News & Events

uMgungundlovu District Municipality brought the energy today with a vibrant Street Carnival from uNisa to Freedom Square, inviting the community to celebrate and show excitement for the upcoming SALGA KZN DSAC Games, happening from 4–7 December 2025. The parade was led by His Worship, Mayor Cllr Mzi Zuma, Msunduzi Local Municipality leadership, all Local Municipality Mayors, and councillors, accompanied by brass bands and scouts — a truly unforgettable celebration for our district! At Freedom Square, the SALGA Games draw and official launch took place, honoured by MEC for KwaZulu-Natal Sport, Arts, and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula. Mayor Zuma expressed his appreciation for choosing uMgungundlovu as the host, highlighting how the games will uplift our athletes and positively impact the district’s economy, with hotels expected to be fully booked as 10 districts prepare to compete. MEC Khawula emphasised readiness and talent development, celebrating TLB Mbokazi’s journey from these games to Orlando Pirates and Team South Africa, and wished all participants success. The event was filled with amazing performances, including traditional dances, cheerleader displays, and more. Competition Draw Highlights: Khokho Male & Female: King Cetshwayo, Harry Gwala, Amajuba, Ugu, uMgungundlovu, Ethekwini, Zululand, Umzinyathi Rugby, Volleyball, Netball, Football: Groups set across districts for male and female competitions The celebration concluded on a high note with performances from Dumi Mkokstad & Dladla Mshunqisi, leaving the uMgungundlovu community buzzing with excitement. Let’s cheer for our teams and celebrate the spirit of sport!

A fantastic moment captured! His Worship the Mayor of uMgungundlovu District Municipality, Cllr M. Zuma, and SAFA uMgungundlovu President, Mr M.O. Zondi, held an exciting photoshoot today as preparations intensify for the SALGA KwaZulu-Natal DSAC Games 2025. uMgungundlovu is proud to be the host District. His Worship the Mayor Cllr Zuma shared his anticipation for the games, emphasizing that this event will foster unity, pride, and celebration while providing a platform to showcase our district's sporting talent and community spirit. The countdown is on for the official draw and launch this Friday, October 24, 2025. It's time to rally behind our district! 🤍🤍 #SALGAGames2025 #uMgungundlovu #SportsUnite #KZN#WearereadytoHost

The uMgungundlovu District Municipality Mayoral Games 2025 concluded today with a spectacular finale, marking the end of two days of spirited competition and outstanding sportsmanship. The Truro Hall in Northdale buzzed with excitement during the closing ceremony and prize-giving. The main event was the official announcement of Team uMgungundlovu—a powerful team selected from all seven local municipalities: Msunduzi, Mkhambathini, uMshwathi, Richmond, uMngeni, Mpofana, and Impendle. These athletes will embody the district's unity and talent as they prepare to represent uMgungundlovu at the 2025 DSAC SALGA Games, which the district will proudly host in December. The event saw strong representation from the District's leadership, led by District Mayor Cllr Mzi Zuma. He was joined by Richmond Mayor Cllr Melikhaya Ngcongo, Mshwathi Mayor Cllr Mandla Zondi, Sports Confederation Chairperson Mr. Mhlengi Maxase, uMngeni Chief Whip Cllr Thembelani Sikhakhane, and Mkhambathini Chief Whip Cllr Siphiwe Ngidi, all of whom participated in presenting awards. A special moment of recognition was reserved for Mr. Xolani Mabhida, an Athletics Coach and Comrades Marathon gold medalist, who was honoured with an award for his outstanding contributions to sport since 2003. Mayor Zuma's closing address emphasized the critical role of sports as a unifying force that promotes discipline and social cohesion among diverse communities. He stressed the importance of thorough preparation as uMgungundlovu District Municipality gears up to host 10 KZN districts at the SALGA Games, recognizing the Mayoral Games as the crucial first step in this journey. Final Tournament Results The two-day contest produced the following results: Sport Gold (1st Place) Silver (2nd Place) Soccer (Males) uMngeni LM Richmond LM Soccer (Females) uMngeni LM Msunduzi LM Netball (Males) Mkhambathini LM Richmond LM Netball (Females) Msunduzi LM Richmond LM Rugby (Females) Msunduzi LM Impendle LM Rugby (Males) Msunduzi LM uMngeni LM Volleyball Msunduzi LM Mshwathi LM Athletics Msunduzi LM Impendle LM Chess Richmond LM Msunduzi LM Dance Sport Msunduzi LM uMngeni LM Indigenous Games Impendle LM Mshwathi LM Winning Dance Clubs included Palesa Dance Club, Sukuma Comprehensive Dance Club, and Curry's Post Primary Dance Club. #uMDMMayoralGames2025 #RoadToSALGAGames #uMgungundlovuDistrictMunicipality #UnityThroughSport #DSAC2

A spirit of empowerment and future-building swept through the uMgungundlovu District Municipality as it celebrated the latest cohort of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) graduates. In partnership with the National Department of Public Works, the municipality marked a significant win in the fight against unemployment by equipping local youth with vital, job-ready skills. Young people from across the district proudly received certificates after successfully completing intensive training in three key areas: Firefighting, Plumbing, and Disability & Creative Arts. For these graduates, the moment was more than a ceremony—it was the launchpad for a new chapter. They are now prepared to enter the job market with practical skills, taking a concrete step toward building sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families. The ceremony was attended by key leaders who stressed the critical need to invest in the next generation. Dignitaries present included uMgungundlovu District Municipality Chief Whip Cllr S Majozi, Richmond Municipality Mayor Cllr M. Ngcongo, Msunduzi Municipality Speaker Cllr E. Majola, Public Works Chief Director Ms. N Gcaba, Municipal Manager Dr. E.X. Muthwa, and Training Manager T Mazibuko. Chief Whip Cllr S. Majozi congratulated the graduates on their dedication, encouraging them to maintain their discipline and develop a strong professional work ethic. He also provided a direct call to action for the newly certified plumbers: "Form partnerships and build businesses together," he urged, highlighting the growing demand for plumbing services right here in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. Echoing the proverb, "If you teach a person how to fish, you feed them for a lifetime," the EPWP has provided these young people with more than temporary employment—it has instilled a renewed sense of purpose and valuable, marketable skills to actively shape their futures. #EPWP #ResponsiveGovernment #uMDM

The uMgungundlovu District Municipality celebrated a significant milestone today as Mayor Mzi Zuma handed out 100 certificates to small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) who successfully completed the Township and Rural Development Business Training Programme. The three-day training, a collaboration between the municipality and the Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC), aimed to equip local entrepreneurs with essential skills to help their businesses thrive in a challenging economic landscape. The training program is part of IDFC's broader commitment to fostering growth and sustainability in township and rural communities across KwaZulu-Natal. Facilitated by Vision Africa, an IDFC-appointed training provider, the curriculum was designed to address core business challenges faced by SMMEs. Participants delved into critical topics, including starting and growing a successful business, financial and cash flow management, identifying market opportunities, and business planning. Mayor Zuma praised the partnership, stating, "This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. The partnership with Ithala has enabled us to bring valuable resources directly to our community members, empowering them to not just start businesses, but to build lasting, successful ventures. This is a crucial step in our district's economic development." The training, which took place at a municipal venue, council chamber saw a strong turnout of entrepreneurs eager to learn. Participants shared positive feedback, highlighting the practical nature of the sessions and the expert guidance provided by the facilitators. One graduate, a young woman who runs a catering business in a rural village, said, "I now have a clear plan for managing my finances and finding new customers. This training has given me the confidence to take my business to the next level."

In a review meeting held today, the uMgungundlovu District Municipality's Skills Development Department highlighted the success of its youth internship program. The initiative has placed 19 young graduates in various institutions, providing them with skills, work experience, and a monthly stipend. Mr. Ben Cele, the Chief Operations Officer, welcomed Mr. Thami Maqubela, Founder and CEO of the South African Council for Graduates (SACGRA), and thanked the organization for its vital partnership. Mr. Maqubela addressed the interns, encouraging them to gain practical skills and confidence. A testament to the programmes success, a representative from Sifunulwazi Academy announced that two of its interns had been hired as permanent employees. The event underscores the municipality's commitment to creating solutions for youth unemployment and building a skilled workforce. #SkillsDevelopment #uMDMForPeople #YouthTheFutureGeneration

Lomkhuleko ohlelwe uMeya uKhansela Mzi Zuma woMkhandlu wesiFunda saseMgungundlovu, ulandela isicelo sikaThishanhloko wesikole samabanga aphakeme iSibongumusa uMnu. FZM Khanyile asenza ngenyanga eyedlule kaNcwaba enkonzweni kufihlwa umfundi wesibili odlule emhlabeni kade efunda umatikuletsheni kusona lesikole ukuba, ake kuzokhulekelwa abafundi nothisha kulesikole. UNxamalala ube eseba impendulo wawuhlela lomkhuleko omkhulukazi obudidiyele abaholi bakalizwi bamahlelo ahlukahlukene ukuthi ke bazokhuleka banike ukweseka kulesikole ukuze abantwana nothisha babenesimomqondo esikahle baphinde balapheke nasemphefumulweni emuva kokuba kudlule emhlabeni ozakwabo kungaphelilengisho isikhathi esingamasonto amabili kulandelana. Iziphathimandla zikahulumeni zibonakale zikhombisa ukuweseka lomkhuleko njengoba kade ziholwa uMeya uKhansela M Zuma woMkhandlu wesiFunda uMgungundlovu, uMeya woMkhandlu wasekhaya uMshwathi uKhansela M Zondi, uMqondisi wezemfundo kwisiFunda uMgungundlovu uMnu. S Mabinza, owabe enguMeya uMnu. Themba Njilo, uThishanhloko uMnu. FZM Khanyile waseSibongumusa, uSihlalo wesigungu sesikole uMnu. S Jila, abaholi bakalizwi bamahlelo ahlukahlukene beholwa uMfu. S Vidima, ubuholi besizwe sakwaGcumisa bumelwe induna uMnu. Khanyile kanye nothisha, abazali nabafundi babonakale behlanganyele emagcekeni esikole i-Sibongumusa bezonxusa eNkosini koMdala kunezinsuku. UMeya uNxamalala enkulumeni yakhe uchaze kabanzi ukuthi lomkhuleko awuzile nje ukuzokweseka abafundi kuphela, kepha uzoqinisa nemindeni eyalahlekelwa amalunga ayo engozini yemoto eyaphoseka eweni kwaNomnganga kungekudala. UNxamalala ube esedlulisa amazwi okubonga kubaholi bakalizwi bamahlelo ahlukene ngokuthi bavume futhi bazinikele ukuthi bahole lomkhuleko basise eNkosini ukuzokweseka abafundi ukuba baqine nakuba behlelwa imishophi. Uqhube wathi, "Iqiniso ukuthi akuzona zonke izixazululo ezofika nohulumeni kodwa ukuba khona kwabaholi bakalizwi kuzokwenza izingane zibesesimeni esikahle ngokomqondo nasemoyeni ikakhulukazi njengoba kusondela nesikhathi sokubhalwa kwezivivinyo.Ube esephonsa inselelo kubaholi bakwalizwi ukuthi baqhubeke nokweseka izikole ngaloluhlobo bangalindi ukuthi uhulumeni ahlele izinkonzo eziloluhlobo. UNxamalala ubike ukuthi iSibongumusa singesinye sezikole abaziqhenyayo ngazo eMgungudlovu ngenxa ngemiphumela emihle yamatikuletsheni esiyikhiqizayo. Ekulelophuzu ube esephonsa inselelo kumatikuletsheni kanyaka wezi2025 ukuthi bazibekele umgomo wokuphasa ngamalengiso bathole u100%. Uthe konke lokhu abadlula kukho njengesikole akubagqugquzele ukuthi benze kahle badlule ikilasi lika2024 lona elaphasa ngo 97.6%. Lomkhuleko ushiye beduduzekile behleka bodwa abafundi baseSibongumusa njengoba uMeya uNxamalala ebanikelele ngesamba semali sezinkulungwane eziyishumi ukuze bahlangabezane nezidingo zesikole, kwathi kusenjalo ubaba uThemba Njilo wanikelela lesikole ngezinsiza kusebenza ukuze umsebenzi wokufundisa nokufunda uyephambili. Bayebagida abafundi kwadanswa kwahlekwa kunanelwa umculo wabanandisi abahlukahlukene kanye nezinkondlo ezinohlonze zaSiyabonga Mpungose ongusaziwayo. #uMgungundlovuuMkhandluOnakekelayo!

The uMgungundlovu District Municipality is leading the way in integrating drone technology to revolutionize service delivery within local government. Yesterday on 17 July 2025 , in anticipation of the official drone launch, the Municipal Information and Communication Technology Unit, with support from Smart Aerial Systems, coordinated the production of a short documentary and a live demonstration to highlight the diverse capabilities of drones in supporting municipal operations. Key departments, including the Disaster Management Unit, Environmental Health Unit, and Fire and Rescue Unit, actively participated, showcasing how this innovative technology can enhance their services and significantly improve response times. The municipality currently boasts three certified drone pilots, and user departments have expressed immense enthusiasm for this forward-thinking initiative, recognizing it as a crucial stride toward smart, responsive, and future-oriented governance. Ms. N. Hlophe, explaining the motivation behind this initiative, cited two tragic incidents where drone assistance could have mitigated damages. She referenced the Henley Dam flooding in January 2024, which tragically resulted in a fatality, and the heart-breaking loss of firefighters' lives in Howick while battling a farm blaze. These incidents underscore the critical need for advanced tools to prevent similar tragedies. Ms. Hlophe emphasized that the drive behind adopting this technology goes beyond simply having access to the latest tools. Instead, it's rooted in the municipality’s core mandate of service delivery, particularly in vital areas like water provision and disaster management. She highlighted that these core functions dictate the type of technology needed to boost performance, prevent fatalities, and facilitate data-driven decision-making. Incorporating drones into municipal operations offers significant efficiencies, including the ability to capture real-time imagery and data, which is essential for informed and timely decisions in service delivery. #umdm #4thIndustrialRevolution

Ufihlwe ngesikhulu isizotha ebesihambisana nendumezulu yomculo wokholo uSphelele Mahlaba, obesebenza njengomqaphi weMayor yomkhandlu wesifunda uMgungundlovu, uKhansela Mzi Zuma.Lomngcwabo obumhla zingu 13 Julayi kowezi 2025 ubanjelwe eCity Hall eMgungundlovu. UMahlaba uhlatshwe ukugula okumlalise esibhedlela, kodwa bekunethemba elikhulu kubobonke asondelene nabo ukuthi ngelinye ilanga uzophuma aqhubeke nempilo nomsebenzi wakhe, kepha kwangaba njalo. Lomngcwabo obuphethwe uMbhishobhi kaS'phelele e-Ethekwini Community Church, uDube, ehambisana nabanye abefundisi okubalwa kubo noManyathi, abebegcwele isiteji ukuzokwengamela lomngcwabo. uMayor uNxamalala obekanye nobunye ubuholi okubalwa u- Convenor we Moses Mabhida RTT, uNathi Mdladla, Mayor waseMshwathi, ukhansela uZondi, owayengu Mayor eMgungundlovu uMama Maphumulo, owayenguMayor eMsunduzi uBaba uNjilo, obekunguye futhi umngcwabi namhlanje, ngenkampani yakhe yezokungcwaba iNduduzo, uMasipala Meneja waseMgungundlovu uDokotela Muthwa, kanye nezindimbane zabaholi nezicukuthwane, ozabakwaboSphelele, izihlobo nabangani. Impilo ka Mahlaba ibichazwa izikhulumi, ngendlela ezahlukene ngendlela impilo yakhe ebiyiyo, kodwa okuqinisekiswe uMbhishobhi, Elena yokuthi ubengumntwana kaNkulunkulu, lokhu okufakazeleke ngesikhathi kudlalwa umyalezo wakhe ogcine ngokuthi acule iculo acele liculwe, nebala kwenzeka lokho. Ekhuluma ngalensizwa, uNxamalala uzwakalise okukhulu ukuthinteka nobuhlungu ngokuhamba kuka Mahlaba. "US'phelele ngimaze eminyakeni ewu- 11 edlule, ngalesosikhathi ngisewunobhlala we Region. Ngayibona lensizwa indlela eyayizinikele ngayo embuthweni, kangangokuthi ngesikhathi ngiba uMeya ngamsondeza ukuthi azosenbenza nami ngendlela engangim'themba ngayo, ngoba lomsebenzi kufanele unike umuntu omethembayo ngoba wazi zonke izindlela zakho," kusho uNxamalala. Uqhubeke wathi, "siyabonga kumndeni kaSiphelele ukuthi bamkhulise ngalendlela, bese bemnikela embuthweni ukuthi enze umsebenzi wesizwe." Sithi ndlelanhle kuMahlaba, sicela nakuMdali ukuthi abenomndeni wakhe,awukhusele ukwazi ukubhekana nempilo engasekho ubaba.