KUGOMPO- The King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality(KSD) Municipal Manager Ngamela Pakade has reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to transforming into a smart city.
Speaking at KSD mega strategic planning hosted at East London International Convention Centre(EL ICC) at KuGompo City from 11th-12th February 2026, he outlined key initiatives underway.
The Municipal Manager emphasised that, “Fiber connectivity is being rolled out across wards, with Mthatha West nearly complete and expansion to eastern townships like Slovo, Ngangelizwe and Khwezi in progress.”
“This connectivity is critically important,” he stressed.
Internally, the municipality is upgrading its ICT infrastructure, developing a data centre to automate and digitalise processes. Camera installations for traffic control and crime prevention are also ongoing, with further rollouts scheduled by end-February.
Furthermore KSD Mayor Cllr Nyaniso Nelani added that as they aimed at addressing crime by issuing by-laws and policies they have finally put cameras for traffic.
“We are going to put 104 cameras in place throughout the town starting end February,” Cllr Nelani.
In addition, he assured that as part of their crime monitoring strategy phase one has been initiated in Mqanduli involving the installation of streets in town. Contractors will be deployed from Mqanduli to Makhenkesi to implement this initiative.
Furthermore, infrastructure improvements are planned including the repair of two bridges and the development of a pool in Savoy Park with renovations also slated for the Ngangelizwe swimming pool, aiming to enhance community amenities.
KSD municipality also announced collaboration with Walter Sisulu University planned, focusing on ICT, oceans economy and agriculture to boost residents livelihoods. “We view the university as a critical role player,” he said.
He stressed financial constraints limit progress but resource mobilisation efforts seek national funding. “The municipality also backs establishing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), currently in phase 2. Infrastructure development near the airport has begun, post-water license delays,” Cllr Nelani concluded.
Photographs: KSD Municipality/Supplied
