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Alfred Nzo District Municipality has started a two-day strategic planning session focused on community development programmes across the district.
The meeting, organised by the municipality’s Department of Community Development Services, brings together local municipalities and government stakeholders to review progress on the 2025/26 Action Plan.
What happened
The Department of Community Development Services at Alfred Nzo District Municipality has commenced a two-day Community Development Strategic Planning Session.
According to the municipality, the session is reviewing progress made in implementing the district’s 2025/26 Action Plan. Officials are also assessing current challenges affecting community development programmes.
Participants include representatives from local municipalities in the district as well as external stakeholders. These include the National Department of Development, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Human Settlements, and the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
Official response
Director of Community Development Services Linda Ndoko said the planning session will help the department define its vision, mission and priorities.
He said the process will also assess current challenges and identify practical solutions for communities across the Alfred Nzo District.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee for Community Development Services, Councillor Eunice Diko, emphasised the need to strengthen policy implementation and improve collaboration between departments.
She also highlighted the importance of enforcing municipal by-laws, improving the distribution of working machinery and social relief materials, and reviving community War Rooms.
Community impact
Municipal officials say the planning process is intended to strengthen service delivery and coordination of community development programmes.
The engagement also aims to improve collaboration between municipalities and provincial and national departments involved in development initiatives.
If implemented successfully, the outcomes could influence how community support programmes and social relief initiatives are delivered across the Alfred Nzo District.
What happens next
The strategic session is expected to produce a roadmap and programme of action for community development in the district.
Municipal leaders say the plan will guide collaboration, promote sustainability, and improve the quality of services delivered to communities.







