Newcastle hosted a large gathering of cabinet members on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, as part of the District Development Model (DDM) Cabinet Day initiative, spotlighting the city’s pivotal role in regional progress. The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government emphasised that this program underscores its commitment to enhancing service delivery by aligning leadership with community priorities and tackling critical challenges head-on.
Led by KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, the DDM Cabinet Day fostered open dialogue among government officials, residents, and stakeholders, enabling swift responses to pressing concerns.
During the event, Premier Ntuli and his Executive Council evaluated ongoing projects, prioritised infrastructure development, and strengthened services in key sectors such as health, education, water supply, and economic growth. According to the goverment entity, this approach emphasises efficiency, accountability, and tangible improvements in the lives of KwaZulu-Natal residents.
Under the framework of the KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Office-led Cabinet Day, Newcastle Mayor Xolani Dube collaborated with MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, and senior officials at Fairleigh Hall in Ward 25. Together, they engaged with local stakeholders to address community issues, including asbestos roofing, limited electrification, and deteriorating infrastructure.
To tackle these challenges, the municipality has launched various projects, such as a R300 million social housing initiative that has generated over 120 jobs and involved 38 local subcontractors.
Additionally, a university catalytic project is underway, aligning with Newcastle’s 2035 vision to transform into an economic hub.
Ntsiki Khathide, Strategic Executive Director for the Newcastle Municipality provided details on the university project, highlighting that extensive efforts have ensured compliance with Unisa’s standards. “We have gone beyond the initial two phases, and this included the necessary structural changes within the premises,” Khathide stated, noting that Phase 3, involving client installation, is now slated for completion in June 2025 due to delays from Unisa.
Moreover, Khathide reassured MEC Meyer that, despite setbacks, the project has remained within its original budget, reflecting the municipality’s commitment to financial oversight. Following this discussion, MEC Meyer and cabinet colleagues conducted a site inspection to verify the project’s progress.
The delegation then visited the Hospital Street Housing Project, launched by former Mayor Dr Mahlaba in October 2020. Valued at over R300 million, this initiative has encountered obstacles such as material theft, illegal dumping, and sewer overflows impacting road foundations. MEC Meyer was informed that the project, designed to deliver 1,056 housing units and generate revenue, remains on track for completion in November 2025, with expenditure at R245 million—below the initial budget.
Another notable project inspected by the officials was the Masihambisane Sports Facility upgrade in Osizweni, now 91% complete. This flagship initiative of the Newcastle Municipality, launched in September 2023, aims to transform the facility into a modern hub for athletic activities and community gatherings.
The project has also created employment opportunities for locals, engaging 12 individuals in various roles, including adults, disabled persons, and youth.
As per the entity, the municipality has ensured compliance with contractual obligations, and environmental impact assessments have been conducted to minimise the project’s ecological footprint.
While significant progress has been made, potential risks and mitigating factors have been identified, including adverse weather conditions. To address this, the contractor has committed to allocating additional resources to reduce delays.
Furthermore, the Newcastle Municipality assured that it remains dedicated to enhancing community infrastructure and promoting active lifestyles. The upgraded Masihambisane Sports Facility will stand as a testament to this commitment, offering a safe and inclusive space for residents to participate in sports and community activities.
Other projects reviewed during Cabinet Day included:
· The operational Madadeni Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade.
· The P483 Blacktop patching project.
· The Department of Education’s 95% complete upgrade of Isikhalisezwe High School.
· Repairs to four sinking homes in Madadeni.
· The AC Pipe Replacement Project in Arbor Park, addressing water infrastructure.
· The Monte Vista Fitness Centre, with phase one completed.
· Newcastle Airport.
· Newcastle Provincial Hospital, nearing completion of theatre and roofing upgrades.
· The H39 Housing Project in Madadeni, now under review.
Concluding, MEC Meyer praised the Newcastle Municipality’s efforts, acknowledging that while some projects faced delays, initiatives like the university and housing developments hold strong potential to attract investment. He pledged departmental support to address lingering challenges.
With cabinet members converging on Newcastle to drive progress, what are your views on these efforts? Share your insights in the comment section below.
Comments 11
Another talkshop without any action.Please do a report in six months time to see what progress has been made.On paper everything looks good but implementation is a problem.
Good day. As always, Newcastillian News will be sure to follow up in the months to come.
How about addressing the state of our roads in Newcastle?
What progress when our town is so dirty, particularly Madadeni.
Dirty and donga streets in Madadeni section6 after 30 years of democracy are embarrasingly unbelievable and it’s where high rates are charged
All hot air. So we have an airport but Newcastle’s road and sewerage infrastructure are close to collapse. Please get your priorities into perspective. Just look how filthy the town is. Nothing to be proud.
As the in coming (ULSA) Unisa Law Students Association co founder and Chairperson I have a mandate to deliver from students of the biggest university on the African continent. In that should our Mayor, honorable Dube continue shifting the goal posts to when it suits them and his team, we will have to go out in our numbers to march for the denial of the certificate of occupation as agreed upon. We are not political pawns to be push around nor will we allow our futures be derailed or hindered by leaders who move goal posts to suit their agendas. Registered Unisa Students and Staff are growing more and more frustrated with each passing day. The current Unisa dilapidated building is a hazard with only one toilet for the more than three hundred Students who access the building daily, our physically challenged students are not able to access the building due to impractical toilet system and no ramps. Failure to meet our demands by the end of 02 June 2025 we will engage our Premier, honorable Ntuli before we hit the ground running to the the Mayor’s building, the “Dubai building” on 16June 2025. The march will see us mobilzing our ground forces in solidarity, to bring the town to a stand still, for our humble plight to be met as initially agreed to. I thank you.
Focus should be on the karbochem complex as well.we have an opportunity to create sustainable jobs if we fund the revival of the carbide production for the growing mining industry and build a power plant inside that complex
Has he seen the state of roads in Madadeni? Imagine aiming so high when you failing to start with the basics. He must first fix the roads
Emasondeza no development there for years,road construction is on hold no clinic no cimmunity Hall
This article paints a picture of Newcastle’s efforts in infrastructure and social development. Looking forward to seeing these projects genuinely improve residents’ lives! The author’s insights are spot on — much appreciated!