Nkangala – The Nkangala District is intensifying its investment in infrastructure, demonstrated by a series of projects launched across its local municipalities.
From Mthambothini in Dr JS Moroka to Belfast in Emakhazeni and Delmas in Victor Khanye, the entire district has transformed into a bustling construction zone.
On 19 August, the Sydney Choma Banquet Hall buzzed with anticipation as it hosted a packed audience for the State of the District Address (SoDA). At the podium, District mayor, Thomas Ngwenya, emphasised that the foundation of a strong and inclusive economy lies in dependable infrastructure.
He noted that thriving communities depend on more than just roads and bridges. Tourism flourishes when people and goods move freely, technology connects and empowers residents and local economies grow when infrastructure supports trade, investment and services. “It is for this reason that the District continues to invest significantly in projects that not only modernize our infrastructure but also create jobs, develop skills, and open new markets for our people,” he said.
Just days before SoDA, residents from all six local municipalities shared with the Highveld Chronicle issues they wanted Ngwenya to address, ranging from water shortages and infrastructure projects to job creation, skills development, support for small businesses and broader economic development efforts.
Looking ahead to 2025/2026 fiscal year, the municipality has set an approved budget: of over R765,77 million in projected revenue, over R780 million for operational expenses and an internal capital allocation of R40,65 million.
Ngwenya said R13 million has been set aside for the first phase of the long-awaited King Mabhoko and Dr. Esther Mahlangu roads in ward 8 at Dr. JS Moroka, which together will cost a total of R24 million.
Over R17 million has already been invested in diverse planning and specialised studies for the Western Highveld Regional Bulk Water project, a transformative R1,6 billion initiative scheduled to begin construction in the 2026/2027 financial year. Ngwenya mentioned that this project aims to resolve water supply challenges for communities in Dr. JS Moroka, while a phased rollout will bring relief to Thembisile Hani municipality and the Elias Motsoaledi area in Limpopo. So far, approximately R1,1 billion of the total budget has been utilised to advance this critical initiative.
The Emalahleni municipality is also seeing significant upgrades. The mayor announced the phased improvements of the R257,8 million Emalahleni Water Treatment Works and the broader Infrastructure Development Network. “The first of these, slated to kick off in the 2025/26 financial year, has just had its construction tender published and the submission deadline closed yesterday, 18 August 2025.”
In the Victor Khanye municipality, the Delmas Water Treatment Plant is undergoing major enhancements, with a total project budget of R288,15 million. Ngwenya reported that R179,21 million has already been spent.
“Phase 2 of this initiative aims to tackle local sanitation issues affecting Delmas and the nearby Botleng area, effectively addressing the overflow and rampant sewer spillages in Delmas. We’re currently making great strides, with construction progress at 70%. We expect to wrap up the project by November 2025,” he noted.
In Emakhazeni municipality, the construction of Bookshop street in Belfast has been successfully completed, with a total investment of R29,6 million. Ngwenya highlighted that the new street will ease traffic congestion in the bustling central business district. Additionally, the second phase of the smart electricity meter installation project at Emthonjeni and Entokozweni has also been finished, with the project totaling approximately R8,6 million.
In the Steve Tshwete municipality, the highly anticipated Nkangala District Disaster Management Centre began construction midway through the previous financial year and has now reached 53% completion. With a total investment of R63,92 million, the project is on track for completion by 05 March 2026.
Between 01 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, the District generated 551 job openings in the areas of Planning and Economic Development, Corporate Services and Technical Services. “These opportunities, distributed across 18 municipal projects, were financed directly from our budget and rolled out in all six local municipalities, ensuring that every community in Nkangala had a chance to benefit,” he said.
A budget of R6 million has been allocated to launch two specialised learnership programmes under the EPWP initiative. These programmes, AgriSETA NQF Level 4 Plant Production and SASSETA Safety and Security, aim to generate job opportunities and promote skill development with a particular emphasis on empowering youth, women and individuals with disabilities. “Every participant in these programmes will receive a stipend of R2,500 per month, ensuring that learning is coupled with economic dignity,” said mayor Ngwenya.
The Nkangala District Municipality is also forging partnerships with national SETAs industry leaders and development partners to pave the way for programmes aimed at fostering green economy opportunities and ensuring a fair transition for everyone involved.
The district is rolling out three substantial initiatives funded by the Construction Education Training Authority, focusing on green construction and solar energy. They will also offer internships for 50 unemployed graduates in fields such as renewable energy, sustainable construction management, and water services, alongside bursaries for 80 employed learners eager to enhance their skills in the built environment and climate-related sectors.
The District has allocated R5 million to strengthen 16 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) through a combination of financial and non-financial support. This initiative will cover the acquisition of essential tools and equipment, enabling these businesses to enhance their operations, streamline processes, and strengthen their competitive edge.
