The Divisional Council of Matatiele was established on 1 January 1932 in terms of Ordinance No 13 of 1917 (The Province of the Cape of Good Hope Official Gazette No 1361 dated 11 December 1931, Ordinance No 30 dated 7 December 1931). On 18 February 1932 the division of Matatiele was subdivided into six districts (The Province of the Cape of Good Hope Official Gazette No 1374 dated 26 February 1932, Proclamation No 37 dated 18 February 1932). The first meeting of the council was held on 2 April 1932 (4/MAT 1/1/1/1).

On 1 January 1968 the Divisional Councils of Matatiele and Mount Currie were amalgamated in the new Divisional Council of Mount Currie. On 1 January 1969 the name was changed to the Divisional Council of East Griqualand (4/MAT 1/1/1/20; The Province of the Cape of Good Hope Official Gazette No 3467 dated 19 July 1968, Ordinance No 11 dated 3 July 1968).