GQEBERHA -The Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) has marked five years of governance with a comprehensive review of its achievements on the 29 September 2026, highlighting significant strides in infrastructure, financial accountability and economic development across the Eastern Cape.
According to the municipality’s official 5 Year Achievements report ,the district has prioritised strengthening service delivery and building a more resilient community.
The report was released under the theme ‘Milestones of Freedom: Honouring the Past, Delivering the Future.’
A cornerstone of the municipality’s record is its financial management. According to the report, the SBDM achieved a Clean Audit for the 2024/25 financial year, a testament to its commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of public funds.
In terms of basic service delivery, the municipality has made a tangible impact on local communities.
Furthermore, through its Informal Settlement Upgrade Programme more than 2,500 households have been upgraded across four local municipalities, a critical step toward providing dignified living conditions for residents.
In addition, the municipality supported 41 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) with approximately R5 Million in funding while local tourism organisations received another R5 million in support.
However, the district has also taken a global approach to local growth. It launched its first Experiential Hub in Shanghai, China a platform designed to showcase goods produced within the Sarah Baartman District and open new markets for local entrepreneurs.
The municipality has also prioritised environmental sustainability and public safety. It launched the District Greenest Municipality Competition in 2023 to encourage sustainable practices.
Furthermore , it improved emergency response by procuring equipment and 28 fire and rescue vehicles to serve communities across the district.
SBDM Executive Mayor, Cllr. Deon de Vos, attributed these achievements to collective effort.
“Over the past five years, Sarah Baartman District Municipality has worked alongside our local municipalities and communities to strengthen service delivery and improve lives across the District,” he said.
He further added that , “From infrastructure development and basic services to disaster response, environmental health, water and sanitation, local economic opportunities and community support our achievements reflect a commitment to building a stronger and more resilient District.”
In five years, SBDM has done what many only promise it fixed its finances, housed its people, funded its entrepreneurs and bought the trucks to protect them.
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