Honorable Mayor Cllr X Ngwezi of the Mhlathuze Municipality, along with Deputy Mayor Councilor Cristo Botha, Speaker Councilor Tobias Gumede, Councilors, and Municipal Manager Mr. Nkosenye Zulu, joined the Mandlanzini community in Ward 4 for a collaborative session. The aim was to gather community input regarding the priorities for the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) programs.
Mayor Ngwezi initiated the meeting by emphasizing the significance of community engagement in shaping the IDP. He underscored the importance of understanding the community’s needs and aspirations, emphasizing the commitment of the municipality to prioritize programs aligned with the community’s wishes.
The leadership’s presence signaled a shared commitment to collaborative governance, with Deputy Mayor Councilor Botha, Speaker Councilor Gumede, Councilors, and Municipal Manager Mr. Zulu actively participating in the dialogue. Their engagement highlighted the municipality’s dedication to inclusivity and responsiveness to community concerns.
During the interactive session, the community had the opportunity to voice their perspectives on the programs they deemed crucial for inclusion in the IDP. This open forum allowed for constructive discussions, enabling the leadership to gain valuable insights directly from the residents.
Mayor Ngwezi reiterated the municipality’s pledge to consider the community’s input seriously while drafting and implementing the IDP for 2024/25. He emphasized the municipality’s unwavering commitment to fostering development that aligns with the community’s aspirations.
Additionally, Mayor Ngwezi provided an overview of ongoing projects and initiatives within the municipality, including:
1. Central Industrial Area project, nearing 73% completion by December 15, 2024.
2. Aquadene Access Road in Ward 26.
3. Esikhaleni Business Center with an estimated investment of 1.4 million.
4. Richards Bay Sport Field, a significant investment exceeding R200 million, expected to uplift the Mhlathuze economy.
5. Mhlathuze Water Board project in Esikhaleni, incorporating the Vulindlela Swimming Pool, amounting to a project cost of R55 million benefiting wards 10, 11, 34, and surrounding areas.
6. Mkhwanazi North Phase 5 in Ward 10 and Mkhwanazi Area D, along with Mkhwanazi South Area E2.
The collaboration between the Mhlathuze Municipality’s leadership and the Mandlanzini community in Ward 4 exemplified a concerted effort towards inclusive governance, ensuring that the IDP reflects the genuine needs and priorities of the residents.
