Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality (CALM) has been crowned the overall winner of the 2026 Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) Cleanest Municipality Competition, taking home the prestigious first-place title and a cash prize of R150 000.
The announcement was made during the 2026 GSDM Cleanest Municipality Awards Ceremony, which celebrated municipalities across the district for their efforts in promoting cleaner, healthier and environmentally sustainable communities.
The municipality’s victory reflects the dedication and hard work of its leadership, municipal officials and community members who have worked together to maintain a clean and green environment.
The awards ceremony commenced with opening remarks, messages of support and the presentation of assessment and performance reports before the official handover of awards. The event highlighted the achievements of municipalities that continue to make a positive impact through environmental management and community cleanliness initiatives.
CALM stood out among its peers for its commitment to cleanliness, waste management and environmental responsibility, ultimately securing the top position in the competition.
Municipal representatives welcomed the recognition, describing it as a testament to the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved in keeping communities clean and improving the quality of life for residents.
The competition forms part of ongoing efforts by the Gert Sibande District Municipality to encourage municipalities to prioritise environmental sustainability, promote civic pride and create healthier living spaces for communities across the district.
The achievement positions CALM as a leading example of environmental stewardship and community collaboration within the district.
