Stakeholders Unite to Strengthen Early Childhood Development in uMfolozi Municipality
The Early Childhood Development (ECD) support programme was successfully launched in uMfolozi Municipality under the leadership of the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, during a visit by the Ukuyakhanya Organisation to Ward 12 in eMakhwezini on Saturday, 09 May 2026. The event brought together daycare and preschool caregivers, government departments working with children, including the Department of Education and the Department of Social Development, the South African Police Service (SAPS), traditional leaders, the Department of Home Affairs, and uMfolozi Municipality. Parents and caregivers were provided with counselling support and guidance on proper childcare. This programme will assist preschools with porridge supplies to supplement existing resources and will also contribute towards the challenges faced by creches and preschools to ensure that their operations continue smoothly. The community was encouraged to ensure that children are properly cared for and protected, especially during Child Protection Month. Parents and preschool owners were also encouraged to formally register their preschools. Honourable Mayor Bhengu, speaking at the event, expressed his appreciation to the Ukukhanya Organisation for choosing uMfolozi Municipality to benefit from this programme. He encouraged cooperation among all stakeholders when assisting communities, stating that government cannot work alone.
Inland Wards Receive Updates on Water, Electricity and Development Projects in uMfolozi
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, accompanied by the Disaster Management team from uMfolozi Municipality and the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, together with representatives from Old Mutual and the Red Cross, visited Ward 17 led by Councillor Wiseman Njoko today, 07 May 2026, to provide assistance to communities affected by a storm that struck three weeks ago. This assistance was provided to 45 people on the list of affected residents. Mayor Bhengu expressed his sincere gratitude to Old Mutual for their support and willingness to assist, as well as to all partners who contributed to delivering aid to the community. He stated that since 45 beneficiaries have been assisted at this stage, the remaining affected individuals will also receive assistance once additional support becomes available. He further explained that when disasters occur, a report is submitted to the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, which then escalates it to the provincial level. He added that efforts are also made to appeal to other stakeholders who can provide emergency relief, as the process of delivering full assistance often takes time.
Mayor Bhengu Commends Partners for Supporting Storm-Affected Communities
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, presented the Integrated Development Plans and the draft budget to communities from inland wards today, Thursday, 07 May 2026, at Siyabonga Sangweni Sport Complex. The meeting was attended by honourable councillors, directors, and managers from different departments within uMfolozi Municipality led by the Municipal Manager, traditional leaders, and community members. Representatives from various institutions providing services to the uMfolozi community were also present, including the Water Services Unit from the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Eskom, the Department of Agriculture, and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Representatives from the Water Services Unit explained the water challenges and outlined what the King Cetshwayo District Municipality is doing to address the water shortages that communities experience daily. They revealed that a water project is planned for Ward 17 and Ward 10, as well as a programme to provide 1,000 toilets. Representatives from Eskom explained how many people are still without electricity and outlined electrification programmes that are planned for different wards within uMfolozi. The IEC encouraged community members to register as voters, stating that registration also assists the municipality in determining the population size to better respond to community needs.
uMfolozi Municipality Mayor Assesses Storm Damage in Ward 17
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, together with the disaster management team, visited Ward 17 led by Honourable Councillor Wiseman Njoko following heavy rains accompanied by strong winds on Sunday night, 19 April 2026. In this ward, more than 70 households were affected, with some homes having their roofs completely blown off. This is not the only ward impacted, as Wards 7, 8, and 9 were also affected. Mayor Bhengu conveyed his words of sympathy to the affected residents and stated that disaster management teams will compile a comprehensive report to be submitted to the relevant departments. He also confirmed that Councillor Njoko has already reported the power outage to Eskom, as electricity supply was disrupted due to damaged power poles.
uMfolozi Mayor Commends Ward Committees for Strengthening Community Development Engagement
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, expressed his appreciation for the role played by ward committees in working together with councillors during a meeting held to brief them on the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the draft budget on Friday, 17 April 2026. The purpose of the meeting was to report to ward committees on development projects that have been completed, those currently underway, and those that are planned. The meeting was attended by the Speaker of Council, Councillor Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, councillors, members of ward committees from uMfolozi, municipal directors and managers led by the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko. Representatives from the IEC, who were part of the meeting, encouraged ward committees to invite them to community meetings, as this is a local government election year. This will enable them to educate communities—particularly young people—about the importance of voting. Members of ward committees expressed their appreciation for the development delivered by the council in their wards and also submitted requests for further improvements, especially regarding the upgrading of access roads to residential areas and the construction of bus shelters.
Mayor Bhengu Presents IDP and Budget to Coastal Communities
The Honourable Mayor of Mfolozi, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, on Thursday, 16 April 2026, presented the Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the 2026/27 budget to the community from coastal wards at Ngonondwana Multi-Purpose Centre. He outlined the development projects already implemented by the Mfolozi Municipality in these wards, as well as those currently underway and those planned for next financial year. He emphasised that the budget continues to decline due to economic constraints. The meeting was attended by councillors, members of the Mbuyazi Traditional Council, municipal directors, and managers led by the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko, along with various community stakeholders. The South African Police Service (SAPS) highlighted an increase in cases of human trafficking, where individuals are lured through fake job opportunities on social media, offered money for transport to Johannesburg, and then trafficked for exploitation. They also urged people in possession of firearms belonging to deceased owners to report to the police so that proper legal processes can be followed for rightful ownership. Additionally, they warned the community about scams where people invest money with individuals they have never met and end up being defrauded. Community members were encouraged to fight against drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption, which contribute to crime. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) encouraged residents to check their voter registration status, especially following the re-demarcation of boundaries. The voter registration weekend is scheduled for 20 and 21 June. The community was given an opportunity to raise concerns about water supply issues affecting areas under King Cetshwayo District. Officials indicated that the root cause of diesel theft, which had disrupted water provision, has been identified and is being addressed. They acknowledged ongoing complaints but assured residents that efforts are underway to resolve water challenges. The community was also given an opportunity to ask questions and highlight additional service delivery needs.
uMfolozi Municipality Engages KwaMbonambi Ratepayers on Development Plans
uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu, held a meeting with rate-paying residents of Ward 2 in KwaMbonambi on 14 April 2026. The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Timothy Biyela, who represented Mayor Bhengu, presented the town’s Integrated Development Plans for Mbonambi to the residents. The meeting was attended by the ward councillor, Mr Amos Mtshali, theMPAC chairperson Cllr Skhumbuzo Mthethwa, the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko, as well as departmental directors and managers. Residents were given an opportunity to ask questions and share their views on what can be done to improve the area.
uMfolozi Municipality Strengthens Collaboration with Traditional Leadership in Dondotha
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Local Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, together with the respected uMfolozi councillors and the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazubuko, held a meeting with the council of Inkosi Mthethwa in Dondotha today, Tuesday, 14 April 2026. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen communication relations between the municipality and the traditional council to ensure that development reaches communities effectively. Mayor Bhengu emphasized the importance of cooperation between traditional leaders and the municipality, noting that while the municipality brings development, the traditional authority oversees the land where such development takes place. The traditional council was also given an opportunity to raise concerns affecting the community, including issues related to water and electricity.
uMfolozi Municipality Empowers Youth with Higher Education Application Support
Young people from wards 14 and 16 in the Mfolozi Local Municipality, led by Honourable Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu, were assisted with applications to higher education institutions today, 13 April 2026. This programme, which was brought by the Office of the Premier’s Youth Office in partnership with the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Mfolozi Local Municipality, Lungelo Youth Development organisation, and the Department of Education, brought together learners from Ntongande High School, Mkhayideni Technical High School, and other young people aspiring to enter higher education institutions. The youth were provided with information on available study programmes, assistance with applications, and guidance on creating NSFAS profiles to ensure a smooth application process once submissions open. They were encouraged to remain committed to their studies in order to achieve good results and increase their chances of securing bursaries from various government departments and private companies. Councillor Ngubane of Ward 14, who represented Mayor Bhengu, urged learners to stay focused and report any challenges to their teachers, who were present at the programme, so that they can receive the necessary support. Education Circuit Manager Mr Mnqayi expressed appreciation for the support that education continues to receive from the Mfolozi Municipality under the leadership of Mayor Bhengu.
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.