uMfolozi Mayor Opens New Driving Licence Testing Centre and Community Facilities
uMfolozi Municipality Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, officially opened a new Driving Licence Testing Centre on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. Previously, residents had to register for learner’s licences, driving licences and Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) through the municipality. The new centre, which is expected to begin operating in November, will offer driving licence tests and vehicle licence disc renewals. Driving school associations welcomed the opening of the facility, saying it would benefit not only the people of Mfolozi but also residents from neighbouring areas. During the same programme, Mayor Bhengu and municipal councillors also officially opened the Nzalabantu Sports Field in Ward 16 and an outdoor gym in Ward 06. The Mayor then presented the community with an update on the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), outlining development projects that his administration has handed over to the community, as well as projects currently underway in the 2026/2027 financial year. He also unveiled disaster management equipment that the municipality received from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) on Monday. The equipment includes vehicle rescue tools to assist in responding to road accidents.
Mfolozi Municipality Empowers Ward 15 Farmers with Livestock Management Skills and Support
Farmers from Shwashweni in Ward 15 of uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu, received valuable information and guidance on livestock care during a farmers’ meeting held on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. The meeting was attended by Ward Councillor Nhlakanipho Conco, municipal officials and local farmers. Dr Mondli Ngcamu from Bafuyi Media Solutions educated farmers on proper livestock management, animal feeding practices, the best time to sell their livestock and other important aspects of livestock farming. Farmers were also given an opportunity to ask questions and receive the information and guidance they needed to improve their farming practices. During the meeting, Mayor Bhengu donated livestock sprays to the farmers and also provided them with a livestock dip to assist with the care and protection of their animals. The municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) office also briefed farmers on the annual business support funding available to entrepreneurs. Farmers were given an opportunity to ask questions about establishing cooperative businesses and learn more about how such initiatives can support their economic activities. The meeting aimed to equip local farmers with practical knowledge, improve livestock management and inform them about available business support opportunities.
uMfolozi Municipality Opens Waste Buy-Back Centre to Empower Waste Pickers
Waste pickers who earn a living by collecting waste from various areas under the uMfolozi Municipality, led by His Worship Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu, have been given a valuable opportunity with the opening of a waste buy-back centre where they can sell recyclable waste and receive payment immediately. The centre was officially opened on Friday, 9 October 2026, by Mayor Bhengu, together with honourable councillors, municipal partners, and participating organisations, including Polyco, UWY Land of Greens and Packa-Ching. Mr Kabelo Phakoe explained that the main objective is to help waste pickers recognise waste collection as a viable business from which they can earn a living. He said they would be encouraged to register formally and wear uniforms as part of becoming recognised entrepreneurs. He further encouraged waste pickers to maintain high standards of personal hygiene and take pride in their work so that members of the public would recognise them as businesspeople. Mr Phakoe added that the volume of waste delivered to the centre would determine whether more facilities of this nature could be established within the municipality. He also explained that the waste collected would help identify opportunities to develop locally manufactured products in uMfolozi, depending on the types of waste most received. Those attending the launch were also educated about the dangers associated with discarded electrical and electronic equipment. They were warned against attempting to dismantle such items at home, as doing so could pose serious safety risks. During the event, Mr Xolani Mthethwa, a waste picker from uMfolozi, received support in the form of a block-making machine. The machine will enable him to manufacture building blocks using waste materials that can still be repurposed. As part of the official opening, waste was weighed and the waste pickers were paid for the materials they delivered, demonstrating how the centre will operate. The facility is equipped with an office, waste-sorting bins and a weighing trolley used to weigh recyclable materials and determine the payments due to waste pickers.
Mfolozi Launches Transport Month Campaign to Promote Road Safety
uMfolozi Residents were encouraged to obey the rules of the road and ensure that their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition. They were part of the launch of Transport Month, held today, 8 October 2026, at the Mfolozi Municipal Hall, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu.nnA road and vehicle safety awareness campaign was also launched, with particular emphasis on public transport vehicles, as October is recognised as Transport Month in South Africa.nnThe meeting was attended by honourable councillors, Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko, the Mfolozi Traffic Department, the Road Accident Fund (RAF), the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), the Road Incident Management System, the South African Police Service (SAPS), taxi associations, school transport operators and members of the community.nnThose present were given information on how to apply for compensation from the RAF if they are involved in an accident. Warnings were also issued against people who defraud the RAF. The theft of road infrastructure was also condemned.nnThe public was urged not to obstruct emergency services when accidents occur. Mayor Bhengu called for cooperation to ensure that everyone remains safe on the roads.
uMfolozi Councillors Commended for Cooperation as Council Term Draws to a Close
The councillors of the uMfolozi Municipality have been commended for the good cooperation they demonstrated during the council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. The meeting was chaired by the Speaker, Councillor Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, who thanked all councillors for working together to make decisions that would move the Mfolozi community forward. He also thanked all municipal employees in their various departments, led by the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko. The Speaker also remembered councillors and municipal employees who had passed away during their time of service to the municipality. He wished well those who had been nominated by their respective political parties, including those who would not be returning to the council. The Council Whip, Mr Celimpilo Makhunga, together with the whips of the various political parties, thanked the Speaker for leading them with respect, correcting them when they went off course, and ensuring that councillors were given opportunities for development. They also thanked Mayor Xolani Bhengu, all councillors and municipal employees for their cooperation and for working together over the past five years. The Speaker, the Council Whip and the party whips wished municipal employees well and encouraged them to continue working hard and improving their performance. Mayor Bhengu expressed his appreciation to the councillors for their cooperation, despite there being times when they held differing views. He said the past five years had not been easy, but through cooperation the municipality had avoided being counted among those that failed to spend grant funding and had managed to obtain a clean audit report. The Municipal Manager, Mr Mazibuko, thanked the councillors for their cooperation and wished them well. Representatives from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) also attended the meeting to make presentations on the processes that will be followed from now until the election, including the counting of votes and the allocation of seats in municipalities.
uMfolozi Municipality Presents 2026/2027 Development Plans to Mthiyane Traditional Council
The Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, accompanied by the Speaker, Councillor Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, honourable councillors and municipal employees, visited the Mthiyane Traditional Council at Mambuka today, 29 September 2026, with the aim of presenting integrated development plans that will be implemented in the area. Mayor Bhengu presented the development plans for the 2026/2027 financial year under the Mambuka Traditional Council. He highlighted that the King Cetshwayo District Municipality will soon commence a project aimed at addressing the water shortage challenge in the area. The meeting also discussed employment opportunities that will arise from the construction of a community hall. The hall was presented to the traditional council several weeks ago. The Mthiyane Traditional Council expressed its appreciation to uMfolozi Municipality for the work it is doing to develop the community. It also emphasised the importance of cooperation between traditional leadership and the municipality in bringing services and development to the community.
uMfolozi Municipality Engages Traditional Healers on Health and Safety
Traditional healers operating under the uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, have been encouraged to register officially with the Department of Health. This was one of the recommendations made to them during a meeting held at Mzingazi Hall today, 28 September 2026. The traditional healers were encouraged not to distance themselves from education, as education is important in the present day, regardless of the field in which one works. They were encouraged to attend forums where knowledge and information are shared, so that their healing practices remain aligned with current developments. This will also enable them to gain knowledge and work together with the Department of Health, ensuring that when patients seek assistance, they receive the appropriate help they need. Also present at the event were the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Timothy Biyela; Honourable Councillors; municipal officials led by Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko; the IEC; KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife; EDTEA; the University of Zululand (UNIZULU); KCD Environmental Health; and Wild Trust. The traditional healers were also cautioned about water safety when conducting healing practices at the sea or in rivers. They were advised to use protective equipment and to observe hygiene measures, such as washing their hands under running water and wearing gloves. They were further advised to dispose of materials used for scarification safely and appropriately. The healers were also taught about planting trees and other plants that they use for traditional healing. Mayor Bhengu subsequently handed over resources to the chairpersons of the traditional healers
Mayor Bhengu Supports Community Farmers Through Tshalanathi Campaign
Cheers of joy erupted from the women farmers when the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu of the uMfolozi Municipality, visited the Sidlangamandla Garden in KwaSokhulu, Ward 01, today, Wednesday, 23 September 2026, as part of the Tshalanathi Campaign, which aims to encourage people to plant and grow their own food. The Honourable Mayor Bhengu congratulated the farmers for the excellent work they are doing and emphasised the importance of farming in improving the lives of communities and ensuring food security. As a way of supporting and encouraging the farmers, the Honourable Mayor, accompanied by the ward councillor, Cllr MaKhumalo Cele, and municipal staff, provided them with fencing wire and poles, seeds, and watering containers. This support will enable them to continue developing their gardens and producing food. The farmers expressed their appreciation for the Honourable Mayor and their ward councillor, Cllr MaKhumalo Cele, for visiting the garden and seeing firsthand the work they are doing. They also thanked the municipality for providing fencing materials, which will help prevent livestock from entering and damaging their gardens.
uMfolozi Municipality Presents Integrated Development Plans to Mbonambi Traditional Council
The uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, visited the Mbuyazi Traditional Council at the Mbonambi Royal Household today, Tuesday, 22 September 2026, to present the municipality’s Integrated Development Plans (IDP) for the 2026/27 financial year. The presentation was delivered by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Thimothy Biyela, who represented the Honourable Mayor Bhengu. The meeting was attended by councillors, municipal officials, traditional leaders and members of the Traditional Council. Deputy Mayor Biyela outlined the development programmes that have been implemented in communities since the current leadership took office. He also presented projects that are currently underway during the 2026/27 financial year, as well as those planned for the 2027/28 financial year. The Traditional Council was given an opportunity to raise recommendations, requests, concerns and questions regarding development in the areas under its jurisdiction. The Traditional Council expressed its appreciation for the development projects being delivered by the municipality. It requested that the municipality monitor the condition of roads after they have been constructed or upgraded, to ensure that they remain in good condition over time. The Traditional Council also raised concerns about the lack of network coverage, particularly in Ward 03, and requested that the municipality give the matter close attention.
uMfolozi Municipality Cracks Down on Unlicensed Shops and Illegal Trading
Shops that were operating without the required permits were closed, and foreign nationals who did not have the proper documentation to be in the country were detained during a campaign by the Mfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, to ensure that shops are operating legally in Ward 08 and Ward 18. The Honourable Mayor Bhengu was accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Timothy Biyela, during the campaign, together with officials from LED, Environmental Health from King Cetshwayo, Waste Management from Mfolozi, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Immigration officials who were checking the documentation of foreign nationals to verify their legal status in the country. During the campaign, expired goods were found. Some beverages were poured out, while others were confiscated for disposal. Alcohol was also found being sold at a tuck shop without a licence. Some foreign nationals were found to be in possession of fraudulent documents authorising them to stay in the country, and they were detained.