The AbaQulusi Local Municipality’s long-awaited 2024/2025 Annual Draft Report, released in January 2026, presents a mixed picture of measurable administrative improvement alongside continued everyday challenges for residents in Vryheid.

According to the report, the municipality achieved a 94% performance score for the 2024/2025 financial year, a significant increase from 72.5% the previous year. It also retained an unqualified audit opinion for the third consecutive year, although with findings.

On paper, the numbers indicate steady progress. However, for many residents, daily life is still marked by potholes, ageing infrastructure and concerns about the reliability of basic services.

Major private investment boost

One of the strongest positives highlighted in the report is private sector investment in the area.

The Princess Mkabayi Regional Shopping Mall, valued at about R700 million, opened in October 2024 and is described by the municipality as a regional game-changer. It follows the R300 million Mondlo Mall and the R200 million upgrade of Vryheid Plaza; developments credited with job creation and renewed economic activity.

For a town long affected by economic stagnation, these projects signal renewed momentum.

Infrastructure gains, but uneven progress

The report also outlines progress in municipal infrastructure, particularly in rural wards surrounding Vryheid. Several gravel roads were completed, while community halls and sports facilities were finalised. Electrification projects advanced in Ward 7, Ward 18 and Ward 20.

However, delivery has not been consistent across all projects. Major initiatives such as bridge construction and road tarring were only partially completed by the end of June 2025. Others showed little progress beyond initial site work.

Service delivery still under pressure

Despite improved administrative performance and visible investment, service delivery remains a pressing concern.

Aging water and sewer infrastructure continues to strain the system, with residents reporting regular leaks, bursts and blockages, particularly in older parts of town. Electricity outages and billing disputes have also added to household pressures over the past year.

The municipality acknowledges these difficulties, pointing to constrained funding, rising operational costs and long-standing infrastructure backlogs. While plans are in place, officials concede that delivery has not always met community expectations.

Mayor Cllr SE Mkhwanazi acknowledged both progress and shortcomings, saying:

“While we celebrate this progress, we recognise that much work remains to be done, particularly in enhancing service delivery and further improving financial performance.”

The report portrays a municipality that is more organised, more compliant and financially steadier than in previous years.

Yet for many residents in Vryheid, lived experience still reflects slow repairs, uneven development and growing frustration.

On paper, AbaQulusi Local Municipality is improving. On the ground, residents are still waiting to feel it.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.