The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) recognised the district's top-performing municipalities during the 2026 Cleanest Municipality Awards held at the GSDM Office Complex in Ermelo.
Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality emerged as the overall winner of the competition, securing first place and a cash prize of R150 000 in recognition of its commitment to cleaner, healthier and environmentally responsible communities.
Image: Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality – 1st Place (Overall Winner)
Mkhondo Local Municipality claimed second place and received a cash prize of R100 000, while Msukaligwa Local Municipality was awarded third place and received R50 000.
Image: Mkhondo Local Municipality – 2nd Place
The awards ceremony celebrated municipalities that have demonstrated excellence in environmental management, waste reduction, community cleanliness and sustainable service delivery. Municipal leaders, officials and stakeholders from across the district attended the event to acknowledge the efforts being made to create cleaner and greener communities.
Image: Msukaligwa Local Municipality – 3rd Place
Delivering the keynote address, GSDM Executive Mayor Cllr Walter Mngomezulu highlighted the importance of environmental responsibility and sustainable waste management practices. He warned about the growing impact of pollution and climate change, noting that environmental degradation contributes to flooding, global warming and other harmful effects.
Mngomezulu encouraged environmental health practitioners and municipalities to continue advocating for clean environments and to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting natural resources and improving community wellbeing.