Umfolozi Municipality residents encouraged to grow gardens and develop businesses
The King Cetshwayo District Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor Councillor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, presented an overview of the Integrated Development Plan in Ward 17, within the uMfolozi Municipality, under the leadership of the Honourable Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu. The IDP Roadshow was held at Donda Sport field on 20 November 2025. Mayor Dlamini stated that efforts are underway to address water shortages, with plans in place to ensure that, by Christmas, most communities have water available close to their homes. Support was also provided to individuals who applied for assistance to develop their businesses, including poultry and crop-farming enterprises. The community was encouraged to participate in the “One Home, One Garden” initiative and was provided with seedlings to plant in their households.
UMfolozi Municipality and Polyco Partner to Equip and Educate Waste Pickers
Waste pickers under uMfolozi Municipality received new equipment to help them carry out their work more effectively. The group was provided with uniforms, waste bags, recycling bins, and trolleys to make their work easier and more efficient. The initiative formed part of an empowerment session organized by the uMfolozi Municipality’s Department of Environment and Waste Management in partnership with Polyco. The event, held on 13 November 2025, aimed to educate waste collectors about recycling opportunities and how to generate income through turning waste into useful products. Participants were taught about the different types of waste and how they can be transformed into valuable items. UMfolozi Mayor Cllr Xolani Bhengu commended the waste collectors for their hard work, noting that their role is vital in keeping communities clean and should not be undermined. He encouraged others, especially the youth, to consider waste collection as a business opportunity that can help them provide for their families. He thanked all the sponsors for their contribution. Young people were urged to register their companies to qualify for business support and funding. There was also an emphasize on the importance of teaching children about recycling so they can develop business skills early in life.Officials from various waste management departments guided attendees on proper business practices to ensure that their recycling projects operate within the law.
DAC and DTT Strengthen Efforts to Address Social Issues
The King Cetshwayo District AIDS Council (DAC) and the District Task Team (DTT) held a meeting at Ntuzuma Hall in Ward 17 under uMfolozi Municipality on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, to discuss key social challenges. The meeting focused on issues such as violence, health problems, and other challenges faced by local people. It was attended by the Honourable Mayor of King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Cllr Skhumbuzo Dlamini; the Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Cllr Xolani Bhengu; the Speaker of uMfolozi Municipality, Cllr Mkhangezeni Mthiyane; the Speaker of King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Cllr Siphesihle Mkhwanazi; and the Municipal Manager of uMfolozi, who is also the Chairperson of the DTT, Mr Fred Mazibuko. Councillors, government departments, and non-government organisation were also part of the meeting. During the discussions, uMfolozi Municipality shared a report about serious problems, including water shortages, high crime levels, and damaged bridges, especially the uMhlahlane bridge. Another major issue raised during the meeting was the growing number of teenage pregnancies among girls aged between 10 and 14 years old. Leaders expressed deep concern about this problem, noting that many of these cases are not being reported to the police, meaning no criminal charges have been opened against those responsible.
uMfolozi Strengthens Community Development Through New Access Roads Project
The uMfolozi Municipality, under the leadership of Mayor Cllr Xolani Bhengu, continues to drive community development through key infrastructure projects aimed at improving accessibility and creating local job opportunities. During a series of sod-turning ceremonies across several wards recently, Mayor Bhengu emphasized the importance of dedication from contractors, cooperation from community members, and the shared goal of ensuring that development benefits everyone. The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Cllr Xolani Bhengu, has urged contractors awarded community development projects to carry out their work with diligence and avoid negligence. Mayor Bhengu addressed members of the community in Ward 08 at Zonza on Tuesday, 4 October 2025, during the official sod-turning ceremony for the construction of the Nkumande Access Road, where the appointed contractor was also introduced.He expressed his satisfaction that contractors working on uMfolozi projects are creating employment opportunities for residents. The Mayor was accompanied by councillors, the Municipal Manager, Mr. Fred Mazibuko, heads of departments, and municipal staff. Members of the Traditional Council were also present and thanked the Municipality for honouring the Mthethwa Royal House by naming the road after one of their late traditional leaders. Mayor Bhengu further called for cooperation between contractors and community members as construction begins on iNtobozi Access Road in Ward 18. Speaking during the introduction of the contractor for this project, he emphasized that the road belongs to the community and that if the work slightly affects private property, residents should show understanding and work together in the spirit of shared development. Meanwhile, residents of Ward 10 in eKupheleni have benefited from employment opportunities through the construction of INdondwane Access Road. During the sod-turning ceremony held on 5 November 2025, Mayor Bhengu introduced the contractor and expressed appreciation for the good working relationship between the community and the contractor. The contractor has already commenced work to demonstrate that the project is a reality and not just a promise.Community members expressed their gratitude to the Municipality and the local councillor for this much-needed road. They said the new road would bring great relief, allowing them to reach their homes easily and safely.
Mayor Bhengu Brings Development Closer to Coastal Wards with 2026/27 Development Integrated Plan
Residents from the coastal wards under the uMfolozi Municipality gathered at Holinyoka, KwaSigwaza, in the southern part of Ward 04 on Friday, 31 October 2025, where they had the opportunity to engage with the Honourable Mayor, Cllr Xolani Bhengu. The meeting formed part of the launch of the municipality’s Integrated Development Programme, giving community members a platform to raise their views and share their service delivery needs directly with the Mayor. During the event, a sod-turning ceremony was also held for the Mashobeni Access Road Phase 2 project, which is already underway.Mayor Bhengu outlined the projects that the municipality has successfully completed, along with the development plans for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years. These projects cover wards under KwaSokhulu and KwaMbonambi traditional authorities. He assured the community that the municipality is fully aware of the challenges they are facing and is working to address them, while referring some issues to the relevant government departments for further intervention.
uMfolozi Municipality wraps up IDP consultations with Tribal Authorities
There is renewed hope for the Bhiliya/MaMbuka Housing Project, which had previously faced several challenges, after the Department of Human Settlements promised that construction will begin next year. This announcement came during an integrated development presentation meeting held by the uMfolozi Municipality, led by Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu, together with abaThembu Traditional Council, at the Inkosi’s court in Somopho on Tuesday, 28 October 2025. The speaker of the Municipality, Cllr Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, who represented Mayor Bhengu, was accompanied by councillors, the Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko, and municipal officials. In his address outlining the municipality’s development plans, Cllr Mthiyane stated that the demarcation board had confirmed that two voting districts located under the the traditional authority, currently within the authority of uMfolozi Municipality will be incorporated into uMthonjaneni Municipality after the 2026 elections. The Council commended uMfolozi Municipality for its dedication and progress in community development. Inkosi Mthembu also expressed appreciation for the Municipality’s commitment and granted it the mandate to continue engaging the community to address their needs and development priorities.
UMFOLOZI MAYOR ANNOUNCES BI-ELECTION DATE FOR WARD 17
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Cllr Xolani Bhengu, announced an important date, regarding Ward 17 during a meeting with the Mthiyane Traditional Council held at Mambuka on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. The Mayor confirmed that the Speaker of Council, Cllr Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, will temporarily oversee Ward 17 following the passing of the late Cllr Sibusiso Sibiya. He further informed attendees that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has officially set 17 December 2025 as the date for the by-election to elect a new councillor for the ward. The meeting, which formed part of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) presentation and community engagement on development priorities, was attended by councillors, the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko, and municipal officials. The Mthiyane Traditional Council expressed appreciation for being informed about the person who will serve as their point of contact following the passing of Cllr Sibiya. The council also presented various development requests and proposals, some of which will be referred to the relevant government departments responsible for community services and infrastructure delivery.
UMFOLOZI MUNICIPALITY ENGAGES MBUYAZI TRADITIONAL COUNCIL ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
uMfolozi Municipality, under the leadership of the Honourable Mayor, Cllr Xolani Bhengu, held an engagement session with the Mbuyazi Traditional Council in Ward 03 at Inkosi Mbonambi’s Traditional Court on Tuesday, 14 October 2025. The session formed part of the municipality’s ongoing Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultation process aimed at strengthening collaboration between traditional leadership and the municipality in addressing development and service delivery priorities. In attendance were the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Timothy Biyela (representing the Mayor), the Speaker of Council, Cllr Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, the Municipal Manager, Mr. Fred Mazibuko, the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Thula Nkosi, senior managers, municipal staff, and members of the Mbuyazi Traditional Council. During the engagement, Mr. Sipho Ndlovu, representing Eskom, highlighted key challenges affecting electricity provision in the area. He noted that the rapid increase in household connections and illegal electricity connections have placed pressure on Eskom’s infrastructure and affected its financial sustainability. Mr. Ndlovu explained that the load-reduction, which is scheduled between between 17:00 till 21:00 in some areas, is designed to protect infrastructure and mitigate risks associated with system overloads. He urged residents to purchase electricity legally, noting that non-payment and illegal connections ultimately affect all consumers. “When transformers are damaged due to overload by non-paying residents, Eskom does not cover the cost of replacement. Communities often end up paying out of their own pockets to restore power,” he said. He further appealed to residents and traditional leaders to work together in safeguarding Eskom infrastructure and reporting illegal connections. The Mbuyazi Traditional Council also took the opportunity to raise key development needs and service delivery concerns within their community, which will be considered as part of the IDP planning process.
uMfolozi Strengthens Partnerships Through Ongoing IDP Consultations with Traditional Leaders
uMfolozi Municipality, under the leadership of His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, held a two-day Integrated Development Plan (IDP) review and consultation session with traditional councils as part of its commitment to inclusive development and service delivery. The first session took place on Tuesday, 07 October 2025, at the KwaSokhulu Traditional Authority, where the Municipality presented ongoing development programmes for the 2025/26 financial year and outlined plans for 2026/27. The session was chaired by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Timothy Biyela, who represented the Mayor Cllr Bhengu, and was attended by Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko, councillors, and departmental managers. Stakeholders such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and representatives from the King Cetshwayo District Municipality’s Water Department also participated, sharing progress and plans relevant to their sectors. His Majesty Inkosi Mthiyane expressed appreciation to the Municipality for its continuous engagement and visible progress but emphasized the need to prioritize critical services such as roads, electricity, and water. The Traditional Council also took the opportunity to raise concerns, provide input, and share recommendations for improving services. The second engagement was held on Wednesday, 08 October 2025, with the Mthethwa Traditional Authority. The Municipality presented current and upcoming development plans, while encouraging collaboration between traditional leadership and municipal structures. Inkosi Mthethwa thanked the Municipality and urged ongoing mutual respect, cooperation, and partnership to ensure that development reaches all communities within the uMfolozi Municapal area. These sessions formed part of uMfolozi Municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relations with traditional leadership and ensure that community voices are incorporated into municipal planning. Further IDP consultations with Mbonambi, Mambuka and Somopho Traditional Authorities in the coming weeks.
UMFOLOZI MUNICIPALITY RENAMES MAYORAL GAMES IN HONOUR OF DR B.V. MTHETHWA
uMfolozi Municipality, under the leadership of His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Xolani Bhengu, has officially renamed the Mayoral Games in honour of Dr B.V. Mthethwa, the former Mayor of uThungulu (now King Cetshwayo District Municipality). This was done to pay tribute to Dr Mthethwa and to recognize his contribution to sports, community development, and education. He was well known for encouraging people to participate in both education and sporting activities. Announcing the renaming of the games on 22 September 2025, Mayor Bhengu expressed his wish for the youth of uMfolozi to actively take part in the games and excel in sports, with the hope of eventually being recognized in major teams, as some from the municipality have already achieved. The tournament will take place from 26–28 September 2025 at the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex. These tournaments are expected to play an important role in developing local talent. They will serve as a platform for young players to showcase their skills and gain exposure that could open doors to professional opportunities. After the games, a selection will be made to identify players who will represent uMfolozi in the upcoming SALGA Games in King Cetshwayo. This event will bring the community together and celebrate the achievements of local players. The Municipality hopes that the games will inspire more young people to stay active, pursue education, and work hard towards building a successful future.