Mnquma Local Municipality is a Category B municipality (Area: 3 270km²) located in the South-Eastern part of the Eastern Cape Province. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Amathole District Municipality and comprises an amalgamation of the former Butterworth, Ngqamakhwe and Centane Transitional Regional Councils. It is one of six municipalities in the Amathole District. The main Cities or Towns in Mnquma Local Municipality are Butterworth, Centane, and Ngqamakhwe – Butterworth being the main base of the Municipality.

The total population of the municipality is approximately 252 390 people, of which 250 833 are black Africans. 487 are comprised of coloured people, 324 are Indians or Asians, 517 white people and 229 is comprised of other races. This translates to 3.9% of the total population in the province of the Eastern Cape.

The population has decreased by 11% from a 2001 census compared to a 2011 census and has been growing at a marginal rate of -0.2 % per annum from 2011 to 2013 according to ECSECC. Population decrease has been caused by various reasons which among others include outward migration to bigger cities. 

According to the census 2011, Mnquma Local Municipality’s total number of households is 69 732, there is an increase of just over 3000 households compared to the 2001 census which was 66285.

Mnquma Local Municipality is entrusted with responsibility of performing vital functions as determined by the Municipal Demarcation Board. Chief among these are: Municipal Roads and Storm Water Pipe Network, Street Lighting; Electricity and Gas Reticulation, Land Administration, Land Use Management, Human Settlements, Building Regulations, Vehicles and Plant Maintenance, Waste Management, Cemeteries and crematoria, Amenities, Sports Facilities, Municipal Public Transport, Municipal Parks and Recreation. Due to the rural nature of the municipality and the huge backlog of basic services, there are limited resources available to address this service backlog and ensure that all households have access to appropriate service delivery. The municipality strives to ensure that each ward receives an infrastructure project based on the needs analysis in each financial year.