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.
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.