uMfolozi Municipality Launches Easter Road Safety Campaign on the N2
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, has called for tolerance and mutual respect on the roads as people travel for the Easter holidays. Mayor Bhengu, together with councillors, municipal department managers led by the Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko, religious leaders, Mfolozi traffic officers, the Hlokomela unit that monitors taxi compliance with regulations, KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic officials, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife representatives, as well as the Mfolozi Fire and Disaster Management Unit, officially launched a road safety campaign along the N2 in Mfolozi. Prior to the campaign, the Mayor visited the scene at Mposa along the N2 where a fatal accident occurred, claiming the life of a driver following a collision between two vehicles. The road safety campaign commenced with a prayer, focusing on the safety of all road users and the prevention of accidents commonly associated with the Easter period. Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians were urged to obey road rules. The Mayor and leadership also handed out gifts to motorists, wishing them a safe and pleasant Easter holiday.
uMfolozi Municipality Leadership Attends the Official Installation of Inkosi Mthiyane
The leadership of uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, formed part of the official installation of Inkosi P. B. Mthiyane of KwaSokhulu, held today, Sunday, 29 March 2026. The event was attended by His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, members of the Royal Household, princes of the Zulu Royal Family, the Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional Leaders, Inkosi Shinga, amakhosi (traditional leaders), izinduna (headmen), amabutho (regiments), maidens, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thami Ntuli, the MEC for CoGTA and Zulu Prime Minister, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, mayors, councillors, guests from various areas, and a large number of community members.
UMfolozi Mayor tables the draft multi-year budget
The uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, officially swore in PR Councillor Qhamukile Jabulile Sithole of the EFF to fill the vacant position left by the party’s PR Councillor, Cllr N. T. Msweli. Councillor Sithole was sworn in by Magistrate Msweli during a council meeting held today, Thursday, 26 March 2026. During the same meeting, Mayor Bhengu also presented the proposed budget and the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2026/27 financial year, which will commence in July. Mayor Bhengu emphasised that while the budget continues to decline, costs are increasing due to various factors. He stated that this is why they have ensured the inclusion of a Local Economic Development (LED) budget to support emerging businesses so they can grow and create job opportunities. He also commended the council he leads for the work done since he assumed leadership, despite the municipality operating mainly on funds received from the provincial government.
Completion of the Dondotha Police Station
There is growing excitement in the community following the near completion of the Dondotha Police Station, as today, 24 March 2026, officials from the national police office in Pretoria and the KwaZulu-Natal police office, accompanied by the Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, together with traditional leaders, conducted an inspection of the facility. It was noted that most of the construction work has been completed, and the remaining work will not take long to finalise. Those who conducted the inspection expressed satisfaction, particularly with the security features of the building as well as the facilities catering for people with disabilities.
The Local Task Team meeting held at uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor
There was an in-depth discussion on the importance of government departments presenting reports on how they are addressing community complaints that originate from wards during the Local Task Team meeting held at uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu. This Local Task Team meeting, held under Operation Sukuma Sakhe today, Tuesday, 24 March 2026, was attended by councillors, ward representatives, municipal managers, and various other community stakeholders.
Makhwezini Community Welcomes Transnet Phelophepa Health Train to uMfolozi
Residents of Makhwezini and surrounding areas within the uMfolozi Municipality have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the municipality, led by Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu, for the arrival of the Transnet Phelophepa health train, which provides a variety of healthcare services. Mayor Bhengu officially welcomed the train during his visit as it began operations on Monday, 16 March 2026, and will remain until Friday, 27 March 2026. During his visit, he had the opportunity to observe how services are delivered on the train and to identify areas where the municipality can provide support to ensure smooth operations. He emphasized the importance of bringing healthcare services closer to communities, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare facilities is often limited. Community members expressed excitement and appreciation for the arrival of the train, as many had been eagerly waiting to receive healthcare services. These include eye testing, dental care, mental health counselling, and the provision of medication for diagnosed conditions. Mayor Bhengu encouraged residents to take full advantage of this opportunity to access healthcare services. The train manager, Mr Bheki Mendlula, stated that bringing the train to communities is a way of giving back and supporting the Department of Health, particularly in addressing long waiting periods for certain services such as eye care and cancer screenings, which are also offered on the train.
uMfolozi Municipality Holds Successful Three-Day Strategic Planning Session
The three-day strategic planning session of uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, was a success. The session which started on Wednesday, 04 March 2026 and was concluded on Friday, 06 March 2026, brought together the municipal leadership, honourable councillors, the Mthiyane Traditional Leader of eMambuka, directors and managers from different municipal departments led by the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko. During the meeting, discussions focused on ways to improve the delivery of services to the community. Councillors made several proposals on how to move the municipality forward while also highlighting challenges faced in different wards, particularly regarding water supply, roads that become damaged during heavy rains, and strategies for improving the local economy of uMfolozi. In his closing remarks, Mayor Bhengu thanked councillors for their active participation and valuable contributions during the session, including their proposals on how to improve the functioning of the municipality. He urged everyone to work together to ensure that the issues discussed are successfully implemented. He further encouraged managers to engage with different provincial and national government departments as well as other stakeholders in order to build partnerships that will bring development to the community. Mayor Bhengu also thanked Municipal Manager Mr Mazibuko, directors, managers and all staff members for the work they are doing. He further noted that the challenge of poor network connectivity in different areas is currently being addressed in collaboration with the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), led by Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, through a programme that involves Vodacom. Mayor Bhengu concluded by urging councillors to remain close to their communities and not distance themselves from the people they serve.
ESKOM OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES SMART METER INSTALLATION PROGRAMME IN UMFOLOZI
uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, today, Tuesday, 03 March 2026, held a meeting with Eskom, councillors, and traditional leadership structures within uMfolozi ahead of the rollout of the smart meter installation programme. The meeting was attended by Mayor Bhengu, honourable councillors, Inkosi of the Mthembu Traditional Council, izinduna representing traditional councils, the Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko, municipal departmental managers, Eskom representatives, and contractors who will be responsible for replacing the meters. The Eskom official assigned to oversee the project, Mr Timothy Ngcobo, indicated that the installation of these smart meters will assist in addressing the electricity load reduction experienced in many wards of uMfolozi between 05h00–09h00 in the morning and again in the evening. He explained that the new meters will enable residents to monitor their electricity usage more effectively and identify possible causes of unusually high consumption. He further highlighted the availability of a support programme for indigent households, which provides 50 kWh of free basic electricity. He noted that in uMfolozi the number of households registered for this programme is still very low, and that Eskom will work together with the Municipality to identify qualifying beneficiaries so that they can benefit from the programme. He also stated that where electricity meters have been tampered with or bypassed, Eskom will replace the meter free of charge and issue a yellow warning letter indicating misconduct. Should the offence be repeated, the customer will then be liable for penalties. Eskom appealed to community leaders and residents to assist in ensuring the safety of contractors who will be carrying out the installations. Councillors and izinduna were also given an opportunity to ask questions and raise electricity-related challenges affecting their respective wards.
UMFOLOZI MAYOR CONDEMNS THE BRUTAL KILLING OF A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Local Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of the principal of Mbonambi Primary School in Ward 3 and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, teachers, learners, School Governing Body, and the entire KwaMbonambi community. The late principal was discovered inside his burnt vehicle over the weekend, an incident that has left the community shocked, saddened, and deeply traumatised. Mayor Bhengu described the incident as inhumane, and a painful loss not only to the education sector but to the broader community of uMfolozi. On Monday morning, 23 February 2026, Mayor Bhengu visited Mbonambi Primary School, honourable councillors and the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko. The visit followed a call from Inkosi Mbuyazi, who urged religious leaders, parents, traditional leaders, izinduna, and community members to gather at the school for a special prayer session aimed at seeking comfort, strength, and healing during this difficult time. The prayer service was attended by school principals from surrounding schools, educators, community members, and other stakeholders in the education sector. The gathering provided a platform for the community to unite in grief, offer support to the school, and reflect on the importance of standing together during this time of tragedy.
UMasipala waseMfolozi weseke abebefihla abomndeni
UMhlonishwa iMeya yoMasipala waseMfolozi uKhansela uXolani Bhengu, abahlonishwa amakhansela aseMfolozi neMenenja KaMasipala babe yingxenye yezinkumbi zabantu abebesingethe umndeni wakwaMnyango eCinci ku ward 11, enkundleni yezemidlalo eMawombe. Le nkonzo ibihanjelwe abaNtwana baseNdlunkulu, uNdunankulu wesifundazwe uMhlonishwa uThami Ntuli, uMEC Duma woMnyango wezokuThutha noMEC uShinga wokuThuthukiswa koMphakathi, Imeya yaseKing Cetshwayo uKhansela uSikhumbuzo Dlamini neziMeya ebeziqhamuka kwabanye komasipala okukhona kuzo neMeya uMthethwa yomasipala iNkosi Mtubatuba lapho okwehla khona ingozi. UMndeni ubonge ukwesekwa okuthole kuhulumeni wesifundazwe, ubuholi bukaMasipala waseMfolozi nokhansela uGumbi laku-ward 11 nabo bonke abawusingathile kulesi sikhathi esinzima.