It was a moment of great joy as local farmers and business owners from all 18 wards of the uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor Cllr Xolani Bhengu, benefited from development resources. These resources from the Local Economic Development Unit, were handed over to beneficiaries who had applied for them during the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) community meeting held at Donda Sports Field on Friday, 12 December 2025.
The event was attended by the Deputy Mayor Cllr Timothy Biyela, the Speaker Cllr Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, councillors, the Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko, municipal officials, and traditional leaders. The Mayor also handed over resources requested by traditional authorities, including the Mthiyane Traditional Council at Mambuka and the KwaMthembu Traditional Council.
The traditional leaders had requested assistance for community needs such as the digging of graves, clearing of bushes, and cutting of trees and timber. Women, in particular, expressed continuous ululations as they joyfully received the items they had requested. Mayor Bhengu outlined various development programmes that have already been rolled out in different wards under the Mthethwa, Mthiyane at Mambuka, and Mthembu traditional authorities. He further explained that in October, a similar engagement was held with residents from wards under the Mthiyane Traditional Authority at Sokhulu and the Mbuyazi Traditional Authority. He emphasised that the municipality is ensuring that every ward benefits equally, so that no ward advances rapidly in development while others are left behind.