Umfolozi Library Unit Hosts Grade 4 Reading Competition
Officials from the Library Unit under uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Councillor Xolani Bhengu, hosted a reading competition for Grade 4 learners, on Thursday, 27 August 2026. The competition, held at Thusong Training Centre, brought together four schools that had advanced from the Level 1 competition, namely Mzingazi Primary School, Mpemvu Primary School, Nzalabantu Primary School, and New Phathane Primary School. The aim of the competition is to encourage reading comprehension among primary school learners and to build learners’ confidence. The winners will proceed to represent uMfolozi Local Municipality at the King Cetshwayo District level. Schools within the uMfolozi Municipal area were encouraged to register for municipal library cards so that they can borrow books for their learners
uMfolozi Municipality Hands Over Thempeleni Access Road to Ward 13 Community
The uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, officially handed over the Thempeleni Access Road to the community of oCilwane in Ward 13 today, Wednesday, 26 August 2026. The road was officially handed over by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Councillor Timothy Biyela, councillors, and municipal officials. Councillor Bhengu thanked the community for its patience, acknowledging that the delivery of some services and community needs does not always happen as quickly as residents would like. He explained that this is sometimes due to the ward having many voting districts (VDs), which can affect the pace of service delivery.
Men Urged to Mentor Boys and Promote Positive Masculinity
Men were encouraged to spend time with young boys and teach them the values of manhood. This was one of the key messages delivered during a gathering of men’s committees from different wards of uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu. The meeting, attended by men and boys, was held at the Dondotha Community Hall on 21 August 2026. The men participated in a dialogue where they discussed the challenges they face in their lives and communities. They highlighted issues such as abuse within their homes, being undermined, and the common belief that “a man does not cry,” which often discourages men from seeking help when facing difficulties. They also discussed the lack of employment opportunities and explored ways in which they could sustain themselves without formal employment. The negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption were also raised as a concern. Various stakeholders were present at the gathering, including representatives from Mpilonhle, who provided health services to the men, the Department of Social Development and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC.
uMfolozi Municipality Hands Over Ndondwane Access Road to Nxebeni Community
UMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, officially handed over the Ndondwane Access Road to the Nxebeni community in Ward 10 today, Thursday, 20 August 2026. Deputy Mayor Councillor Timothy Biyela, representing Mayor Bhengu, officially handed over the road accompanied by the Speaker, Councillor Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, councillors, and municipal officials. Councillor Biyela commended the work of Councillor Skhumbuzo Mthethwa, noting that following the boundary demarcation process, a portion of the Nxebeni area was incorporated into Ward 09. Representatives of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), who were part of the event, encouraged residents to participate in the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. They announced that the special voting registration period will be open from 21 September to 12 October 2026 for those wishing to apply for special votes. Special voting will take place on 2 and 3 November 2026. Registration is open for voters who wish to be visited at home as well as those who will cast their ballots at their designated voting stations. Induna Mthethwa expressed his appreciation to the municipality for the development.
uMfolozi Participated in the King Cetshwayo District Senior Citizens and Disability Games
The King Cetshwayo District Municipality, under the leadership of Honourable Mayor Councillor Skhumbuzo Dlamini, hosted the Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities Games for municipalities across the district, on Wednesday 19 August 2026. uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, proudly participated in the games , which took place at the Mhlathuze Sports Complex. The initiative aims to promote active and healthy lifestyles among senior citizens and people with disabilities by encouraging participation in physical activities. It also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preventing and managing illnesses that commonly affect these groups. Participants who excel during the games will have the opportunity to represent the King Cetshwayo District Municipality at the provincial-level competition in September, providing a platform to showcase their talents and abilities.
uMfolozi Municipality Hands Over Road Infrastructure and High-Mast Light Projects to Communities
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Local Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, officially handed over the Ntobozi Access Road to the community of Ward 18 on Tuesday, 18 August 2026. While handing over the road, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Councillor Timothy Biyela, honourable councillors, and municipal officials led by Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko, Mayor Bhengu stated that community development is an ongoing process and that not all community requests can be fulfilled at once. He also explained the distinct roles and responsibilities of the three spheres of government to help residents understand which services fall under local, provincial, and national government. Mayor Bhengu’s leadership then proceeded to Ward 08 in Zonza, where the Nkumande Road and the Mzingeli High-Mast Light were officially handed over to the community. Mayor Bhengu reminded residents of the various development projects that the municipality has already delivered in the ward.
uMfolozi Mayor Extends Condolences to the Msweli Family Following the Tragic Death of Two Children
The Executive Mayor of uMfolozi Local Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, together with the municipality’s leadership, has extended heartfelt condolences to the Msweli family of Bhubhubhu in Ward 15 following the passing of two children, Sinothando Msweli (4) and Emihle Msweli (3), who are suspected to have consumed poison. Mayor Bhengu expressed deep sadness at the loss of the young children. He stated that the municipality would engage with the family to determine how it can assist and provide support to ensure that the children receive a dignified burial. He further directed the Community Development Department to remain with and support the family during this difficult time.
Dr B.V. Mthethwa Mayoral Tournament Opens Doors for uMfolozi Talent
Six players who participated in the Dr B.V. Mthethwa Mayoral Tournament, hosted by uMfolozi Local Municipality under the leadership of the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, have secured contracts with Sekhukhune United FC and will travel on Wednesday to begin training with the club. In addition to these six players, another 22 players have been identified by the club and will undergo further development with the aim of joining the team in January next year. The tournament commenced on Friday, 14 August 2026, with competitions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and concluded on Sunday, 16 August 2026, with all sporting codes taking part. Mayor Bhengu expressed his delight that the tournament not only rewards teams and players with prize money, but also creates opportunities for athletes to advance their careers and earn a living through sport. These players join seven others who are already progressing within Sekhukhune United after being identified in uMfolozi. Ward 01 emerged as the overall football champions, taking home R130,000. Ward 09 finished in second place and received R60,000, while Ward 10 secured third place and won R30,000. In the netball competition, Ward 10 claimed first place and received R50,000, Ward 14 finished second and received R20,000, while Ward 13 came third and received R10,000. In the Ladies’ Football category, Ward 06 finished third and won R3,000, Ward 03 came second and received R5,000, while Ward 05 emerged as champions and took home R10,000. Outstanding players across the various sporting codes were each awarded R1,000 in recognition of their performances. The tournament also created opportunities for emerging local entrepreneurs to sell their products and services, while one up-and-coming musician from each ward was hired to perform during the event. Mayor Bhengu thanked the tournament sponsors, Standard Bank, Aquelle and Sekhukhune United, for their contribution to identifying and nurturing talent from uMfolozi. He further called on local teams competing in the Betway Premiership to support and participate in the tournament, emphasizing that uMfolozi is rich in sporting talent.
uMfolozi Mayor Condemns Brutal Killing of Young Woman, Calls for Justice
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Local Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, has expressed deep concern over the murder of a young woman in Somotha in ward 09, within the municipality. The 22-year-old, Senamile Nomthandazo Xaba, was found dead at her boyfriend’s residence on Monday morning. Mayor Bhengu conveyed his condolences to the Xaba family during a visit to the bereaved family on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. He said it was deeply troubling that incidents of violence against women were resurfacing, particularly during Women’s Month. He also referred to another recent incident in Ward 08, where a young woman was allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed of food. The Mayor stated that it is the responsibility of men to protect women and children and called on law enforcement authorities to play their role in ensuring that justice is served. The family of the deceased expressed their appreciation for Mayor Bhengu’s visit and support during this difficult time. They said the tragedy had left them devastated and expressed their hope that the suspect would be held accountable and face the full consequences of the law.
uMfolozi Mayor Welcomes Construction of New Police Station for KwaSokhulu Community
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Local Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, congratulated the Mthiyane Traditional Authority of KwaSokhulu on the imminent commencement of the construction of a new satellite police station in the area. Mayor Bhengu addressed the KwaSokhulu community during a meeting held to officially introduce the police station project. The meeting was attended by representatives of the South African Police Service (SAPS) from the national headquarters in Pretoria, the provincial SAPS team, and SAPS officials from the King Cetshwayo District, Inkosi uMthiyane and his council. Inkosi Mthiyane expressed gratitude that a long-standing aspiration, which the community had pursued for nearly 30 years, was finally becoming a reality. He also urged the contractor to create employment opportunities for local residents during the construction phase. The SAPS recently completed the Dondotha Police Station, which is similar to the facility that will now be constructed in KwaSokhulu.