Nketoana Local Municipality Demographic Profile
According to the 2022 data, Nketoana has a population of approximately 66,488 residents, with a gender distribution of 47% male and 53% female. The racial composition is predominantly Black African at 90.4%, followed by White (8.9%), Coloured (0.2%), and Asian (0.3%) communities. Sesotho is the most widely spoken language, accounting for 75.9% of the population, followed by Afrikaans (10.7%), isiZulu (8.7%), and English (1.7%).
The age distribution indicates a youthful population, with 0-14 years at 17,919 individuals, 15-64 years at 43,641, and those aged 65 and above at 4,929.
Economic Overview
Nketoana’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with the region known for its grain production and livestock farming. Reitz, the municipal seat, hosts a well-developed central business district and two industrial areas that support agricultural activities.
Despite its agricultural potential, the municipality faces economic challenges. Reports have highlighted issues such as economic mismanagement, leading to adverse effects on communities like Ntha and Lindley.
Governance and Political Landscape
The municipal council comprises 18 members elected through a mixed-member proportional representation system. In the 2021 municipal elections, the African National Congress (ANC) secured a reduced majority with ten seats, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) gained representation.
However, the municipality has been marred by governance issues. Allegations of corruption, nepotism, and financial mismanagement have surfaced, including incidents involving the procurement of a R2.3 million truck that remained unused and exorbitant vehicle rental expenses by municipal officials.
Service Delivery and Infrastructure
Service delivery remains a significant concern for Nketoana residents. While the municipality provides essential services such as water, electricity, sanitation, and waste management, the quality and consistency of these services have been questioned. For instance, in 2025, residents protested over inadequate service delivery, citing issues like the continued use of bucket toilets in some areas.
The municipality has reported providing sewerage and sanitation services to over 21,000 households, with the majority connected to public sewerage systems. However, challenges persist, including infrastructure maintenance and addressing backlogs in service provision.
Financial Management
Financial mismanagement has been a recurring issue within Nketoana Local Municipality. The municipality reported a net loss of R170 million for the period ending June 2023, with liabilities exceeding assets by R740 million. Additionally, there was R47.6 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure during the 2022/23 financial year, primarily due to interest and penalties on overdue accounts.
These financial challenges have hindered the municipality’s ability to deliver services effectively and have eroded public trust in local governance.
Developmental Initiatives
Nketoana has outlined developmental objectives in its Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for 2022-2027, focusing on areas such as economic development, infrastructure improvement, and institutional transformation. Key priorities include enhancing financial viability, promoting good governance, and improving service delivery standards
Efforts are also being made to stimulate local economic development through initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities and supporting small businesses.
Contact Details
| Postal | PO Box 26, Reitz, 9810 |
|---|---|
| Physical | Cnr Church & Voortrekker Streets, Reitz, 9810 |
| Tel | 058 863 2811 |
| Web | www.nketoana.fs.gov.za |
Resident Queries
| Accounts | 058 863 2811 bdp@nketoanafs.co.za |
|---|---|
| Electricity | 058 863 2811 koalepe@nketoanafs.co.za |
| Refuse & Waste | 058 863 2811 sebina@nketoanafs.co.za |
| Roads | 058 863 2811 mzizisammy@gmail.com |
| Service Delivery | 058 863 2811 khiba.mokhali@nketoanafs.co.za |
| Water | 058 863 2811 Kagiso.Molelekwa@nketoanafs.co.za |
Related
- Nkandla Local Municipality
- Abaqulusi Local Municipality
- Aganang Local Municipality
- Albert Luthuli Local Municipality
Conclusion
Nketoana Local Municipality holds significant potential due to its strategic location and agricultural base. However, to realize this potential, concerted efforts are needed to address governance issues, improve financial management, and enhance service delivery. Restoring public confidence and fostering sustainable development will require transparent leadership, community engagement, and effective implementation of developmental plans