ERMELO – The Gert Sibande District Municipality used its 2026 State of the District Address on July 30 to reflect on five years of service delivery, governance and infrastructure development as the current council term nears its end.

District Executive Mayor Walter Mngomezulu highlighted improvements in intergovernmental relations, support for the district’s seven local municipalities, bulk water infrastructure, electricity distribution and road maintenance.

The municipality said several water treatment works had been upgraded, a new 40MVA substation had been constructed in Govan Mbeki and more than 1 600km of gravel roads had been maintained.

Mngomezulu also pointed to unqualified audit outcomes over the past five years and acknowledged ongoing challenges, including youth unemployment, ageing infrastructure, financial pressures and expanding access to quality basic services.

Read more about the projects and issues discussed during the State of the District Address in the Highvelder’s printed edition.