The Eastern Cape Provincial Government s commitment to strengthening service delivery and reviving the economic heartbeat of small towns was on full display as it descended on Ndlambe Local Municipality for a Provincial Outreach Programme. The visit marks a decisive step in closing infrastructure gaps, expanding access to essential services and accelerating the Office of the Premier s Small-Town Revitalisation (STR) agenda that continues to transform communities across the province.
Led by senior leaders from the Provincial Government and Sarah Baartman District and Ndlambe Municipality, the outreach began with the handover of a Water Tank Moulding Machine to Ndlambe Tanks, formerly Robyn May Enterprises in Port Alfred, a youth-owned business funded through the Isiqalo Youth Fund. The initiative was celebrated as a shining example of how young entrepreneurs are stepping into critical service delivery spaces. Delegates witnessed a live demonstration of the colour mixer and rotational moulding machine set to increase water tank production in a region where water scarcity has long challenged communities.
In Nemato, officials assessed progress on the R16.8 million Ultra-Filtration Water Treatment Plant. Once operational, the plant will inject an additional 2.3 million litres of clean, treated water into the system daily. Equipped with advanced UF membrane technology, SCADA automation, as well as upgraded mechanical and electrical systems, the facility will significantly improve long-term water reliability in the area.
Through the STR Programme, government has injected R54 million into a major sanitation upgrade in Thornhill, delivering a new sewer pump station and a 2.6 ML reservoir to keep pace with growing demand.
Overall, more than R60 million has been invested in Ndlambe since 2018 through the Small-Town Revitalisation Programme, driving visible improvements in infrastructure and boosting service delivery within communities. The programme has already created over 669 jobs and opened opportunities for 13 local SMMEs, firmly positioning Ndlambe on a renewed growth path. These investments demonstrate the Eastern Cape Provincial Government s commitment, led by the Office of the Premier; to revitalising small towns and unlocking their full economic potential.
