Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency

24/10/2026

21/10/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
22 OCTOBER 2026


BCMM REACH LEGAL CLOSE ON TWO MAJOR BEACHFRONT INVESTMENTS, EASTERN CAPE-EAST LONDON

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), in partnership with the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency (BCMDA) , has achieved a major milestone in the revitalisation of the East London beachfront with the signing of notarial lease agreements for the Seaview Terrace and Marina Glen A developments.
The signing of the agreements marks legal close on both projects, providing the certainty required for investors to advance towards financial close and implementation.

Together, the developments represent an estimated investment of around a billion and are expected to create a necessary boost in the local economy and value-chain included increasing jobs during construction and operation, delivering significant economic benefits for Buffalo City and the Eastern Cape.

The milestone reflects the municipality’s and BCMDA’s commitment to unlocking investment, stimulating economic growth, and transforming strategic public assets into catalysts for development and job creation.
The Seaview Terrace notarial leases unlock the proposed hotel development, while Marina Glen A is envisaged as a mixed-use development. Together, these catalytic developments form part of the broader vision to transform the East London beachfront into a vibrant coastal destination that attracts investment, strengthens the tourism economy and enhances the city’s overall competitiveness.

Earlier this year, BCMDA, under the guidance of its Board, initiated a focused investment acceleration programme, including Investor Roundtable engagements aimed at resolving constraints and advancing priority projects. These efforts contributed to creating momentum and strengthening investor confidence in Buffalo City as an investment destination.

The signing of the notarial lease agreements is a significant step forward in translating investment commitments into tangible development outcomes. As the projects advance towards implementation, they are expected to contribute to economic activity, business opportunities, employment creation, and the long-term revitalisation of the beachfront precinct.

This achievement underscores the shared commitment of BCMM and BCMDA to partnering with the private sector to drive sustainable development, unlock economic opportunities, and create lasting value for the residents of Buffalo City.

ENDS

Issued by:
BCMDA ACEO – Mr Sabelo Mavundla [email protected]
For enquiries: Contact Buffalo City Metro Development Agency Communications
Nomkhitha Zokufa – 083 609 7320 [email protected]

16/10/2026

🥊 Honouring a Legend 🥊

BCMDA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sabelo Mavundla, met with the family of the late three-time world boxing champion and former BCMDA Ambassador, Zolani "Last Born" Tete.

We remain committed to preserving his legacy and celebrating East London's rich boxing heritage.
Fondly known as "Last Born", Tete will forever be remembered as a Guinness World Records holder and a true ambassador of Buffalo City.

16/10/2026

HAPPY BOSS'S DAY TO OUR VISIONARY ACEO MR SABELO MAVUNDLA 🎉

Today, the BCMDA Family proudly celebrates a leader who leads with Heart, Wisdom, Purpose & Ubuntu.

Thank you for your exceptional leadership, unwavering guidance and daily inspiration. Your dedication, integrity and vision continue to inspire us and move Buffalo City forward.

We are truly blessed to have a leader who empowers us, believes in us and makes BCMDA shine.

Siyabulela! Enkosi kakhulu! We celebrate and appreciate you today and always!

From: The BCMDA Family

14/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA STATEMENT
14 October 2026

BCMDA NOTES ALLEGATIONS OF THREATS RELATED TO VICTORIA SPORTS GROUNDS PRECINCT IN QONCE

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency (BCMDA) has noted the article published in the Daily Dispatch titled "Thembani Tom allegedly targeted for association's stance on demolishing of sports grounds in Qonce".

The BCMDA is deeply concerned by the allegations that Mr Thembani Tom, Secretary of the King Sports Veterans Association, has allegedly received death threats linked to his association's stance on the proposed development at the historic Victoria Sports Grounds in Qonce.

The Agency wishes to state categorically:

1. We condemn any form of intimidation, threats, violence or unlawful conduct in the strongest possible terms. Such actions have no place in democratic stakeholder engagement and are contrary to the values of the BCMDA.

2. While the BCMDA has not been approached or made aware of any allegation of this sort prior to the article, we take any allegation of a serious nature very seriously and will co-operate fully with the South African Police Service in any investigation. We note the confirmation by Provincial police spokesperson Brig Nobuntu Gantana that an intimidation case is under investigation.

3. The proposed R500m development in Qonce is spearheaded by BCMDA, with Twin City Pty Ltd as the earmarked developer. As previously communicated by our Acting CEO, Mr Sabelo Mavundla, various development concepts have been considered for the Victoria precinct.

4. The BCMDA fully respects and recognises the significant historical, social and sporting importance of the Victoria Sports Grounds, including its association with the Biko family. We remain committed to balancing the preservation of this heritage with the need to support economic development in Qonce.

5. Stakeholder engagements and public participation processes have taken place, and feedback received indicates broad recognition of the site's current dilapidated and vandalised state and its cultural and historical significance. At present, BCMDA continues to engage with relevant stakeholders and to assess the viability of options available for the precinct.

6. BCMDA does not, and will never, condone or authorize any action intended to silence, intimidate or harm any community member or stakeholder who holds a differing view. We are committed to constructive, open and transparent engagement where all views are considered as part of the decision-making process.

We appeal to anyone with information regarding alleged threats to report it to law enforcement authorities.

Ends.

Issued by: Mr Sabelo Mavundla -ACEO
For Enquiries: [email protected]

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13/10/2026

BCMDA CELEBRATES THE MATRIC CLASS OF 2026!

From all of us at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency, we say:

To the Matric Class of 2026 - Your Future is Building Our City!

As you prepare for your final exams, know that your hard work today is laying the foundation for the better city we are all growing together!

You are not just learners - you are our future engineers, doctors, developers, and leaders who will shape Buffalo City!

BCMDA believes in you! 📚✨

Study hard, stay focused, and remember - Growing a Better City Together starts with YOU!

We are rooting for you!

09/10/2026

MEDIA RELEASE
09 October 2026

BCMDA participated in the 3-Day Municipal Strategy Conference hosted and facilitated by NMC Consultants in Durban (07-09 Oct), graced by the Cogta Deputy Minister Honourable Masemola.

Proudly represented by Board Chair M. Dilima, ACEO S. Mavundla & EM S. Mvubu who led, facilitated and served as panelists in the sessions.

24/09/2026

HAPPY HERITAGE DAY! 🇿🇦

Today, we celebrate the cultures, languages and histories that make Buffalo City beautiful.

At the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency, we are proud to build in a City whose heritage is its foundation - from our vibrant townships to our historic landmarks, from isiXhosa to Afrikaans and English, we are one city, many stories.

Our diversity is our strength. Our heritage is our blueprint for a better future.

Happy Heritage Day to all the people of Buffalo City.

GROWING A BETTER CITY TOGETHER.

14/09/2026

🎉Join us in congratulating our own, Mr Mxolisi Sibam!🎉

From serving with distinction on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency (BCMDA) Board to now being elected to the SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) — your journey continues to inspire us.

BCMDA is proud of you and wishes you great success and a positive impact in your term. ⚽️👏

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS once again🎉.

11/09/2026

“DUNCAN VILLAGE EVERY FRIDAY UPDATES“

PAINTING AND FENCING THE SITE!

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