such awareness campaigns. The core objective of the event was to empower communities with knowledge around disaster risks and encourage proactive planning. Emphasis was placed on embedding robust disaster risk management strategies within municipal development plans and prioritising preventative funding, rather than relying solely on post-disaster relief.
Key focus areas included:
• Proactive risk reduction
• Increased on-the-ground interventions
• Greater involvement of technical staff and frontline stakeholders
Speaking at the event, Raymond Mhlaba Mayor Cllr. Nomhle Sango reiterated the importance of partnerships through structures such as Joint Operations Committees (JOCs) and the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM).
“We must have a unity of purpose involving the community, government, traditional leaders, and churches to build resilient communities,” - said Sango.
Tackling root causing of disasters, presentations from various stakeholders identified climate change as a leading contributor (80%) to disaster events due to the interdependence between people and the environment. The message was clear: “If we protect nature, nature will protect us.”
ADM also used the platform to highlight the importance of water and its infrastructure in disaster management. Ms. Sisa Msiwa, from ADM Communications, spoke about the ongoing “Zingce – Take Pride” campaign, aimed at curbing vandalism of water and sanitation infrastructure.
“To secure the water and its infrastructure within our communities, vandalism must come to an end” - said Msiwa.
Delivering the keynote address, ADM Acting Executive Mayor Cllr. Kanyile Maneli emphasised the need for adequate resources and improved early warning systems. He cautioned against complacency and highlighted the role of information sharing in disaster readiness.
“How do we manage to avoid the worst outcomes during disasters? Through platforms like these that allow for the dissemination of information, because information leads to better decision making” - concluded Maneli.

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Mthontsi stands as the nerve centre of the War of Mlanjeni, which began on 24 December 1850. This conflict remains the longest war ever fought between Africans and Europeans on the African continent.

In his seminal work, author Noel Mostert records that the British army referred to this area as “Mount Misery.” The name was earned through the immense suffering and heavy casualties they endured. Historical accounts note that every time British forces entered Mthontsi, only half would return alive. This site bears witness to the extraordinary courage and ultimate sacrifice made by our forebears in defence of their land, sovereignty, and the dignity of the African people.

The establishment of the Mthontsi Lodge represents a long-overdue act of atonement and restoration. It honours the memory of those who fought and fell here, ensuring their legacy is preserved and shared with future generations. By transforming a historic site of conflict into a place of remembrance, healing, and economic opportunity, the Lodge restores the dignity of the fallen heroes who resisted colonialism and lays a foundation for inclusive growth in the region.

Complementing this heritage initiative is the Mount Pleasant Farm 134 project. The farm was acquired by Amathole District Municipality as part of South Africa’s Land Reform Programme — specifically through land tenure security and redistribution — to settle Mount Pleasant and surrounding Adelaide farm workers and secure their livelihoods.

Previously owned by Mr Luttig, the farm was purchased in 1999 with funding from the Amathole District Council and the Office of the Premier at a value of R2.9 million. The project initially benefited over 240 farm dwellers and their descendants, who now form the core of the cooperative members. These beneficiaries are the direct descendants of those who lived and worked on the land prior to its acquisition by the Municipality.

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On Monday 20 May 2024, ADM Executive Mayor Cllr Anele Ntsangani will be in Great Kei LM to continue his service delivery intervention drive of water tanks handover. Further to this, on the day, Cllr Ntsangane will jointly with Great Kei LM Mayor Cllr Ngenile Tekile welcome and host Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform Hon Nokuzola Zoleka Capa at a  title deeds handover to three Great Kei LM farming communities.
  #ADM_HeavyLiftingInAction #GKLMEmpowermentThroughDevelopment #DDMInAction