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Our municipality background

Est August 2016

Our Story

The Walter Sisulu local municipality (WSLM) has five towns namely, Maletswai, James Calata, Burgersdorp, Steynsburg and Venterstad. The WSM is located in the Eastern Cape Province within Joe Gqabi District Municipality.

WSLM is located south Free State Province and is bordered by Senqu Local Municipality to the East, Xhariep local municipality to the north, Molteno to the southeast, Takastard to the south, Middelburg to the Southwest. The Orange River separates the WSLM municipality from both the Northern Cape and the Free State Provinces. The area of the WSLM local municipality covers an area of 13280.2 km². With regard to key road networks, the R58 runs through Venterstad, Burgersdorp and Aliwal North and the N6 runs through Jamestown and Aliwal North to Bloemfontein in the north and East London to the South.

  • Burgersdorp
  • Maletswai
  • James Calata
  • Steynsburg
  • Venterstad

The Walter Sisulu Local Municipality has fairly diverse vegetation and is home to three distinct vegetation types, one of which – Eastern Mixed Nama Karoo – is recognised as a nationally significant biome.

Vision

To be a socially and economically viable municipality that provides quality services to the community.

Mission

We -: Strive to be competitive in utilising municipal resources for optimal benefit of our community.
Will -: Create mutual trust between the community and the municipality through good governance.

Value Statement

  • Accountability through participatory and responsive governance.
  • Excellence through transparency, respect, integrity, honesty and collaborative partnerships.

    • Cities / Towns

    Economic Sectors

    Area

    Municipal Council

    It is characterised by mountains, hills and valleys. This area is well known for its stock farming, of which sheep production is one of the dominating sectors. The streams and rivers team with fish, trout being a common species. Rock foundations have beautiful artwork made years ago by the founders of the area – the Khoisan. A thermal springs resort, named Aliwal Spa, is located within the municipal area and produces salty water, rich in minerals, from underground. Our main economic sectors include:

    Manufacturing

    Contributes about 11% towards Gross Value Added (GVA).

    Agriculture

    Contributes about 7% towards Gross Value Added (GVA).

    Trade

    Contributes about 19% towards Gross Value Added (GVA).

    Construction

    Contributes about 4% towards Gross Value Added (GVA).

    Main Economic Sectors Continued

    Government Services

    Contributes about 1% towards Gross Value Added (GVA).

    Community Services

    Contributes about 33% towards Gross Value Added (GVA).

    Transport and Communication

    Contributes about 9% towards Gross Value Added (GVA).

    Finance and Business Services

    Contributes about 16% towards Gross Value Added (GVA).