KSD Appeal Authority, comprising the Mayoral Committee, had received a capacity-building training on the legislative and procedural framework governing municipal appeals.
The training session, held at Council Chamber (Mthatha Town Hall) on Wednesday 7 October 2026, facilitated by officials from South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development (DLRRD) and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), focused on the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA), Act 16 of 2013, with particular emphasis on the role and responsibilities of the Appeal Authority.
In terms of Section 51(2) of SPLUMA, the Municipal Manager must submit an appeal to the Executive Authority of the Municipality as the Appeal Authority, while Section 51(3) provides that the Appeal Authority must consider the appeal and confirm, vary or revoke the decision.
The session also covered SPLUMA Regulations 20 and 21, which provide for the determination of municipal appeal procedures, including the submission and consideration of appeals, notice to oppose, record keeping, disclosure of interests and other procedural requirements.
SALGA further provided training on the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA), strengthening the Appeal Authority’s understanding of fair, lawful and procedurally sound administrative decision-making.
KSD Executive Mayor, Cllr Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo, emphasised the importance of continuous capacitation and knowledge sharing among officials and members of the Appeal Authority.
The Executive Mayor highlighted that strengthening the capacity of the Appeal Authority is essential to ensure that it is able to effectively exercise its mandate, properly consider appeals and make decisions that are legally sound, informed, fair and just.
He further emphasised that effective and informed decision-making contributes to improved municipal governance and ensures that service delivery and development are undertaken in a sustainable manner and in accordance with applicable legislation.
The training reinforces KSDM’s commitment to sound governance, accountable decision-making and effective land-use management.