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.
THUSONG SERVICE CENTRE WEEK: PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL CARE AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT IN UMFOLOZI
The people of uMfolozi Municipality led by the Honourable Mayor Councillor Xolani Bhengu came together to celebrate Arbor Month through a series of community events organized by the Thusong Service Centre. These activities, held from the 15th until the 19th of September 2025, highlighted the importance of environmental preservation, cleanliness, and active community participation. On the 16th of September, the celebrations began at Khanyiselizwe High School in Ward 10. Students and teachers gathered to take part in tree planting and environmental awareness activities. The students enthusiastically planted trees, symbolizing both the growth of their community and their commitment to preserving the environment. The following day, 17th of September, the focus shifted to Ekusayini Sport Ground in Ward 15, where the community was also educated about HIV, with awareness activities aimed at empowering people with knowledge to make healthier choices and reduce stigma. On the 18th of September, the programme continued at Ezidonini MPCC Hall in Ward 18. The community was encouraged to keep planting and taking care of trees to create a greener and healthier environment. The event also promoted cleanliness and highlighted the importance of protecting the environment as part of Thusong Service Centre Week. The week’s activities concluded on the 19th of September with a visit to Ikhayalethemba Community Care Centre for the elderly in Ward 05. On this day, the elderly were presented with clothing items and walking sticks as a gesture of love and appreciation. Throughout the week, the Thusong Service Centre of uMfolozi, in collaboration with different partners, used the events as a platform to share information about the services available at the centre. The programme brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), SASSA, KwaMbonambi Library, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Mondi, Old Mutual, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), the Department of Health, and the Department of Social Development. The series of events was a great success, uniting people from different wards to celebrate Arbor Month while reflecting on their shared responsibility to care for the environment. As the week ended, residents of uMfolozi Municipality were reminded that every small action, such as planting a tree, makes a lasting impact in building a sustainable and healthier future.
IMBIZO TO FIGHT CRIME IN UMFOLOZI
The community members from different wards of uMfolozi Municipality raised their concerns to the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thami Ntuli, particularly about crime and the challenges they face when reporting it. The residents had this opportunity during a crime imbizo held at the Inkosi Mangosuthu Sports Ground in Mabhakede on 02 September 2025. Premier Ntuli personally attended after the Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, had reported to him the problem of crime, especially the increasing cases of women being murdered, which has severely affected Mbabe in Ward 08 and Ward 03. Mayor Bhengu expressed hope that since this imbizo brought together various stakeholders, including representatives of the provincial police, positive change would come. He emphasized that fighting crime cannot be left to the police alone — it requires everyone’s participation. He urged residents to work with community policing forums stressing that doing so does not make them informants. He further appealed for collaboration with community organizations, as they also assist government in solving challenges faced by society. Premier Ntuli assured the community that their grievances had been heard, but emphasized that collaboration was key, as his presence alone could not eradicate crime. He said that the people who remain in the area — the community itself — must work hand in hand with the police and safety structures to fight crime effectively. Before meeting with the community, Premier Ntuli had first engaged with community safety forums from different wards, where they also had the opportunity to share their views and concerns.
Inhlokomo eCinci uMasipala waseMfolozi wethula usonkontileka wohlelo lwezindlu
Luyaqalwa ngoLwesine uhlelo lokwakhiwa kwezindlu eCinci ku-Ward 11 kuMasipala waseMfolozi. Lokhu kuvele ngesikhathi uMhlonishwa iMeya kaMasipala uKhansela uXolani Bhengu, amakhansela, izinduna kanye nomphakathi bebambe umhlangano wokwethulwa ngokusemthethweni kukasonkontileka kule ndawo namhlanje mhlaka 25 August 2025. Lo msebenzi uzoqhutshwa inkampani iMakheleni Construction kanti kuzokwakhiwa izindlu ezingu-17 kulo nyaka wesabelomali. Kukhona nohlelo oluqhubekayo lokuhlola ezingu-97, izindlu ezasala zingaphelile eminyakeni eyedlule ukuze kwenziwe umbiko ozoyiswa eMnyangweni weZindlu ozocaba indlela eya phambili ngazo. Uhlelo lwezindlu kule ward luke laphazamiseka isikhathi eside kwaze kwaba nezingxoxo ezaqhamuka nesixazululo ngaphandle kwenkantolo njengoba sekuqhubeka ukwakhiwa kwazo. Usonkontileka uthe ngoLwesine izoqala ukusebenza iTLB ukuvula iziza kulabo asebehlonziwe ukuthi bazohlomula. Osonkontileka, uMnuz Dumisani Mdaka, utshele umphakathi ukuthi azoba khona amathuba omsebenzi futhi lawo angadingi amakhono angajwayelekile, azotholwa izakhamuzi nezinkampani zendawo ezibhaliswe ngokusemthethweni. IMeya uBhengu ithe bayaxolisa ukuthi kwaba nezinkinga ohlelweni lwezindlu lagcina luphazamiseka isikhathi eside. Uchazele umphakathi ngokuthi uhlelo lonke lwezindlu ezingu 1000 zakule ward luzohamba kanjani. Uthe akafuni ukuzokhuluma okungesilo iqiniso ngalolu hlelo ufuna konke kube sobala. IMeya uBhengu inxuse ukuba kungabi khona ukuphazanyiswa kukasonkontileka ngoba kukhona ogogo nezintandane abathembele kulolu hlelo. Unxuse nosonkontileka ukuba bawenze ngokushesha umsebenzi. Bekuduma ihlombe kube nenhlokomo ehholo ebeligcwele phama, amalungu omphakathi enanela inkulumo yeMeya uBhengu.
uMfolozi Municipality Leads Clean-Up Awareness Campaign in Mzingazi
The Honourable Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Cllr Xolani Bhengu, accompanied by councillors, the Municipal Manager Mr. Fred Mazibuko, departmental managers, municipal employees including CWP and EPWP workers, visited Mzingazi in Ward 06 for a clean-up awareness campaign on Friday, 15 August 2025. Residents were encouraged to dispose of waste in the correct places and to report those who dump waste illegally. The area has been affected by people from nearby townships who wait until dark and then dump waste in the area. Mayor Bhengu urged the community not to litter but to use the large bins that have been provided. He cautioned against sending children to throw away waste, as they cannot reach the top of the bins and end up placing the waste on the ground. He emphasized that keeping the area clean is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of EPWP workers.
uMfolozi Municipality Leads GBV Awareness Dialogue and March in Ward 10
The uMfolozi Municipality, led by Honourable Mayor Xolani Bhengu, held a community dialogue on the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) at Nhlabosini Hall (Ward 10), accompanied by a march condemning incidents of abuse. The purpose of the dialogue , which took place on Thursday – 14 August 2025 -was to hear the community’s views on possible solutions to this growing problem, as reports of child rape have been raised in the ward. Participants were encouraged to increase open conversations like this one across all municipal wards. Community leaders, non-profit organisations, police officers, social workers, and residents made presentations on the matter and proposed possible solutions. The call was made to return to cultural values, for people to follow their conscience and respect one another — men should not prey on school children, and children should respect elders, even if they are not their parents. Honourable Mayor Bhengu urged unity and ongoing discussions to find solutions to this challenge, anytime and anywhere people gather. Candles were lit in memory of women who lost their lives to abuse, followed by a joint prayer.
uMfolozi Mayor Condemns Rising Murders in Ward 08, Mbabe
The Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Councillor Xolani Bhengu, has expressed concern over the ongoing rise in murder cases in Ward 08, Mbabe. Mayor Bhengu made this statement on Monday, 11 August 2025, during a visit to the Mthiyane family in the ward to offer condolences following the discovery of the decomposed body of Khethokuhle Ncube (16). Khethokuhle, who was in Grade 09 at Gome High School, had been missing for seven days when his body was found near his home, along with his cellphone. Mayor Bhengu, who was accompanied by municipal councillors, pastors, and the Municipal Manager, Mr Fred Mazibuko, said the municipality strongly condemns this ongoing tragedy in the ward, particularly as the incident occurred during Women’s Month. He noted that in some of the cases, the victims had been in relationships with alleged perpetrators, adding that alcohol may be a contributing factor, and there is also suspicion of drug involvement. He stated that he has already reported the matter to the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Mr Thami Ntuli, as the Department of Community Safety falls under his office. He added that there is a need to closely monitor the Mbonambi Police Station to see how it can be supported, especially since, despite there being more than ten such cases, very few arrests have been made. Thanking the Mayor and the municipal leadership on behalf of the family, Mrs Angel Mkhwanazi, expressed gratitude that the body was found so that it could be laid to rest. She also thanked the Mayor, Municipal leadership and the local ward councillor, Deputy Mayor Councillor Timothy Biyela, for standing with the family during this time.