Buffalo City Municipality has established important foundations with regards to vision and strategy. A clear and comprehensive Integrated Development Plan has been produced, which outlines the strategy for the city and was developed through extensive consultation with key stakeholders, especially the residents of Buffalo City.

Vision To be a people-centred place of opportunity where the basic needs of all are met in a safe, healthy and sustainable environment.

Geography and location
The Buffalo City Municipality is situated within the Amathole District Municipality extending from Gonubie in the east to Bhisho in the west. The municipality is the major economic hub of the district as a whole with most provincial government offices located at Bhisho or King William’s Town and also much of the business activity located in East London and its surrounds.

Main industries and business sectors
The Buffalo City Municipality’s economy is dominated by the textile and motor industries. These industries must remain internationally competitive as there is increasing competition worldwide, in both these sectors.

The sectors, which have the greatest potential for growth, are manufacturing; trade and accommodation, specifically in the tourism industry; transport and communication; financial and business services; as well as agri-tech and food processing.

The attractions of East London in particular are its low input costs and its excellent transport infrastructure, including an airport and a port. It is also well connected to the rest of the country by rail and road. It has a deep-water port, which has spare capacity to deal with future growth.

Main resources and attractions
The Buffalo City Municipality relies on the economic activity that exists in the East London area and the business that is created by having the provincial government offices and most of its employees residing in Bhisho and King William’s Town. Tourism is also a major drawcard for the area, particularly because of the scenic coastline. This sector has the potential to be developed further.

Key facts and figures
District municipality: Amathole District Municipality
Population: Approximately 888 000
Area covered: 2 527 square kilometres
Major towns: East London, Bhisho, King William’s Town, Zwelitsha, Dimbaza, Vincent, Cambridge, Potsdam, Macleanstown, Mdantsane, Beacon Bay, Berlin, Gonubie, Westbank

Key transport infrastructure
Main roads: N2, N6, R63, R346
Railways: Railway running east-west, connecting East London with Bhisho and beyond.
Airport: East London, Bhisho
Ports: Port of East London

CONTACT DETAILS
Key contact people:
• Cllr Z Faku, Executive Mayor
• Eddie Mnqonywa, Acting Chief Financial Officer
• Lawrence Valeta, Acting Municipal Manager

Physical address: Trust Centre, Cnr North and Oxford Streets, East London 5201
Postal address: PO Box 134, East London 5200
Tel: +27 43 705 2000
Fax: +27 43 743 9040
Email: lungig@buffalocity.gov.za
Website: www.buffalocity.gov.za