Organization Overview

Matatiele Local Municipality (MLM) is located in the Northern part of the Eastern Cape Province. It adjoins onto Elundini local Municipality to the South West, Greater Kokstad Municipality (KZN) to the East, Umzimvubu local Municipality to the South, and Lesotho to the North. Traversing the local municipality in an east-west direction is the R56 road, linking Matatiele with Kokstad to the east and Mount Fletcher to the west. This roadway links the Municipality with KwaZulu-Natal Province and parts of the Eastern Cape Province located south of Matatiele Municipality. Matatiele Local Municipality is one of four (4) Local municipalities situated within the Alfred Nzo District Municipality. Alfred Nzo District Municipality consists of Matatiele, uMzimvubu, Mbizana and Ntabankulu Local Municipalities. The Alfred Nzo District Municipality is situated within the Eastern Cape Province; and is surrounded by OR Tambo District Municipality to the east, Joe Gqabi District Municipality to the west, Sisonke District Municipality to the north-east, Ugu District Municipality to the east and Lesotho to the north.

Ward Plan

Matatiele local municipality has a population size of 203 843 (census) people, spread across 26 wards. A comparative demographical analysis demonstrates that Matatiele Local Municipality has the largest geographical size (at 4352km2) within Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The area accounts for 41% of the district’s population. In terms of Population density, Matatiele local Municipality has a rather lower density (46.8 p/square kilometre) within ANDM.  The majority of the population is African at 98.1%, while Coloured, Indian/Asian and White population groups, constitute 0.9%, 0.3% and 0.7% respectively. The majority of the population is mostly residing in rural villages and formal townships around Matatiele, Maluti and Cedarville. The total household size is estimated at 49 527 households.

Table: 1 population size. Source: STATSSA, Census 2011, simulating key estimates for local municipality socio-economic development models: applications of the rank-size from 2007-2012Table: 1 population size. Source: STATSSA, Census 2011, simulating key estimates for local municipality socio-economic development models: applications of the rank-size from 2007-2012

Matatiele Local Municipality has a slight imbalance between the females and the males. The females outnumber the males such that they constitute 54% (110167) of the population while the males amount to 46% (93675) of the population. According to the Census 2011, 71% of the population within the municipality is younger than 35 years of age and only 7% are over 65 years of age.

SUMMARY OF DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Total Population: 203 843
Young (0-14): 38.4%
Working Age (15-64): 54.6%
Elderly (65+): 6.9%
Dependency Ratio: 83%
Sex Ratio: 85
Growth Rate: 0.46% (2001-2011)
Population Density: 47 persons/square kilometre
Unemployment Rate: 38.7%
Youth Unemployment rate: 47.2%
No schooling aged 20+: .45
Higher education aged 20+: 5.8%
Matric aged 20+: 12.7%
Number of Households: 49 527
Average household size: 3.7
Female Headed Households: 55.3%
Formal Dwellings: 49.7%
Housing owned/ paying off: 55.3%
Flush toilet connected to sewage: 10.4%
Weekly refuse removal : 10.9%
Piped water inside dwelling: 12.2%
Electricity for Lighting: 44.9%

Source : STATSSA website (census: 2011)

SUMMARY OF KEY CONCERNS AS PER THE IDP COMMUNITY OUTREACH 2014

The following are some of the service areas that need to be prioritised within the municipality.

WATER
In most wards, there are still villages that do not have access to clean drinking water. In Some villages, people still draw water from streams and have to travel several kilometres to access water.
In some wards where there are taps, the water supply is not consistent; residents go for a number days without water. There is also a concern as some schools also do not have access to clean drinking water.
Some schools have water tanks but no water.

ELECTRICITY
There is a great urgency in most wards with regards to electricity, and in many wards electricity is a priority. Out of the 26 wards, nine (9) wards are completely not electrified.

SANITATION
Toilets have been built in some villages, however in some wards there is still a great need for toilets. In other municipal wards, sanitation projects were initiated though not yet completed.

ROADS
Roads found within the municipality are mostly gravel roads. There is still a great need for construction of access roads and maintenance of such.
With the recent floods and heavy rains, the condition of most roads, including access roads, district roads as well as T-roads has worsened, making it virtually impossible for vehicles to travel in other areas and access to services rather difficult.

TERTIORY INSTITUTIONS
There are currently no tertiary institutions within the municipality. Many Young people, who have completed Matric and intending to further their studies, travel to other towns, cities and even provinces to access such educational facilities. This has been identified as a great need, and it contributes to the great number of out-migrants who are you young people.

SPORTS AND REACTIONTIONAL FACILITIES
Matatiele local Municipality has a youthful population and there’s a need for investment in social services and facilities to meet the needs of this growing population. Sports facilities, especially in rural areas, including multi-purpose centres are a priority. Recreational facilities such as parks in the three towns are needed.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Unemployment is prevalent within the municipality, especially amongst the youth. There is a great need to provide employment opportunities and equip people with the necessary skills that are required in the job market. Business opportunities, skills development programmes and other LED initiatives are some of the areas for intervention.