A Magistrate’s court for the district of Stockenström was established on 8 March 1848 (Government Gazette No 2206, dated 9 March 1848, Proclamation dated 8 March 1848).

The Magistrate of Stockenström was also appointed Native Commissioner as from 16 January 1942 (Government Gazette No 2985 dated 16 January 1942, Government Notice No 8 dated 10 December 1941).

In terms of Proclamation No 33 of 1861 dated 13 May 1861 the district of Stockenström was subdivided for Divisional Council purposes (Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette No 3250, 17 May 1861). The first meeting of the Council was held on Tuesday, 20 August 1861 (4/SKS 1/1/1/1).

On 1 January 1956 the Divisional Councils of Victoria East and Stockenström amalgamated with the Divisional Council of Fort Beaufort (4/SKS 4/1/2 No D/8).