Makana Local Municipality - Municipalities South Africa

The Makana Local Municipality is situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, falling within the Sarah Baartman District Municipality. Encompassing the university town of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), the municipality is named after Xhosa warrior and prophet Makana. With a population estimated at around 80,000, it includes several rural villages and urban settlements such as Alicedale, Riebeeck East, and Seven Fountains. Despite its historical significance and cultural richness, Makana faces pressing challenges in service delivery, governance, and economic development. This piece provides an overview of Makana’s municipal structure, governance framework, service delivery issues, socio-economic profile, development strategies, and ongoing challenges.

Makana Local Municipality Governance and Administrative Structure

Makana Local Municipality operates under the framework of South Africa’s Constitution and is governed by a municipal council elected through a mixed-member proportional representation system. The council comprises both ward and proportional representation councillors, ensuring a degree of local accountability and political diversity.

The municipality is led by a Mayor, Speaker, and a Municipal Manager who oversees administrative functions. The political administration has often faced scrutiny due to allegations of inefficiency, corruption, and mismanagement. These issues have severely undermined public confidence in the municipality’s leadership and their ability to deliver essential services to residents.

Geographic and Demographic Overview

Geographically, Makana spans over 4,376 square kilometers and is characterized by its varied landscape, ranging from mountainous terrains to rural plains. Makhanda, the municipality’s largest town, serves as the educational and administrative hub. The presence of Rhodes University, several private schools, and the National Arts Festival makes Makhanda a cultural and academic focal point in the province.

Demographically, the population is predominantly Black African, with isiXhosa being the most widely spoken language. Unemployment and poverty levels are high, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements, with limited access to basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity.

Socio-Economic Profile

Makana’s economy is driven primarily by the education sector, tourism, and public administration. Rhodes University, which employs a significant number of local residents, plays a pivotal role in the local economy. The National Arts Festival also draws national and international visitors annually, providing an economic boost to small businesses and informal traders.

However, beyond these seasonal and institutional economic drivers, there is a lack of robust, sustainable industries. The agricultural sector, once a significant employer, has declined, and there is minimal investment in manufacturing or infrastructure development. Consequently, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, contributing to a cycle of poverty and social disintegration.

Service Delivery and Infrastructure Challenges

One of the most pressing concerns in Makana is the municipality’s failure to consistently deliver basic services. Water shortages have become a recurring problem due to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and mismanagement of resources. The water crisis reached critical levels in 2019, prompting the intervention of civil society organizations and national government departments.

Waste management is another concern, with illegal dumping, irregular refuse collection, and a lack of landfill maintenance contributing to environmental degradation. Electricity supply, although more stable, has also faced interruptions, exacerbated by Eskom load shedding and local infrastructure faults.

Roads and transport infrastructure are in a state of disrepair, particularly in rural areas where access becomes nearly impossible during rainy seasons. These issues not only affect the quality of life but also hinder economic activities and investor confidence.

Governance Failures and Court Interventions

In recent years, governance issues have intensified, culminating in several court challenges against the municipality. In 2020, the Grahamstown High Court ruled that the Makana Local Municipality had failed in its constitutional mandate to provide basic services, effectively declaring the council in breach of the Constitution. This historic judgment followed litigation by the Unemployed People’s Movement (UPM), a grassroots activist group.

The court ordered the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive to dissolve the municipal council and appoint an administrator. While the ruling was appealed, it highlighted the depth of governance failure and the growing demand for accountability among local residents and civil society organizations.

Community and Civil Society Activism

Civil society plays a significant role in the Makana region, particularly in advocating for improved governance and service delivery. The Unemployed People’s Movement and other local NGOs such as the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) and the Rhodes University-based Centre for Social Accountability have been instrumental in mobilizing community action and legal challenges.

These organizations not only expose mismanagement and corruption but also propose alternative development models grounded in transparency, participation, and equity. Their advocacy has increased pressure on the municipal government to reform its operations and prioritize public needs.

Development Plans and Strategic Interventions

Makana Local Municipality has outlined several development goals through its Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The IDP aims to align local priorities with national and provincial development frameworks such as the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Eastern Cape Vision 2030.

Key priorities include:

Upgrading water and sanitation infrastructure
Enhancing waste management systems
Promoting local economic development (LED)
Supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs)
Improving rural road networks
Facilitating housing development and urban planning

However, the implementation of these goals has been uneven due to limited budget allocations, poor project management, and a shortage of skilled personnel. Many projects face delays, cost overruns, or are abandoned altogether, eroding trust in the municipality’s developmental vision.

Financial Management and Audit Outcomes

Makana has consistently received adverse audit findings from the Auditor-General of South Africa. Financial mismanagement, unauthorized expenditure, and poor internal controls have plagued the municipality for years. The lack of qualified financial managers and the politicization of appointments have worsened the situation.

Efforts to improve financial governance, such as capacity-building programs and provincial interventions, have had limited success. The municipality’s debt to service providers like Eskom and Amatola Water has further strained its financial viability, threatening the continuity of essential services.

Education, Youth, and Social Development

Education is a beacon of hope in the Makana area, with institutions like Rhodes University, the University of South Africa (UNISA) learning center, and various private and public schools contributing to the intellectual fabric of the region. However, access to quality education is uneven, especially in rural villages and poorer urban areas.

Youth development remains a concern, with many young people facing limited employment prospects post-graduation. Programs aimed at youth empowerment, vocational training, and entrepreneurship are underfunded or poorly implemented. Drug abuse and crime, partly stemming from youth disillusionment, are rising social issues.

Prospects for Sustainable Development

Despite its challenges, Makana holds significant potential for sustainable development. Its rich cultural heritage, academic institutions, and tourism appeal are assets that can be harnessed for inclusive growth. Key strategies could include:

Strengthening partnerships between local government, academia, and civil society
Expanding heritage and eco-tourism initiatives
Investing in green energy and water conservation projects
Promoting agricultural cooperatives and rural enterprise development
Implementing transparent procurement and monitoring systems

International donor agencies and development partners can also play a role in supporting capacity building, infrastructure rehabilitation, and social development projects.

Makana Local Municipality Contact Details

Postal	PO Box 176, Makhanda, 6140
Physical	City Hall, High Street, Makhanda, 6139
Tel	046 603 6111
Web	www.makana.gov.za

Resident Queries

Accounts	046 603 6019/71 MichelleJacobs@makana.gov.za
Electricity	046 603 6062 MzomhleRadu@makana.gov.za
Refuse & Waste	046 603 6142 williamwelkom@makana.gov.za
Roads	046 603 6063 gmfeti@makana.gov.za
Service Delivery	046 603 6063 bmadikwa@makana.gov.za; bliwani@makana.gov.za
Water	046 603 6069 mqwane@makana.gov.za

Fun Things To Do At Makana Local Municipality

Makana Local Municipality, located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, offers a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or cultural explorer, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of fun activities to consider:

Cultural & Historical Highlights

1. 1820 Settlers National Monument & Gunfire Hill Explore the monument dedicated to early British settlers and enjoy panoramic views from Gunfire Hill. Don’t miss the Astronomical Toposcope, which indicates cardinal points and constellation positions.

2. Albany Museum Complex Delve into history and science across six buildings, including the Natural Sciences Museum, History Museum, and the Observatory Museum. Highlights include Fort Selwyn and the Old Provost military prison.

3. Makana Heritage Route Embark on a journey through hidden churches, the Mlanjeni Cave, and other culturally significant sites that narrate the region’s rich past.

Nature & Adventure

4. Private Game Reserves Experience wildlife up close with day trips to local game reserves. Prices typically range from R450 to R1060 per person.

5. Hiking Trails For outdoor enthusiasts, trails like the Two River Trail, Assegaai Trails, and Cannon Rocks Nature Trail offer scenic hikes through diverse landscapes.

6. Makana Botanical Gardens Enjoy a leisurely picnic or a peaceful walk in these gardens, open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Arts & Events

7. National Arts Festival Held annually in Makhanda, this renowned festival showcases a plethora of performances, exhibitions, and cultural events, attracting artists and audiences from around the globe.

8. Heritage Weekend Camp Celebrate diverse cultures with activities, lectures, music, and more during this event at Makana Resort. It’s a vibrant mix of dance, poetry, and dialogues.

Local Experiences

9. Explore Surrounding Villages Visit nearby towns like Alicedale, Riebeek East, and Salem to experience local crafts, historic churches, and the charm of rural South Africa.

10. Makana Tourism Office For more information, maps, and bookings, stop by the Makana Tourism Office located at 63 High Street, Makhanda. They’re open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:30

Conclusion

Makana Local Municipality presents a compelling case of both promise and peril. While endowed with educational, historical, and cultural assets, its potential is hampered by systemic governance failures, poor service delivery, and socio-economic inequalities. For meaningful change to occur, governance must be radically improved, financial systems stabilized, and community voices empowered. Civil society, academia, and government must collaborate to create a municipality that is responsive, inclusive, and capable of delivering on its constitutional obligations