Morgenzon: In a remarkable show of in-house expertise and intergovernmental cooperation, the Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has officially handed over the fully planned and surveyed Morgenzon Ext 5 Township – featuring 241 residential sites – to the Lekwa Local Municipality.
This strategic milestone, announced by District Executive Mayor Cllr Walter Mngomzulu, follows a long-term response to community needs and environmental concerns. The initiative stems from a 2019 request to decommission a problematic landfill site at Morgenzon’s entrance – a move that triggered the need for new land planning and ultimately, a fully-fledged township development.
Instead of outsourcing the project, the GSDM mobilised its internal experts in Town Planning, Land Surveying, and GIS to complete the bulk of the work – proving that internal capacity can deliver with excellence. The result? A fully compliant and professionally planned township layout, complete with zoning demarcations, SG diagrams, and even a custom-built web app for future site management.
Although some technical studies – including environmental impact, flood line, and stormwater plans – were outsourced, most of the township development was delivered by GSDM’s own team, including ISDG student interns. This aligns with the broader mission of building a developmental state and reducing unnecessary outsourcing.
Cllr Mngomzulu used the occasion to encourage the Lekwa Local Municipality, under Executive Mayor Cllr Sfiso Mngemezulu, to urgently prioritise water and sanitation infrastructure to prepare the site for occupation. He warned that delays could frustrate residents and slow down progress unnecessarily.
The significance of this township development goes beyond numbers. At a time when land invasions and housing backlogs plague local municipalities, this initiative offers a blueprint for sustainable, locally driven urban planning. The Morgenzon community, which attended a subsequent Draft IDP and Budget Consultation at Sivukile Community Hall, welcomed the news with jubilation.
Lekwa Mayor Cllr Mngemezulu praised GSDM’s proactive municipal support, vowing to fast-track basic service delivery and infrastructure development to prepare the site for eager residents.
A Model of Municipal Brilliance
The handover of Morgenzon Ext 5 stands as a beacon of what local government can achieve when it invests in its own people. Not only did the GSDM deliver a high-impact project at zero cost to Lekwa Local Municipality, but it also did so while empowering internal staff and student trainees. This is more than just housing – it’s a legacy of capable governance, strategic foresight, and community-centered planning.
As the dust settles on this phase, the groundwork has been laid – not just for bricks and mortar, but for hope, dignity, and future prosperity.
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#DistrictDelivery #InternalCapacity #GSDMChampions
