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.
uMfolozi Municipality Extends a Helping Hand to a Bereaved Family
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, together with the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko, fulfilled a promise made to the Mnyango family of Cinci in Ward 11 by providing assistance after the family tragically lost six members. They handed over a cow, mobile toilets, and groceries to the family. Mayor Bhengu comforted the family, assuring them that the municipality would continue to support them during this difficult time.
uMfolozi and King Cetshwayo Municipalities Unite in Support of Bereaved Family in Ward 11
The leadership of uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, together with the leadership of King Cetshwayo District Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, visited the Mnyango family in Ward 11, Cinci on Monday, 02 February 2026.. The family lost six members in a tragic accident involving a motor vehicle and a truck that occurred on the N2 near Mtubatuba on Friday. The leaders, accompanied by Honourable Councillors, local priests, and the Municipal Manager of uMfolozi Local Municipality, Mr Fred Mazibuko, conveyed their words of condolences to the family and expressed their deep sorrow over the incident. The leaders stated that they had come to offer their support, encourage the family, and assured them that assistance would be provided during this difficult time. The family expressed their gratitude for the visit and support shown by the leadership during this painful period. The family indicated that they had lost the mother of the household and her three generations. The funeral service will be held on Sunday.
uMfolozi Municipality Honours Top Matric Achievers
The Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, praised learners from schools under the uMfolozi Municipality who performed well in last year’s matric examinations. The top ten learners were awarded at the Matric Excellence Awards ceremony held at Mbonambi Town Hall today, 27 January 2026. During the ceremony, ten top-performing schools were also awarded, along with three schools that showed significant improvement. Principals from all uMfolozi high schools attended the event, as well as Member of Parliament Hon. Nhlanhla Hadebe, councillors, education officials, parents, and municipal staff led by the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko, together with representatives from various municipal committees. Learners received certificates, trophies, R1 500 vouchers, and laptops. The overall top learner received a cash prize of R10 000, the second-placed learner received R5 000, and the third-placed learner received R3 000. Mayor Bhengu encouraged schools to share strategies for improving academic results so that all schools within the uMfolozi Municipality can perform well. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between schools and communities in ensuring that schools are safe. Honourable Hadebe applauded the Class of 2025 for their outstanding results and expressed hope that the Class of 2026 will continue this strong performance. He further encouraged other municipalities to work closely with schools in fostering partnerships that support learners and help them succeed.
uMfolozi Municipality Launches Back-to-School Campaign
The leadership of uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, has encouraged learners at Khanyiselisizwe High School in KwaMendu to continue striving for excellence, following the school’s achievement of a 100% matric pass rate in the previous academic year. Mayor Bhengu, accompanied by councillors and the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko, visited the school to officially launch the municipality’s Back-to-School support campaign as the 2026 teaching and learning programme gets underway. During the visit, the Mayor congratulated departmental subject advisors, the school principal, educators, and the School Governing Body for their outstanding performance. The Mayor reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to supporting schools across uMfolozi wherever possible, as part of its contribution towards improving the quality of education. He further announced that the programme introduced this year to assist learners awaiting their matric results—by providing newspapers in secure locations—will be continued. This initiative responds to the reality that many communities within uMfolozi are located far from fuel stations and newspaper outlets. As part of the visit, Mayor Bhengu presented learning materials to the learners and committed the municipality to installing a high-mast light outside the school to enhance learner safety during evening study hours. The school principal, Ms Thobile Magwaza, expressed her appreciation to the uMfolozi Municipality leadership for their continued support and for maintaining a close relationship with the school throughout the year.