uMfolozi Municipality Receives Additional Water Tankers to Strengthen Water Supply Efforts
An additional five water tankers were officially handed over to the uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, today, 31 July 2026. This follows the handover of four water tankers by King Cetshwayo District Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, last week. The total number of new water tankers introduced in uMfolozi now stands at nine. A further nine tankers are expected to be delivered next month, bringing the total fleet of new water tankers that will assist in providing water to communities to eighteen. The tanker drivers were encouraged to respect both their responsibilities and the communities they serve, and to take good care of the vehicles to ensure their longevity and continued service delivery. Mayor Bhengu expressed his appreciation to the people of uMfolozi for their patience during the ongoing water supply challenges. He stated that he is hopeful that the arrival of these tankers will make a significant difference in assisting communities while a long-term solution is being implemented, emphasizing that water delivery by tanker remains a temporary measure.
uMfolozi Disaster Management and Partners Extend a Helping Hand to Vulnerable Families
The Disaster Management Unit under uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, together with the Red Cross and in partnership with the Masikolo Foundation, visited the Dondotha area in Ward 09 today, 29 July 2026, to provide support to families affected by recent storm damage. The programme was attended by Queen KaMayisela, founder of the Masikolo Foundation, representatives from the Red Cross, Maria Valaskatzis, who is well known from The Real Housewives of Durban and works with the Red Cross, and Councillor Celimpilo Makhunga, who represented Mayor Bhengu. The delegation not only visited Ward 09 but also extended their outreach to Wards 04, 03 and 06. Welcoming Queen KaMayisela, Induna Mthethwa said that people often ask what the role of a queen is, and that today they were witnessing it firsthand as Queen KaMayisela was actively extending a helping hand to communities in need. Queen KaMayisela said that her role is to serve and support communities, especially during difficult times. She explained that, together with the Red Cross, she hopes that by the time they return, land will have been made available for the establishment of a community garden. The garden would be cultivated by affected families, helping to combat hunger while also creating opportunities for income generation. She added that she understands that government cannot reach every individual on its own, which is why organisations such as the Masikolo Foundation collaborate with government and other stakeholders to help fight poverty and address the challenges facing communities. Councillor Makhunga expressed his appreciation for Queen KaMayisela’s visit and her vision for empowering and uplifting communities.
uMfolozi Municipality Officially Launches the 2nd Annual Dr B.V. Mthethwa Mayoral Tournament
uMfolozi Local Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, officially launched the 2nd Annual Dr B.V. Mthethwa Mayoral Tournament on Friday, 24 July 2026. The tournament, which will take place from 14 to 16 August 2026, aims to promote sport, identify young talent, and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and artists. The Chairperson of the Sports Committee in uMfolozi, Councillor Nhlakanipho Conco, stated that the tournament will serve as a platform for identifying sporting talent among the youth of uMfolozi, emphasizing that only local players will be eligible to participate. Stakeholders who attended the launch included Standard Bank, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Inhlansiyethemba Community Development, and Sekhukhune United FC. They commended the municipality for its commitment to youth development through sport. Sekhukhune United FC Technical Director, Themba Sithole, expressed the club’s willingness to partner with uMfolozi Municipality in developing football talent among young people by providing skilled players with opportunities to showcase their abilities and pursue their sporting dreams. Mayor Bhengu thanked Standard Bank for its commitment to sponsoring the tournament and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders contributing to its success. The significant role played by Dr B.V. Mthethwa in community development and education was also acknowledged and praised. In addition to sporting opportunities, the tournament will create a platform for emerging local artists. One artist from each ward will be given an opportunity to showcase their talent, providing exposure and potential opportunities for advancement in the entertainment industry. Mayor Bhengu further emphasized the importance of ensuring that all participants in the tournament are residents of uMfolozi, thereby ensuring that local talent and communities derive maximum benefit from the initiative.
uMfolozi Set to Receive 18 Water Tankers in Major Boost to Water Service Delivery
The uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, received four water tanker trucks from the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, today, 23 July 2026. Following the delivery of these trucks, additional tankers are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, bringing the total number of water tanker trucks allocated to uMfolozi Municipality to 18. During the handover ceremony, Mayor Bhengu expressed his appreciation to King Cetshwayo District Municipality for honouring its commitment to provide new water tankers at the start of the new financial year in order to assist local communities. The Deputy Mayor of King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Ms Philile Xulu, stated that uMfolozi Municipality is one of the areas most affected by water shortages, which is why it will receive 18 water tanker trucks to help address water supply challenges experienced by communities across uMfolozi. She further urged the drivers to take good care of the vehicles to ensure that they continue to serve residents effectively.
uMfolozi Indigenous Games Athletes Encouraged to Strive for Excellence Ahead of District Competition
Athletes participating in the Indigenous Games in uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, have been encouraged to continue training hard and remain committed to their personal and academic development. The athletes attended a three-day training camp which commenced on Friday and concluded on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at Mabhodla Primary School in ward 02. During the camp, participants were encouraged to maintain good discipline, show respect, and work hard in their studies. The camp also served as a selection platform for athletes who will represent uMfolozi Municipality at the King Cetshwayo District Indigenous Games competition. At the closing ceremony, Councillor Mlambo, member of the Sports Committee in uMfolozi Municipality, thanked all the athletes for participating in the camp and expressed appreciation to parents for allowing their children to be part of the programme. He encouraged the selected athletes to be even more dedicated as they prepare to represent the municipality. Councillor Mlambo also urged those who were not selected to continue training and improving their skills so that they may have an opportunity to progress in future competitions. Appreciation was extended to everyone who contributed to the success of the camp, including the Community Policing Forum (CPF) members who ensured safety and security, coaches, catering staff, municipal officials, and councillors of uMfolozi Municipality.
uMfolozi Municipality celebrates public service week at a local orphanage
The Department of Environmental Affairs, together with the Thusong Service Centre, which provides government services to communities, joined uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu, in commemorating Public Service Week today, 17 July 2026, at Musawenkosi Orphanage in Ward 07. The purpose of the day was to give back to the community by providing assistance that would make a meaningful difference to the orphanage. The celebration included painting the walls of the facility and planting crops that will help support the nutritional needs of the children residing at the orphanage. Donations of clothing and sanitary pads were also made. Those who attended the event included Honourable Councillor N.S. Ngubane, Chairperson of the Community Services Committee at uMfolozi Municipality; Environmental Health officials from King Cetshwayo District Municipality; Eskom (National Transmission Company South Africa); Ithuba Agribusiness; and representatives from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. The children were also given an opportunity to participate in various games and activities with the visitors.
Premier Thami Ntuli Calls for Community Partnership in the Fight Against Crime
Community members were urged to work together with government in the fight against crime during a visit by the Honourable Premier, Mr Thami Ntuli, to uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, at Mzingazi in Ward 06. Premier Ntuli visited the area to participate in a Crime Imbizo attended by mayors, councillors, crime-fighting structures, religious leaders, community members, officials from the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, and municipal employees from municipalities within the King Cetshwayo District. He stated that criminals are a minority within communities and can be defeated through cooperation and collective action. During the Imbizo, community members were provided with a range of services, as various government departments were present to assist and support residents.
Mayor Bhengu Welcomes Guests at Official Handover of Langalibomvu High School
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, accompanied by councillors, the Municipal Manager of uMfolozi Municipality, Mr Fred Mazibuko, and the Director of Technical Services, Dr Manqoba Soni, joined stakeholders in celebrating the official handover of Langalibomvu High School in Ward 01, KwaSokhulu on Friday,19 June 2026. The school was officially opened by the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, and the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka. The event was also attended by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Phumzile Mgcina, the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, the Mthiyane Traditional Council and its leadership, izinduna, parents, and officials from RBM, the company that funded and constructed the school. In his welcoming remarks, Mayor Bhengu said that the opening of the school during Youth Month was particularly significant, as it conveyed the message that the struggle of young people continues, but is now being fought through education, knowledge, and skills development. He urged learners, parents, and the broader community to take good care of the school so that it can remain an asset for future generations.
uMfolozi Municipality Hosts Climate Change and Environmental Awareness Workshop
uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), led by Honourable Reverend Musa Zondi, and the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, represented by Councillor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, held a meeting with traditional leaders, councillors, and departmental managers from uMfolozi Municipality to share information and discuss climate change and environmental challenges. During the meeting, it emerged that, in addition to the heavy rainfall commonly experienced in the King Cetshwayo District, the area is also facing increasingly extreme temperatures. Heavy rains have been causing soil erosion and significant damage to infrastructure and the environment. The meeting further highlighted that these environmental challenges are contributing to water shortages and food insecurity. It was also noted that there are existing policies aimed at combating climate change and providing rapid response measures to assist communities affected by these conditions. Participants were encouraged to protect the environment and to practise waste separation to promote recycling and the reuse of materials. Traditional leaders and izinduna were also given an opportunity to raise concerns and share experiences regarding environmental issues affecting their respective communities.
Community Urged to Protect New Water Infrastructure as Water Project is Officially Launched in Mbhongampisi
The community of Mbhongampisi in Ward 04 has been urged not to make illegal water connections, as this could disrupt the supply of water to residents. This appeal was made during the official commissioning of a water project in Mbhongampisi on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, by the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor S.Z. Dlamini, together with South32. The delegation visited uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, to officially launch the project. The programme was officially opened by the Honourable Speaker of King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Councillor Siphesihle Mkhwanazi, who represented Mayor S.Z. Dlamini. Also in attendance were the Honourable Speaker of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, councillors, the District Municipal Manager Mr Philani Sibiya, representatives from South32, the local traditional leader (Induna) Mr Vincent Mthiyane, officials from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), and representatives from EasyPay. The project, which cost R5,964,652.10, was implemented by Striving To Satisfy Projects and benefits 51 households in the Mbhongampisi area. Its completion is expected to significantly reduce the water shortages that the community has experienced for many years. In addition to providing access to water, the project created 30 job opportunities for local residents through the EPWP programme. Local businesses also benefited by supplying security services and temporary sanitation facilities during the construction phase. South32 representatives urged the community to take good care of the infrastructure, noting that it is disheartening to return to a project and find that it has been vandalised or is no longer functioning. The King Cetshwayo District Council also handed over a ceremonial gift (isijingi) to the Inkosi of the Sokhulu Traditional Authority as a token of appreciation. Local Induna Vincent Mthiyane congratulated the community on the successful completion of the project, saying that access to water would now be much easier. He further encouraged residents to appreciate the development, emphasising that while not everyone may be fully satisfied, it is important to be grateful for the progress achieved, as it is not always possible to meet everyone’s expectations at the same time.