The community of Mbhongampisi in Ward 04 has been urged not to make illegal water connections, as this could disrupt the supply of water to residents. This appeal was made during the official commissioning of a water project in Mbhongampisi on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, by the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor S.Z. Dlamini, together with South32. The delegation visited uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, to officially launch the project.
The programme was officially opened by the Honourable Speaker of King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Councillor Siphesihle Mkhwanazi, who represented Mayor S.Z. Dlamini. Also in attendance were the Honourable Speaker of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, councillors, the District Municipal Manager Mr Philani Sibiya, representatives from South32, the local traditional leader (Induna) Mr Vincent Mthiyane, officials from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), and representatives from EasyPay.
The project, which cost R5,964,652.10, was implemented by Striving To Satisfy Projects and benefits 51 households in the Mbhongampisi area. Its completion is expected to significantly reduce the water shortages that the community has experienced for many years.
In addition to providing access to water, the project created 30 job opportunities for local residents through the EPWP programme. Local businesses also benefited by supplying security services and temporary sanitation facilities during the construction phase.
South32 representatives urged the community to take good care of the infrastructure, noting that it is disheartening to return to a project and find that it has been vandalised or is no longer functioning.
The King Cetshwayo District Council also handed over a ceremonial gift (isijingi) to the Inkosi of the Sokhulu Traditional Authority as a token of appreciation. Local Induna Vincent Mthiyane congratulated the community on the successful completion of the project, saying that access to water would now be much easier. He further encouraged residents to appreciate the development, emphasising that while not everyone may be fully satisfied, it is important to be grateful for the progress achieved, as it is not always possible to meet everyone’s expectations at the same time.