Metro residents will no longer need to travel long distances or spend extra money to access essential municipal services—the KwaMagxaki Customer Care Centre has officially reopened after a four-year closure. This marks a major milestone in restoring convenience and efficiency to communities in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The centre, which shut its doors due to the COVID-19 lockdown, had suffered significant vandalism, leaving communities without a local service hub. For residents of KwaMagxaki, KwaDwesi, Veeplas, Zwide, Joe Slovo, and KwaDwesi Extension, the closure meant travelling to other areas just to make municipal account inquiries, apply for Assistance to the Poor (ATTP) benefits, or access basic services. Now, with its reopening, the centre promises not only convenience but also a renewed commitment to accessible governance.
Speaking at the official reopening on Monday, 3 March 2025, Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, emphasized the administration’s focus on efficient service delivery.
“We are happy that people will no longer have to spend extra money on transport just to pay their rates or inquire about municipal services—especially our indigent and elderly residents. We have brought the service to their doorstep,” said Mayor Lobishe.
The reopening of the centre is more than just a return to business as usual; it represents a strategic step in improving service accessibility and encouraging community participation. Mayor Lobishe urged residents to take ownership of the facility and protect it from vandalism to ensure it remains operational.
What Services Are Back?
The KwaMagxaki Customer Care Centre will now offer a full range of municipal services, including:
- Assistance to the Poor (ATTP) applications
- Debt repayment arrangements
- IVR registration
- Water rebate applications
- Estate Late Project – free property transfers for surviving ATTP beneficiaries
- Opening of service accounts
- Property valuation certificates
- Copies of municipal statements
- Account balance inquiries
Mayoral Committee Member for Budget and Treasury, Councillor Khanya Ngqisha, highlighted the Metro’s commitment to hassle-free and cost-effective service delivery.
“We are excited that this centre will serve our residents efficiently. We encourage people to use these services, which have been tailored for them,” he said.
For KwaMagxaki resident Zoleka Jonas, the reopening is a major relief.
“We will no longer have to spend money going to town for services. Now, we can just walk in and have our queries resolved. We are grateful to our Ward Councillor and the Mayor for making this happen,” she said.
A Step Forward for the Metro
The reopening of the KwaMagxaki Customer Care Centre is a testament to the Metro’s efforts to decentralize service delivery, making it easier and more affordable for communities to access essential municipal functions. This move is expected to ease congestion at other service centres while reaffirming the local government’s dedication to putting people first.
Now, the responsibility falls on both the Metro and the residents to ensure that this vital facility remains operational, protected, and effective in serving the needs of the community.
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