Newcastle Municipality

03/06/2026

MUNICIPALITY TACKLES WATER AND METER LEAKS IN TARGETED INTERVENTION

The Newcastle Municipality has launched a dedicated intervention to identify and repair water leaks and faulty water meters, following complaints from residents across multiple wards.

Led by Mayor Cllr DX Dube, the programme responds to two issues that directly affect water supply and household billing. Technical teams are being deployed to detect and repair underground leaks and pipe bursts to reduce water losses and restore pressure in the network. The intervention also focuses on replacing broken and leaking water meters to ensure accurate readings, stop wastage, and address billing disputes. Where leaks have caused dry taps, teams will work to restore supply. Related sanitation issues linked to water faults will also be attended to.

“Water leaks waste a resource we cannot afford to lose, and faulty meters hit residents in their pockets,” said Mayor Dube. “We are sending teams into each ward to find these leaks, fix them, and replace meters that are not working.”

The programme was initiated after complaints were logged through the 24-hour call centre and ward councillors. Work is already underway and will roll out to all wards in the coming days.

Residents can report water leaks, pipe bursts, or meter faults at any time by calling 087 740 8839, logging the issue on the Newcastle Municipality website, or using the Newcastle Municipality WhatsApp App.

03/06/2026

02/06/2026

NEWCASTLE MUNICIPALITY REPORTS PROGRESS ON MADADENI WARD 29 TARRED ACCESS ROADS PROJECT

The Newcastle Municipality has made significant progress on the Madadeni Ward 29 Tarred Access Roads project, aimed at upgrading infrastructure and improving access for residents.

The project addresses long-standing challenges with unpaved roads in Madadeni, which have restricted mobility and access to services during heavy rains.

His Worship the Mayor, Cllr DX Dube, said the project reflects the municipality’s commitment to service delivery.

“This project will improve daily life for Madadeni residents and support local economic growth,” Mayor Dube said. “We are focused on delivering quality infrastructure that our communities deserve.”

Construction teams are currently installing stormwater pipes and laying the quarry subbase layer. This phase is near completion, after which surfacing and tarring will begin.

The Madadeni Tarred Access Roads project forms part of the municipality’s broader infrastructure rollout to improve road networks in historically underserved areas.

02/06/2026

REMINDER!!!!

02/06/2026

NEWCASTLE MUNICIPALITY GEARS UP FOR 'OPERATION SWEEP THE TOWN' INITIATIVE, FOLLOWING LED CONTAINER VERIFICATION EXERCISE

As part of its intensified efforts to clearing the clutter and reclaiming the streets of Newcastle for a better trade market, the Newcastle Municipality’s Development Planning and Human Settlements department is embarking on stringent compliance operations through the Local Economic Development (LED) Container Verification Exercise, today, 02 June 2026.

This two-day exercise will be conducted throughout the Newcastle Central Business District (CBD), with the objective of identifying and verifying the legitimacy of the containers, wendy houses, tents and shacks operating in the designated trading zones.

Municipal officials took to the streets on a quest to evaluate several key requirements which include:
-Official trading lease agreement issued by the municipality.
-The nature of trading goods or services.
-Whether the structure is privately owned or erected on municipal property.

Following this verification exercise, 'Operation Sweep the Town' will officially be executed to remove unauthorized and non-compliant trading structures operating in non-restricted areas, and will be an ongoing drive to restore order and preserve the image of the Newcastle CBD.

Traders found operating in structures without authorized lease agreement with the municipality are instructed to remove their structures before 05 June 2026. Any shacks or tents trading in the CBD beyond the date will be demolished or removed and building materials will be disposed without the owner's consent and without any cost to the municipality.

Additionally, Containers and wendy houses will be impounded and released upon payment of the appropriate fines and without any responsibility of damages to the municipality.

This initiative underscores the municipality's commitment to eliminate illegal street trading, improve urban renewal and public safety and reclaim the dignity of our town.




NEWCASTLE MUNICIPALITY GEARS UP FOR 'OPERATION SWEEP THE TOWN' INITIATIVE, FOLLOWING LED CONTAINER VERIFICATION EXERCISE

As part of its intensified efforts to clearing the clutter and reclaiming the streets of Newcastle for a better trade market, the Newcastle Municipality’s Development Planning and Human Settlements department is embarking on stringent compliance operations through the Local Economic Development (LED) Container Verification Exercise, today, 02 June 2026.

This two-day exercise will be conducted throughout the Newcastle Central Business District (CBD), with the objective of identifying and verifying the legitimacy of the containers, wendy houses, tents and shacks operating in the designated trading zones.

Municipal officials took to the streets on a quest to evaluate several key requirements which include:
-Official trading lease agreement issued by the municipality.
-The nature of trading goods or services.
-Whether the structure is privately owned or erected on municipal property.

Following this verification exercise, 'Operation Sweep the Town' will officially be executed to remove unauthorized and non-compliant trading structures operating in non-restricted areas, and will be an ongoing drive to restore order and preserve the image of the Newcastle CBD.

Traders found operating in structures without authorized lease agreement with the municipality are instructed to remove their structures before 05 June 2026. Any shacks or tents trading in the CBD beyond the date will be demolished or removed and building materials will be disposed without the owner's consent and without any cost to the municipality.

Additionally, Containers and wendy houses will be impounded and released upon payment of the appropriate fines and without any responsibility of damages to the municipality.

This initiative underscores the municipality's commitment to eliminate illegal street trading, improve urban renewal and public safety and reclaim the dignity of our town.

01/06/2026

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Newcastle Municipality wishes to advise motorists and members of the public that a student march is currently underway within parts of the Newcastle CBD and surrounding areas.

The procession is expected to affect traffic flow along the following routes:

• Allen Street (past Farmers Hall)
• Hardwick Street
• Albert Wessels Road
• Surrounding areas leading to the Amajuba TVET Central Office

Motorists are advised to exercise caution, anticipate delays, and make use of alternative routes where possible. Traffic officers have been deployed to assist with traffic management and ensure the safety of both road users and pedestrians.

Members of the public are encouraged to remain patient, cooperate with law enforcement officials on site, and avoid affected areas unless travel is essential.

The Municipality will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Ends.

31/05/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

31 May 2026

NEWCASTLE MUNICIPALITY TO COMMENCE PHASE ONE OF SMART PREPAID METER ROLL-OUT

The Newcastle Municipality is pleased to announce the commencement of Phase One of its Smart Prepaid Meter Roll-out Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at modernising municipal service delivery, improving billing accuracy, enhancing revenue management, and empowering residents to better manage their utility consumption.

The project forms part of the Municipality’s broader commitment to implementing innovative and sustainable solutions that respond to community concerns regarding billing accuracy, consumption monitoring, and efficient service delivery.

The introduction of smart prepaid metering technology marks a significant transition from conventional meter reading methods towards a modern digital system that will provide real time monitoring, improved consumption management, enhanced billing transparency, and reduced opportunities for illegal connections and meter tampering.

The Municipality has appointed Isandiso Pipelines & Engineering as the implementing service provider for the project. The installation programme will be undertaken in phases, with Phase One commencing in the Hospital Precinct area and covering the following streets:

• Bird Street
• Beardall Street
• Crawford Street
• Haste Street
• Montague Street (Upper)
• Oldknow Street
• Talmage Street
• Earl Street
• Boulden Street
• Holmes Street
• Voortrekker Street
• Greaves Street
• Dunton Street
• Kemp Street
• Sutherland Street (Upper)

Speaking on this important milestone, Newcastle Municipality Mayor, His Worship Councillor D.X. Dube, said the project reflects the Municipality’s commitment to addressing service delivery challenges raised by residents and implementing practical solutions that improve the customer experience.

“The implementation of smart prepaid metering is a direct response to concerns raised by our communities regarding billing accuracy and consumption management. Through ongoing engagement with residents and stakeholders, we have identified smart metering technology as an important intervention that will promote fairness, transparency and accountability in municipal billing systems,” said Mayor Dube.

“The Municipality remains committed to ensuring that the implementation process is seamless, transparent and inclusive. Comprehensive public awareness and consumer education initiatives will be undertaken to ensure that affected residents are fully informed and supported throughout the transition process,” he added.

Prior to installations, municipal officials and appointed technicians will conduct direct engagements with affected property owners and residents to provide information regarding the project and installation process. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with authorised municipal representatives and technicians to facilitate a smooth implementation.

The Smart Prepaid Meter Programme is expected to contribute significantly towards improved service delivery efficiencies, enhanced revenue collection, better resource management, and increased customer satisfaction.

Newcastle Municipality remains steadfast in its commitment to building a responsive, financially sustainable and service oriented municipality that delivers quality services to all residents.

ENDS

Issued by: Communications and Customer Relations Directorate

29/05/2026

NEWCASTLE MUNICIPALITY WELCOMES THE REOPENING OF THE HIGHLY UPGRADED OSIZWENI ART CENTRE AS A BOOST FOR LOCAL CREATIVES

29 May 2026

The Newcastle Municipality welcomes the official reopening of the Osizweni Art Centre as a modern, state-of-the-art cultural facility that will drive jobs, skills development and economic growth in our communities.

The Centre, first established in 2010 to support artists in the region, has been completely revamped through a R13.4 million infrastructure investment by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Upgrades include a redesigned roof structure, a fully equipped theatre, new rehearsal spaces, meeting rooms, a curio shop, upgraded gardens, and critical support infrastructure like a backup generator, CCTV and borehole system.

Representing Newcastle Municipality at today’s reopening was Speaker of Council, uMntwana TM Zulu, alongside KZNDSAC MEC Hon. Mntomuhle Khawula and Acting Mayor of Amajuba District Municipality, Cllr T.E. Mthembu. The Municipality applauds the Department’s commitment to service delivery and prudent use of public funds to deliver tangible infrastructure for our residents.

Positioned in a cultural belt renowned for isicathamiya and theatre, the renewed Osizweni Art Centre will serve as a launchpad for local talent to monetise their craft, access new platforms, and grow the creative economy in Newcastle and Amajuba District.

Aligned with our mandate to support community development, the Municipality looks forward to working with KZNDSAC and local creatives to ensure the Centre hosts exhibitions, theatre productions, live performances, workshops and training programs that turn artistic talent into real economic opportunity.

The reopening, held during Africa Month, also celebrated local pride through exhibitions of crafts, fashion and design by artists and crafters from across the region.

29/05/2026