KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has congratulated the newly constituted Umkhanyakude District Council which was officially installed at its first sitting today, 29 November 2021, in Mkhuze.
The uMkhanyakude District Municipal Council elected Councillor Mandla Ndlela as Mayor, Councillor Zandile Mtshali as Deputy Mayor and Councillor Solomon Mkhombo as the Speaker of the Municipality.
“In my capacity as Premier and District Champion deployed by the Provincial Executive Council in this district we wish to congratulate all the councillors for taking their seats in Council today. We also congratulate the Mayor and his EXCO who will be leading this important structure,” said Premier Zikalala.
Premier Zikalala also took the opportunity to remind the Council of the task ahead:
“Water provision is the number one priority for this district and it is time that the new council provide a permanent and sustainable solution to this challenge facing the community of uMkhanyakude. We do wish to remind the Executive, and indeed the entire Council that what lies ahead is the responsibility to address the urgent needs of all the people of Umkhanyakude, an area which is one of the most economically challenged in our province.
“We expect an honest and competent local leadership which is responsive and accountable to the communities. We expect services to be delivered promptly and consistently as we endeavour to rebuild safer and healthier communities. Of importance, is that we should use the budgets of this municipality to change lives by continuing to stimulate the local economy and create jobs,” added Premier Zikalala.
“The people of this district expect that the basic service of Water and Sanitation, Electricity, Waste Management, access roads and housing will be taken care of by all of government, but the bulk of this responsibility will rest with the new Council. We wish all councillors well and we are certain that they will work together in a cordial fashion and put the needs of the people of uMkhanyakude first,” concluded Premier Zikalala.