THE City of uMhlathuze, governed by the IFP, emerged as the overall winner at the KwaZulu-Natal Municipal Excellence Awards, held in Durban on Tuesday.
Umhlathuze bagged more awards than any other municipality at the event, hosted by the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
The awards aim to recognise municipalities that demonstrate exceptional service delivery and governance.
Umhlathuze, led by Mayor Xolani Ngwezi, walked away with a prize money of R1 million after winning seven categories.
These categories included the application of Geographical Information Systems, Spatial Development Framework, collaboration between the municipality and traditional authorities in planning and land-use management, the 2024/2025 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and achieving a clean audit. The municipality also earned third place in the Local Economic Development Strategy category.
In addition, Umlalazi Local Municipality, under King Cetshwayo District Municipality, earned R500 000 for being the cleanest town in KZN.
The municipality also received accolades for a Clean Audit and exceptional management of road infrastructure.
MEC for Cogta, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, stressed that the event served as a platform to recognise best practices in municipal governance and inspire all local governments to raise their standards in serving their communities.
He emphasised the importance of providing essential services such as water, electricity, sanitation, and roads, which are the foundation of human dignity and societal progress.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli acknowledged the significant role of collaboration and commitment in achieving excellence in governance.
He urged municipalities to continue working together to overcome challenges, such as climate-related disasters, and to foster strong partnerships between government, traditional leaders, businesses, and communities.
Deputy Chairperson of the IFP in KZN, Inkosi Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala, congratulated Umhlathuze mayor Ngwezi for his exemplary leadership. He also recognised the efforts of the municipal team, coalition partners, and staff.
Shabalala said the achievement was testament to the stability and efficiency of the City of uMhlathuze, highlighting its commitment to improving residents' lives despite false claims of crisis.
Deputy Mayor Christo Botha, a member of the DA, described the awards as a testament to the power of collaboration between political parties. He credited the city’s success to the shared goals of service delivery, clean governance, and responsible financial management. Botha expressed pride in the DA’s contributions to the city’s success.
Councillor Siboniso Thwala of the ACDP celebrated the municipality’s consistent clean audit reports and its success in securing top positions in the IDP category, offering hope to the community. Lange Anneke from the Freedom Front Plus highlighted the political unity within the municipality, even when disagreements arose, acknowledging the leadership of Mayor Ngwezi in guiding the team to success.
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