19/08/2026
NCOP PROVINCIAL WEEK 2026 | EMAKHAZENI CONCLUDES DAY 1 WITH OVERSIGHT VISITS
Belfast, Emakhazeni Local Municipality – 19 August 2026
The first day of the *NCOP Provincial Week 2026 Report-Back Programme* was successfully held today at *Dr Beyers Naudé Hall in Belfast, Emakhazeni Local Municipality*.
Led by the NCOP Provincial Whip, Hon C.S. Nxumalo, the programme assessed the implementation of the 2025 House Resolutions under the theme _Building Viable Municipalities for Enhanced Delivery of Basic Services to Communities.
In her welcome address, the Executive Mayor, Cllr N.A. Mashele, paid tribute to the Women of 1956* in commemoration of Women’s Month. She said Emakhazeni remains a small rural municipality expected to perform at the level of a metro, while facing persistent challenges in attracting and retaining scarce skills.
A message of support was delivered by Ikosi S.S. Mahlangu, followed by remarks from the Speaker, Hon M.C. Masilela.
Delivering the political overview, Acting Premier, Mr S.K. Mashilo, highlighted the vast economic potential of Emakhazeni in mining, agriculture and tourism. He described the R540 corridor linking Emakhazeni to the Kruger National Park as a game-changer for tourism growth and job creation.
The session continued with comprehensive reporting by all spheres of government – Emakhazeni Local Municipality, Nkangala District Municipality, provincial departments and the Auditor-General – on progress made in implementing the 2025 House Resolutions.
Amongst other achievements, the Executive Mayor reported that low-cost RDP houses were implemented in eSakhelwe, eMgwenya and eMadala. She further reported that 240 houses completed in eMadala in December 2023 had shown poor workmanship, including cracks on walls and floors, and that rectification had been enforced through the NHBRC.
Day 1 Oversight Visits
Following the formal presentations, the delegation proceeded to its Day 1 oversight visits.
The delegation first visited *H A Grove Hospital in Belfast for health oversight, and thereafter proceeded to *Siyathuthuka Extension 7 for human settlements oversight, where it was briefed by the HOD of the Department of Human Settlements.
At Siyathuthuka Extension 7, it was reported that 42 houses have been completed and freshly painted since November 2025, while 203 houses are still outstanding. The previous contractor was terminated due to poor workmanship on servicing. A new contractor, KJM Business Enterprise, has since been appointed, with 26 foundations already cast and construction at wall plate level. Completion is anticipated for June 2027.
The delegation noted challenges including poor initial servicing and a vandalised sewer pump station, which caused sewage backflow and spillages. The Department confirmed it is in the process of appointing a contractor to repair the pump station and fix the sewer system, and that serviced sites are available for the remaining houses.
Day 1 of the oversight programme thus concluded.
The NCOP Provincial Week continues tomorrow, 20 August, with oversight visits to the Young Blood Farming Project and the High-Altitude Centre – 7ML Reservoir and Waste Water Treatment Plant*, followed by a Public Hearing at Sakhelwe Community Hall in Dullstroom at 14h00. The programme will conclude on 21 August with the consolidation and adoption of the Provincial Report to the NCOP.
Issued by: Emakhazeni Local Municipality – Communication Unit
