Mayor Bhengu Leads Festive Season Roadblock Operation to Promote Safer Roads
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Cllr Xolani Bhengu, delivered a strong message of road safety, tolerance and mutual respect during a roadblock operation held on the N2 near Mbonambi on Thursday, 04 December 2025. The roadblock was organised by the uMfolozi Municipal Traffic Unit in partnership with various stakeholders, including Mbonambi SAPS, traffic officers from Empangeni and Mtubatuba, the Santaco’s Hlokomela, and the uMfolozi Fire Department. Mayor Bhengu was accompanied by councillors and departmental managers, led by the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko. During the operation, officials inspected the road worthiness of vehicles, checked the validity of driving licenses, verified the presence and condition of fire extinguishers for goods and passenger transport vehicles, and conducted several other safety assessments. Mayor Bhengu urged drivers to respect road rules and exercise patience towards one another to help prevent the Christmas-season accidents commonly referred to as “festive fatalities”. He emphasized that the holiday period should be a time of joy, family gatherings and celebration, not a time of loss and mourning caused by road accidents. He wished all drivers and passengers a safe and peaceful festive season.
UMfolozi Municipality Supports Farmers with Training
Farmers from Bhiliya in Ward 17 under uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu, returned home with vaccines, dipping chemicals, spraying equipment, and feed supplements after attending a farmers’ forum held on Thursday, 04 December 2025. The forum, organised by the uMfolozi Department of Local Economic Development (LED), was attended by local farmers, the ward’s acting councillor and Speaker of Council, Cllr Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, various councillors, Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko, and municipal staff. Dr. Mondli Ngcamu from TWK Agri provided farmers with training and information on proper livestock care. Mayor Bhengu emphasized the importance of farmers receiving this knowledge, explaining that the municipality invited a veterinary expert because livestock is a valuable economic asset. Cllr Mthiyane reassured the farmers that, as their acting ward councillor, he is present and attentive to the community challenges, and that efforts are underway to address these issues in collaboration with various departments.
Umfolozi Ward 17 Farmers Trained on Livestock Health and Management
The Mfolozi Municipality, led by Honourable Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu, hosted a farmers’ forum on Sunday, 30 November 2025, where livestock farmers from Ward 17 in Magwetshana dip, were equipped with knowledge on the importance of livestock and proper animal care.The session was attended by Mayor Bhengu, Speaker and acting Ward Councillor Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, Deputy Mayor Councillor Timothy Biyela, councilors, officials from uMfolozi LED office, Dr Ngcamu from TKW, local izinduna, and livestock farmers. Dr Ngcamu provided detailed education on livestock management and its significance. Farmers also had an opportunity to ask questions about various livestock-related challenges. The local induna Makhanya expressed appreciation for the initiative, emphasising that owning livestock without knowledge is unhelpful, as animals eventually suffer due to poor management. Mayor Bhengu highlighted that the strength of many households’ economies lies in the kraal, taking proper care of livestock is essential. The Municipality further supported farmers with dipping treatment and tick-spray medication.
Ntuthunga Shop Owners Encouraged to Register Legal Trading Permits
Shop owners in Ntuthunga, ward 13 under the Mfolozi Municipality, were encouraged to register for legal trading permits to operate within the law on the 26th of November 2025 during a business compliance blitz. This initiative formed part of a campaign to ensure that businesses comply with trading regulations. The campaign included participation from the uMfolozi Local Economic Development (LED) office, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Customs, SAPS, the King Cetshwayo Environmental Health Department, the uMfolozi Fire and Traffic Departments. Shop owners were advised not to sell expired food or illegal products. Deputy Mayor Councillor Timothy Biyela commended the Ntuthunga business owners for managing their shops and not renting them out, highlighting that their efforts help sustain the local economy and prevent it from shifting to other areas.
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.