Amahlathi Local Municipality Mayor Nomakhosazana Nongqayi has reaffirmed the Municipality’s commitment to financial recovery, infrastructure development and improved service delivery during the 2026 State of the Municipal Address (SOMA), held at Mzwandile Wilson Fanti Hall in Stutterheim on Wednesday. Under the theme “Restoration, Resilience and Renewal”, Mayor Nongqayi reflected on progress made over the past five years towards building a financially sustainable, capable and people-centred municipality. She highlighted improvements in financial management, including achieving a funded budget, reducing Eskom debt, strengthening revenue collection and implementing cost-containment measures. A significant milestone was the installation of 3,155 electricity smart meters through the RT29 Smart Meter Grant, with a further R5 million allocated for additional installations. The Municipality has also secured approximately R115 million in new funding through disaster recovery and revitalisation programmes. Infrastructure projects include R36 million for Stutterheim street paving, R29 million for Keiskammahoek town paving, R16 million for the Cathcart Town Hall upgrade and R40 million for Keiskammahoek roads. For the 2026/27 financial year, expenditure on Municipal Infrastructure Grant and Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant projects is projected to approach R314 million. The Municipality also reported progress in strengthening institutional capacity through the appointment of a permanent Chief Financial Officer and the recruitment of approximately 33 permanent employees. Employment and skills development initiatives created opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme, learnerships, internships and work-integrated learning. Investments in municipal vehicles and equipment are also expected to strengthen waste collection, road maintenance and other essential services. Mayor Nongqayi further highlighted efforts to promote local tourism, heritage and entrepreneurship, including supporting local crafters, establishing market days and installing signage at key heritage and tourism attractions. She acknowledged the contributions of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs as well as the Eastern Cape Department of Transport towards infrastructure development and youth employment. “Over the past five years, tremendous work has been done to restore the integrity of our municipality, to build resilience in the face of challenges and to renew our commitment to the people we serve,” she said. Mayor Nongqayi called for continued accountability, financial discipline and collaboration to ensure that progress translates into meaningful improvements in residents’ lives.