Matatiele Local Municipality is located in the northern part of the Eastern Cape province. It adjoins Elundini Municipality to the south-west, Greater Kokstad Municipality to the east, and Lesotho to the north.

Umzimvubu Local Municipality falls within the Alfred Nzo District in the north-western part of the Eastern Cape province. It adjoins Matatiele to the west, KwaZulu-Natal to the north, and the OR Tambo District Municipality to the east and south. The municipality has undergone a number of amendments in terms of municipal and ward demarcation, which has had a profound impact on planning in the area. The municipality is predominantly rural and the majority of the population reside in rural areas. The majority of land is covered by dispersed low-density traditional settlements, with the exception of some areas around the two urban centres. There has been a significant migration towards the towns over the past few years, which is attributable to a preference by residents to live close to transport routes and urban centres. Cities / Towns: Mount Ayliff, Mount Frere

Mbizana Local Municipality is located in the Eastern Cape province on the R61 road connecting the KwaZulu-Natal South Coastal Boundary to the N2 highway. It is one of the local municipalities under the Alfred Nzo District Municipality. Mbizana prides itself on a cultural diversity that includes a variety of tribes such as the Xhosas, Mpondos, Sothos and Ngunis. However, the population is dominated by the Mpondo tribe, which has its own unique dialect, isiMpondo, a soft mixture of isiXhosa and isiZulu. A female-dominated society, the municipality makes efforts to integrate and incorporate women in key decision-making roles within the institution to reflect this demographic. The majority of households in Mbizana are of a rural nature. This results in natural resources providing a strong base for basic survival as those living in rural areas turn to subsistence farming for their livelihoods. The Mbizana Local Municipality stretches between the Umtamvuna and Mtentu Rivers, with pristine be