About Harry Gwala District Municipality

The Harry Gwala District Municipality is located to the South West of the KwaZulu-Natal province. Its population is sparsely spread throughout an area of 11 127.89997 square kilometers. The Harry Gwala District Municipality forms part of the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Province. The District Management Area (DMA) is located to the West of the District and it forms part of the border between the KwaZulu-Natal Province and Lesotho.

The Harry Gwala District Municipality (DC43) is composed of the following four local municipalities: Ubuhlebezwe, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Greater Kokstad and Umzimkhulu.

The municipality was previously known as Sisonke District Municipality and was renamed to Harry Gwala District Municipality in 2014, in honour of the late struggle hero Harry Gwala. The district is predominantly rural with agriculture and forestry being the main economic activities. The municipality serves as a Water Services Authority responsible for ensuring access to water and sanitation services for communities within its jurisdiction.

Vision

Continuously improving Water and Sanitation Provision for our Communities through sustainable innovations by 2050.

Mission

Working together with its communities and stakeholders, Harry Gwala District Municipality will ensure the provision of sustainable potable water and sanitation services.

The Harry Gwala District Municipality is guided by the following core values in all its operations and service delivery:

• Honesty – We uphold the truth and act with integrity in all our dealings.
• Transparency – We conduct our business openly and encourage public participation.
• Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and decisions.
• Consultation – We engage with communities and stakeholders on matters that affect them.
• Commitment – We are dedicated to improving the lives of our communities through excellent service delivery.

The Harry Gwala District Municipality was established in the year 2000 as the Sisonke District Municipality, following the demarcation of municipalities in South Africa. In May 2014, the municipality was renamed to Harry Gwala District Municipality in honour of the late Comrade Harry Gwala, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and leader from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Harry Gwala was born on 16 February 1920 in the Midlands area of KwaZulu-Natal. He was a committed freedom fighter who dedicated his life to the struggle against apartheid. He was a trade unionist, a political organiser, and a leader in the African National Congress (ANC). Despite being imprisoned on Robben Island and later suffering from Motor Neurone Disease, he continued his political activism until his passing on 14 June 1995.

The district honours his legacy by carrying forward the values of dedication, resilience, and service to the people.

The Harry Gwala District Municipality has identified the following strategic goals to guide its service delivery and development agenda:

• Basic Service Delivery and Infrastructure Development – To ensure the provision of sustainable water and sanitation services to all communities within the district.
• Local Economic Development – To promote job creation, skills development and economic growth in the district.
• Good Governance and Public Participation – To ensure transparent, accountable and efficient governance.
• Municipal Financial Viability and Management – To ensure sound financial management and long-term financial sustainability.
• Municipal Transformation and Organisational Development – To build a capable and developmental municipality.