The City of uMhlathuze is embarking on an extensive programme to install high-mast lighting infrastructure across many wards within the city. This initiative is aimed at addressing areas with little to no access to public lighting, ensuring that darkness in these communities becomes a thing of the past.
The installation of high-mast lights is part of the City’s ongoing dedication to enhancing public safety and improving visibility across the municipality. Sufficient lighting is essential for preventing crime, ensuring pedestrian safety, and fostering an environment conducive to economic activities, especially during the evening hours.
This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for residents by establishing safer, better-lit, and more secure communities. The rollout also reflects the city’s commitment to fair service delivery by focusing on wards and areas that have traditionally faced inadequate or insufficient lighting.
The following areas will benefit from the installation of high-mast lights under this programme:
* Ntambanana (Wards 32 & 33) – 2 high-mast lights
* Mecekane (Ward 31) – 1 high-mast light
* Ngwelezane (Wards 27, 28 & 29) – 3 high-mast lights
* eNseleni (Wards 5 & 6) – 2 high-mast lights
* Dlangezwa (Circle, Ward 34) – 1 high-mast light
* eSikhaleni (Wards 16, 20 & 22) – 3 high-mast lights
* Empangeni (behind the taxi rank, Ward 24) – 1 high-mast light
* Mandlanzini (Ward 4) – 1 high-mast light
* Mzingazi (Ward 1) – 1 high-mast light
* Richards Bay (next to Bayside Hospital; John Ross/RBIDZ intersection; and Western Arterial/John Ross intersection, Ward 2) – 3 high-mast lights
The City of uMhlathuze remains committed to building safer, brighter, and more inclusive communities. Through the installation of high-mast lighting, the City is taking decisive steps to ensure that residents can live, work and move freely in environments that are secure, dignified and well illuminated.
The City of uMhlathuze, with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Community Policing Forum (CPF), the Border Management Authority (BMA), Ezemvelo Wildlife, and the Department of Transport Road Safety, officially launched the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign earlier today at the N2 Esikhaleni Intersection.
This multi-agency operation is designed to reduce road accidents, save lives, and ensure that both residents and visitors travel safely throughout the festive season. The campaign reinforces the City's commitment to proactive law enforcement, public safety, and stringent compliance with all road and traffic regulations.
In his remarks, the Honourable Mayor, Cllr Xolani Ngwezi, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, Hon. C. Botha, the Speaker, Hon. T.S. Gumede, councillors, and senior city officials, expressed his appreciation for the timely launch of this safety initiative. He emphasised that the campaign provides reassurance that safety measures are firmly in place during this high-traffic period.
The Mayor appealed to the law enforcement agencies to exercise full authority in enforcing the law, ensuring compliance without compromise. He stressed that criminality of any form will not be tolerated, including the presence of undocumented foreigners, drug trafficking, and any offenses that threaten the security and wellbeing of the community. He called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in unlawful activities.
Addressing motorists and residents, the Mayor appealed for voluntary compliance with traffic laws and responsible behaviour on the road. He strongly discouraged driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and reminded all road users of their shared obligation to safeguard the lives of others.
In his closing remarks, the Mayor reaffirmed the city’s unwavering support for law enforcement personnel. He encouraged officers to continue conducting high-visibility operations to enforce compliance, while also prioritising their own safety by utilising the state-issued tools of trade when confronted with danger and life-threatening situations. He reiterated that the safety of residents and visitors remains paramount and that decisive action must be taken against anyone who chooses to operate outside the law.
Deputy Mayor, Hon. C. Botha, in his message of support, reinforced the call for strict enforcement, urging traffic officers to take decisive action against anyone who disregards traffic laws.We concluded with law enforcement officials conducting roadside inspections. Many vehicles were thoroughly checked for illegal or prohibited items. Several traffic violations were observed, resulting in various fines being issued.
The City of uMhlathuze joins the world in commemorating the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of King Cetshwayo kaMpande, a significant figure in the history of the Zulu nation and a symbol of African resistance, unity, and pride.
King Cetshwayo is remembered for his courageous and principled leadership during a defining period in our history, particularly for his role in protecting the sovereignty, dignity, and independence of the Zulu Kingdom. His leadership, most notably demonstrated during the historic Battle of Isandlwana, where the Zulu nation defeated colonial forces, stands as a powerful reminder of the strength that lies in unity, discipline, and commitment to one’s people.
The city mayor, Honourable Councillor X Ngwezi, says the city is deeply rooted in the history and cultural heritage of the Zulu Kingdom, the City of uMhlathuze reaffirms its responsibility to protect, preserve, and promote this rich history for present and future generations. The legacy of King Cetshwayo continues to inspire the City to uphold the values of courage, resilience, justice, and respect for cultural identity.
While King Cetshwayo defended his people through strong leadership in wartime, the City of uMhlathuze honours this legacy within a contemporary democratic framework by fostering good governance, ethical leadership, and services tailored to the community's needs. In our modern context, the spirit of the Battle of Isandlwana is reflected in the City’s ongoing battle against poverty by attracting investors to create sustainable job opportunities, empowering and developing individuals in need, and invigorating the local economy across various sectors to ensure inclusive growth.
The City remains committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness so that all residents receive what they rightfully deserve, quality services, inclusive development, and a government that places the needs of its people first, as King Cetshwayo would have wished for his nation.
The city mayor further emphasises that the values embodied by King Cetshwayo, unity, protection of the people, and just leadership, remain central to the City’s governance approach. He also reiterates the City’s commitment to leading with integrity and to building a City that serves its people with dignity, fairness, and respect.
As the City commemorates King Cetshwayo kaMpande, the City Mayor invites and encourages all residents to actively participate in the commemorative activities. These include the commemoration at Esikhaleni Senkosi on 15 January, as well as the event in Eshowe on the same day. Further details and programmes will be announced by the District Municipality. In addition, on 22 January, residents are invited to join His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at Isandlwana for the main commemoration.
The City of uMhlathuze is proud to announce yet another clean audit outcome for the 2024/2025 financial year. This exceptional outcome marks the sixth consecutive clean audit and eleventh in total, reaffirming the City’s unwavering commitment to financial prudence, compliance, and strong governance
Following a rigorous assessment of the City’s financial records, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) confirmed zero irregular expenditure, zero wasteful and fruitless expenditure, zero unauthorised expenditure, no material irregularities, and no emphasis of matter. This outcome is a testament to robust internal controls, disciplined financial management, and the ethical leadership that guides the institution.
The Honourable Mayor, Councillor X. Ngwezi, expressed profound gratitude to the Council, Executive Committee (Exco), Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), Performance Audit Committee, Enterprise Risk Committee, and the entire administration, especially the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and his Team, the Internal Audit Committee, the Performance Management Committee, the Risk Management Committee, and all stakeholders whose dedication and professionalism made this achievement possible.
The City of uMhlathuze remains committed to maintaining sound financial management, strengthening governance structures, and upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency in the years ahead.
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