On the 19 September 2025 Life in Pote, a rural community in Matatiele Local Municipality (Ward 07), has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once plagued by poor service delivery and isolation, residents now benefit from government-built houses, reliable electricity, sanitation facilities, and improved road networks that connect them to nearby villages such as Ngcwengane, Sibi, Chibini, and Pamlaville. The changes are part of wider Eastern Cape development initiatives aimed at uplifting rural communities.
What Happened
Years ago, Pote residents relocated from the upper side of the village to the lower valley after enduring severe hardships. According to an elderly villager, the relocation was emotionally painful because families had to abandon ancestral homesteads and places of deep cultural value, without hope of development.
Today, however, Pote’s story is very different. Through sustained investment by government, the community now enjoys:
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New housing provided through rural development programs.
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Electricity supply that powers homes and supports small businesses.
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Sanitation facilities ensuring dignity and better health.
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Upgraded roads connecting Pote to Ngcwengane and other settlements, improving trade and transport.
These developments are part of broader strategies aligned with South Africa’s National Development Plan.
Official Response
Local authorities have pointed to Pote as an example of successful service delivery in rural Eastern Cape. While challenges remain, leaders argue that visible improvements show progress toward narrowing the urban-rural divide.
A community elder explained:
“There is no reason to regret moving. Leaving the upper side has given us new opportunities. Today, we live with dignity, with electricity and services we never imagined before.”
Officials further encouraged residents to continue engaging through ward committees to ensure that service delivery challenges—such as healthcare access and additional housing—are resolved.
Community Impact
For families in Pote, the transformation is more than infrastructure—it represents restored dignity and opportunity. Children now have electricity to study at night, families can store food safely, and transport routes make it easier to reach clinics, schools, and nearby markets.
Economic activity has also improved, with residents now able to transport goods to other villages with ease. For many, these changes reflect government’s promise of building better communities.
FAQ
Q: Where is Pote village located?
A: Pote is in Ward 07 of Matatiele, around 30 km from the town centre, accessible via Sibi, Chibini, and Pamlaville in the Mzongwana area.
Q: What improvements have been made in Pote?
A: Government-built houses, electricity supply, safe sanitation facilities, and upgraded road infrastructure leading to Ngcwengane and surrounding area
