Meet Amanda Nyathela, Kouga’s new Roads and Stormwater Manager
Kouga – In the world of infrastructure, where concrete meets community, Amanda Nyathela is a force of quiet determination. Recently appointed as Kouga Local Municipality’s new Manager for Roads and Stormwater, Nyathela brings a wealth of technical expertise, a legacy of mentorship, and a deep-rooted passion for transformative service delivery.
Born and raised in East London, Nyathela’s early years were shaped by a fascination with the visible impact of infrastructure. After matriculating, she pursued that passion at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, where she studied civil engineering, laying the groundwork for a career centered on people, progress, and purpose. She is now proudly registered as a Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr. Tech. Eng.) with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
With over 15 years of experience in the engineering sector across both public and private sectors, Nyathela’s journey is as robust as the roads she helps build. Her portfolio spans critical road rehabilitation, stormwater upgrades, and large-scale infrastructure development. Yet, her impact extends far beyond the technical: she serves as an ambassador for ECSA’s Women in Engineering and Future Leaders programme. As a current member of the CIDB National Stakeholders Forum (2023–2025), she is helping shape the national infrastructure dialogue.
Contribution to dignity
“My work is my contribution to dignity,” she says. “Every pothole filled, and every drain unblocked is a step toward safer, stronger communities.”
Nyathela’s day-to-day role involves more than spreadsheets and site visits. As Roads and Stormwater Manager, she leads the strategic planning and operational management of one of the municipality’s most essential service arms. From coordinating engineering teams to addressing residents’ concerns, her leadership is grounded in collaboration and transparency.
Her immediate priorities include urgent pothole repairs, enhancing stormwater systems ahead of the rainy season, and streamlining communication with communities to ensure that service delivery is not only efficient but also visible and accessible.
Asked about Kouga’s infrastructure challenges, Nyathela is pragmatic: “Ageing infrastructure, limited budgets, and climate change are all real pressures. But so are the innovative tools we can use to overcome them.
“Among those tools are smart monitoring technology, sustainable construction materials, and stronger partnerships – both within government and with the community.”
Long-term vision
Nyathela’s long-term vision is clear: a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready infrastructure network that safeguards lives, enables economic opportunity, and uplifts every household.
“To me, civil engineering is hope in concrete form,” she reflects. “Our roads and stormwater systems should protect, connect, and empower.”
Her commitment to communication is equally strong. Through local media, municipal digital platforms, and public meetings, Nyathela aims to keep Kouga residents informed and engaged.
“Trust grows with information,” she notes, “and community buy-in is key to long-term impact.”
As she takes up her new post, Nyathela is grounded in gratitude and energised by the road ahead.
“I do not take this role lightly. I am here to serve – with integrity, innovation, and heart. Together with the community and my colleagues, I believe we can build something lasting,” she said.
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