Sarah Baartman District Municipality

13/06/2026

13/06/2026

SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees 2026 — DRIE DAE VAN VET PRET! — DIE DIKSTE BALJAAR! 🥳

Live shows and demos, over 300 wild stalls, SA's top wine cellars, lekker food and HEAPS of fun for the whole family! 🤪

📅 26–28 June 2026
📍 Kirkwood, The Co-op / Die Koöperasie

👉 See poster for ticket outlets and details — Start planning your Wildsfees weekend today! 😎

SPAR Eastern Cape

12/06/2026

Provincial Biodiversity Day 2026 Commemorated in Addo

Today, stakeholders from across government and conservation sectors gathered at Valencia Sports Ground in Addo to commemorate Provincial Biodiversity Day 2026 under the theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact.”

The event brought together representatives from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM), Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM), South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), SANParks and the Department of Transport, as well as community members, learners and local SMMEs.

A key focus of the programme was the importance of biodiversity conservation and the role it plays in supporting tourism, economic growth and sustainable livelihoods. SANParks shared information on employment opportunities, bursaries, youth development programmes and the Kids in Parks initiative. Community members also learned more about the wildlife found in the Addo Elephant National Park, including the recent introduction of new lions, and the critical role biodiversity plays in protecting ecosystems for future generations.

During the engagement session, community members and local SMMEs raised concerns about limited economic opportunities and access to work within the national park. They called for greater inclusion and stronger benefits for communities living in and around Addo.

Addressing attendees, Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Hon. N. Pieters highlighted that while International Biodiversity Day is observed annually on 22 May, the province continues to commemorate and promote its message throughout the year. The MEC emphasised that protecting biodiversity is essential for growing the economy, preserving the environment and attracting tourists to the region. She encouraged communities to adapt to changing circumstances, embrace innovation and work together to protect natural resources.

The MEC Pieters also urged residents to stop illegal dumping, warning that it damages the environment and threatens biodiversity. Instead, communities were encouraged to explore recycling initiatives that can help turn waste into economic opportunities.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Executive Mayor of Sarah Baartman District Municipality, who expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, organisers and community members for their commitment to protecting the district's rich natural heritage.

Together, we can act locally today to create a positive impact that will be felt globally tomorrow.

12/06/2026

SBDM Hosts Extended LED Forum

Today, the Sarah Baartman District Municipality hosted the Extended Local Economic Development (LED) Forum at the SBDM Council Chambers, bringing together stakeholders from across the district to engage on strategies for growing local economies and creating opportunities for communities.

The forum focused on key themes including innovation for impact, inclusive participation, sustainable growth, economic opportunities, and strong partnerships. Discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, business, and communities in building inclusive, innovative and resilient local economies.

The session provided a valuable platform for sharing ideas, strengthening partnerships, and identifying practical solutions to drive economic development and job creation across the Sarah Baartman District.

12/06/2026

The Provincial Biodiversity Day celebration is currently underway at the Valencia Sports Ground in Addo. The first part of today's programme included planting trees in several areas of Valencia.

The event is being led by the Honourable MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Nonkqubela Pieters, alongside Executive Mayor of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality Cllr Deon de Vos, Sundays River Valley Municipality Mayor Cllr Solethu Lucas, members of the SRVM Council, and officials from various government departments and institutions.

The gathering brings together stakeholders committed to promoting biodiversity conservation, environmental awareness, and sustainable development.

11/06/2026

Let's go Bafana Bafana ⚽⚽⚽

Tonight | Bafana Bafana 🇿🇦 begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Mexico in the tournament’s opening match at Estadio Azteca. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 (South African time).

Let’s go Bafana!

11/06/2026

Executive Mayors, Mayors, Municipal Managers and senior municipal officials from across the Sarah Baartman District today participated in the 2026 Division of Revenue Act (DORA) Workshop presented by the Eastern Cape MEC for Finance, Hon. Mlungisi Mvoko, at the Sarah Baartman District Municipality Council Chambers.

The workshop focused on the implementation of the 2026 Division of Revenue Act (DORA), the annual legislation that governs how nationally raised revenue is allocated among the national, provincial and local spheres of government to support service delivery and development.

Discussions highlighted service delivery achievements by municipalities, progress on the expenditure of conditional infrastructure grants, and challenges affecting infrastructure project implementation. Municipal leaders also explored strategies to improve planning, spending and project delivery to ensure communities continue to benefit from critical infrastructure investments.

The objectives of the workshop were to strengthen infrastructure development coordination between National, Provincial and Local Government in line with Section 154 of the Constitution and Section 34(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), empower municipal leadership and management with a deeper understanding of the 2026 DORA framework, and enhance oversight of conditional infrastructure projects.

The workshop further outlined the requirements and frameworks governing conditional infrastructure grants and highlighted the risks associated with under-spending, including the possibility of funds being returned to the National Revenue Fund.

The engagement provided an important opportunity for municipal leaders and officials to share experiences, discuss solutions and strengthen collaboration aimed at improving infrastructure delivery and service provision throughout the Sarah Baartman District.

11/06/2026

🔍 Know Your Hood - Do You Know Who Represents Your Ward?

Your ward councillor is responsible for: roads and infrastructure in your area, access to water and electricity, parks and public spaces, and reporting community issues to the municipality.

In the 2026 LGE, you vote directly for your ward councillor. That is why registering WHERE YOU LIVE matters.

Find your ward at: https://www.elections.org.za/pw/Voter/Who-Is-My-Ward-Councillor

11/06/2026

11/06/2026