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.
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.