In a heartwarming display of compassion and community support, the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, led by the Honourable Mayor Mr. A.T Ntuli, joined forces with Mthonjaneni Municipality to extend a helping hand to the informal traders of Melmoth at the Ndundulu Market Stalls. Their initiative involves distributing food vouchers and parcels to support the traders in their daily endeavors.
The outreach, which took place today, has already left a profound impact on the recipients, bringing joy and gratitude to the Ndundulu community. Among those benefiting from this gesture is 61-year-old Nokwazi Mhlongo, who expressed her happiness and appreciation for the timely assistance, especially considering the challenges faced by informal traders in January.
Ms. Mhlongo highlighted a prevalent issue at Ndundulu Market Stalls – the high incidence of theft and the resulting wastage of perishable goods. With a limited customer base, traders often find themselves discarding vegetables and fruits that go unsold, contributing to their financial struggles.
During his speech, Mayor A.T Ntuli conveyed his honor in leading such a meaningful initiative. He revealed that the initial plan was to organize this event in December during the Christmas festivities. However, due to a busy schedule of events, the King Cetshwayo District Municipality had to postpone the outreach.
Mayor Ntuli emphasized that the initiative goes beyond the distribution of food parcels; it aims to build lasting relationships with the traders. He shared the municipality’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and youth through dedicated programs, boasting a substantial budget of R20 million for businesswomen.
In a promising commitment to further uplift the Ndundulu Market Stalls, Mayor Ntuli pledged to initiate a project to paint the market, transforming it into a place of dignity. His intentions are clear – to foster hope, development, and positive change within the community.
For those interested in the Mayor’s insights, an interview is available here, where he discusses his desire to undertake this initiative in December, even though it was delayed due to prior commitments, including hospital visits.
The collaborative effort of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality and Mthonjaneni Municipality stands as a shining example of proactive community engagement, providing tangible support to those in need and sowing the seeds for a brighter, more empowered future.
