uMfolozi Municipality Raises Awareness on Proper Waste Disposal Through Clean-Up Drive
The importance of cleanliness and proper waste disposal was emphasized during a clean-up campaign conducted by uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, in the Mzingazi and Nzalabantu areas on Thursday, 11 June 2026. The campaign aimed to encourage residents to play an active role in keeping their communities clean and to discourage illegal dumping. The campaign was attended by Mayor Bhengu, Speaker Councillor Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, the Chairperson of the Community Services Committee and Ward 14 Councillor, Councillor N.S. Ngubane, as well as Ward 03 Councillor Mrs Mthethwa. They were joined by various stakeholders, including Polyco, Coca-Cola, Aquelle, Disaster Management, Eskom, Ithuba AgriBusiness, Siyaqhubeka Forestry, the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, and the IEC. Together, they cleaned three sites that had become hotspots for illegal dumping. Warning signs against illegal dumping were also erected at these locations, displaying contact numbers for reporting offenders engaged in this practice. The IEC also continued to promote voter registration for the registration weekend scheduled for 20–21 June 2026
uMfolozi Municipality Supports Annual Nomkhubulwane Ceremony Celebrating Culture and Prosperity
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, attended the Nomkhubulwane Ceremony at eMakhosini, at the royal residence of the Mthiyane Traditional Council in KwaSokhulu, on Sunday, 07 June 2026. This annual ceremony honours Princess of the Heavens, Nomkhubulwane. During the ceremony, women go to the fields to cultivate the land and pray to the princess, asking that when the planting season arrives, their crops may flourish and yield abundantly. In the field, they also present their wishes and prayers for various needs and blessings. The ceremony, led by the Zulu Royal Household and supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture under the leadership of MEC Mntomuhle Khawula, as well as uMfolozi Municipality, was attended by the King’s praise singer (inyosi) Mdletshe, Prince Tobhi, Queen MaMyeni, members of the Royal Household, traditional leaders, izinduna (headmen), women’s groups, maidens, members of the KwaSokhulu community, and guests from various areas. The event also provided local businesspeople with an opportunity to showcase and promote their products and services.
Two Foreign-Owned Shops Closed for Non-Compliance During Municipal Compliance Inspection Campaign
Two foreign-owned shops were closed after being found to be operating in contravention of trading regulations during a compliance inspection campaign conducted by uMfolozi Municipality under the leadership of the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu. The campaign aimed to assess whether businesses were complying with applicable trading laws and regulations. The inspection team included officials from the Local Economic Development (LED) Department, Environmental Health Services of King Cetshwayo District Municipality, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), the uMfolozi Fire Services Unit, and the uMfolozi Waste Management Unit. The operation was carried out on Thursday, 4 June 2026, in three coastal wards, namely Ward 6, Ward 14, and Ward 16. The campaign was attended by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Bhengu, Deputy Mayor Councillor Timothy Biyela, Speaker Councillor Mkhangezeni Mthiyane, Councillor E.S. Sithole, Councillor Celimpilo Makhunga, and Councillor N.S. Ngubane. The shops that were closed were found to be operating without valid trading licences registered in the names of the current business operators. Shop owners and those leasing or transferring businesses were urged to ensure that trading licences are registered in the correct names of the individual’s conducting business. Skin-lightening cosmetic products, which may not be sold without the appropriate medical prescription, were also confiscated. In addition, the affected shops were instructed to remove chips from sale pending the outcome of an investigation into the death of a child in Esikhaleni.
uMfolozi Municipality Approves R289 Million Budget for 2026/27 Financial Year
The uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, has approved the 2026/27 financial year budget, which will come into effect at the start of the new financial year in July. The budget, amounting to R289,626,885, was approved during a council meeting held on Thursday, 28 May 2026, at the Council Chamber. While presenting the budget, Mayor Bhengu emphasised that the country’s economic conditions remain unstable, and the sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices has worsened the situation. He said that despite these challenges, it remains the municipality’s responsibility to use the limited resources available to deliver services to communities. He further stated that the municipality has prioritised finding ways to generate its own revenue instead of relying solely on funding from provincial government. A large portion of the budget will be directed towards infrastructure programmes and the economic development department in order to support local businesses and create much-needed job opportunities. Additional funding will also assist indigent households to access free basic electricity units once they have purchased electricity. Mayor Bhengu said the municipality will ensure that development funding directly addresses community development priorities. He also thanked councillors for working together in delivering services to communities and expressed appreciation to municipal employees led by Municipal Manager Mr Fred Mazibuko.
Government and Community Stakeholders Unite for Constitution Awareness Drive in uMfolozi
Residents of Ward 06 under the leadership of the Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, received valuable information from various government departments during a Constitution awareness programme commemorating 30 years since the publication of the Constitution containing the Bill of Rights. The event was organised by the GCIS Department and was attended by various government departments and stakeholders, including EDTEA, the Department of Health which also provided health services, SASSA, the IEC, the Department of Labour, Eskom, Legal Aid SA, youth development units from King Cetshwayo District Municipality and uMfolozi Municipality, as well as community organisations. The purpose of bringing these departments together was to take information and services closer to the people. Mayor Bhengu thanked GCIS for organising the programme aimed at bringing different government departments closer to communities and educating residents about their rights. He stated that while people have rights, it is equally important to respect others. He further highlighted that government also has a responsibility to provide services that are the rights of communities.
uMfolozi Municipality Hosts Sports Indaba to Strengthen Local Sports Development
The uMfolozi Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, on Saturday, 23 May 2026, hosted a meeting with all stakeholders representing different sporting codes, known as the Sports Indaba. The meeting was attended by Mayor Bhengu, the Chairperson of the Sports Committee in uMfolozi, Councillor Nhlakanipho Conco, honourable councillors, representatives from various sporting structures, senior citizens, people living with disabilities, club administrators, referees, and other stakeholders involved in sports. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the state of sports in uMfolozi, including achievements, existing challenges, ways to improve sports development, and programmes aimed at empowering sports administrators with management skills and the ability to write funding proposals for organisations that support sports development. The meeting also highlighted the importance of ensuring that sports are inclusive and accessible to everyone, while emphasising the need to begin developing sports at school level in order to nurture young talent from an early age. Those in attendance commended the leadership of Mayor Bhengu for prioritising and supporting sports development whenever assistance is needed. The work being done by the Sports Confederation leadership in promoting and coordinating sports in the community was also appreciated. A request was further made for the municipality to continue supporting sports through the provision of resources, while also addressing the issue of sports facilities and grounds to ensure that existing infrastructure is properly maintained. It was emphasised that sports play a vital role in combating drug abuse among young people and reducing crime within communities.
Stakeholders Unite to Strengthen Early Childhood Development in uMfolozi Municipality
The Early Childhood Development (ECD) support programme was successfully launched in uMfolozi Municipality under the leadership of the Honourable Mayor, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, during a visit by the Ukuyakhanya Organisation to Ward 12 in eMakhwezini on Saturday, 09 May 2026. The event brought together daycare and preschool caregivers, government departments working with children, including the Department of Education and the Department of Social Development, the South African Police Service (SAPS), traditional leaders, the Department of Home Affairs, and uMfolozi Municipality. Parents and caregivers were provided with counselling support and guidance on proper childcare. This programme will assist preschools with porridge supplies to supplement existing resources and will also contribute towards the challenges faced by creches and preschools to ensure that their operations continue smoothly. The community was encouraged to ensure that children are properly cared for and protected, especially during Child Protection Month. Parents and preschool owners were also encouraged to formally register their preschools. Honourable Mayor Bhengu, speaking at the event, expressed his appreciation to the Ukukhanya Organisation for choosing uMfolozi Municipality to benefit from this programme. He encouraged cooperation among all stakeholders when assisting communities, stating that government cannot work alone.
Inland Wards Receive Updates on Water, Electricity and Development Projects in uMfolozi
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, accompanied by the Disaster Management team from uMfolozi Municipality and the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, together with representatives from Old Mutual and the Red Cross, visited Ward 17 led by Councillor Wiseman Njoko today, 07 May 2026, to provide assistance to communities affected by a storm that struck three weeks ago. This assistance was provided to 45 people on the list of affected residents. Mayor Bhengu expressed his sincere gratitude to Old Mutual for their support and willingness to assist, as well as to all partners who contributed to delivering aid to the community. He stated that since 45 beneficiaries have been assisted at this stage, the remaining affected individuals will also receive assistance once additional support becomes available. He further explained that when disasters occur, a report is submitted to the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, which then escalates it to the provincial level. He added that efforts are also made to appeal to other stakeholders who can provide emergency relief, as the process of delivering full assistance often takes time.
Mayor Bhengu Commends Partners for Supporting Storm-Affected Communities
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, presented the Integrated Development Plans and the draft budget to communities from inland wards today, Thursday, 07 May 2026, at Siyabonga Sangweni Sport Complex. The meeting was attended by honourable councillors, directors, and managers from different departments within uMfolozi Municipality led by the Municipal Manager, traditional leaders, and community members. Representatives from various institutions providing services to the uMfolozi community were also present, including the Water Services Unit from the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Eskom, the Department of Agriculture, and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Representatives from the Water Services Unit explained the water challenges and outlined what the King Cetshwayo District Municipality is doing to address the water shortages that communities experience daily. They revealed that a water project is planned for Ward 17 and Ward 10, as well as a programme to provide 1,000 toilets. Representatives from Eskom explained how many people are still without electricity and outlined electrification programmes that are planned for different wards within uMfolozi. The IEC encouraged community members to register as voters, stating that registration also assists the municipality in determining the population size to better respond to community needs.
uMfolozi Municipality Mayor Assesses Storm Damage in Ward 17
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, together with the disaster management team, visited Ward 17 led by Honourable Councillor Wiseman Njoko following heavy rains accompanied by strong winds on Sunday night, 19 April 2026. In this ward, more than 70 households were affected, with some homes having their roofs completely blown off. This is not the only ward impacted, as Wards 7, 8, and 9 were also affected. Mayor Bhengu conveyed his words of sympathy to the affected residents and stated that disaster management teams will compile a comprehensive report to be submitted to the relevant departments. He also confirmed that Councillor Njoko has already reported the power outage to Eskom, as electricity supply was disrupted due to damaged power poles.