Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality

Where Heritage Meets Progress

Serving communities across 13,584 km² in the heart of the Eastern Cape.

Our Municipality at a Glance

  • Established

    August 2016 (merger of Tsolwana, Inkwanca, and Lukhanji municipalities).

  • Location

    Central Eastern Cape, within Chris Hani District.

  • Key Towns

    Queenstown (administrative hub), Molteno, Sterkstroom, Tarkastad, Whittlesea.

  • Unique Fact

    Largest municipality in the district by land area

Population Growth

250,776 (2011) → 297,055 (2022).

Age Distribution

  • 27.6% under 15 | 63.9% working age | 8.5% over 65.

Households

96,791 households (avg. 3.1 members).

Education

51.2% matric rate | 23.6% higher education.

Service Access

90% electricity access | 56% formal refuse removal | 32% piped water.

Enoch Mgijima Legacy

Named after a visionary anti-apartheid activist and religious leader who championed justice and unity.

Cultural Significance

  • Hosts annual Xhosa cultural festivals (e.g., Umthombe Womlambo).

  • Key heritage sites: Bulhoek Massacre Memorial, Mgijima’s historic church in Ntabelanga.

Post-Amalgamation Journey

"From three municipalities to one unified vision: bridging rural and urban development."

Leading with Accountability

Executive Leadership

Cllr.Madoda Papayana

Cllr.Madoda Papayana

Executive Mayor
Cllr.Nombuyiselo Ndlebe

Cllr.Nombuyiselo Ndlebe

Chief Whip
Cllr.Noluthando Nqabisa

Cllr.Noluthando Nqabisa

Council Speaker

68 councillors

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Fist

Independents

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Guiding Our Future

Vision Statement

"A developmental regional economic hub, customer-focused and committed to service excellence in delivering quality, sustainable services."

Mission Commitments

1.Provide efficient, equitable service delivery. 2. Empower staff and councillors through capacity building. 3. Unlock investment and economic potential.
4.Drive socio-economic development via local programs.