Greetings to all

On behalf of UMzimkhulu municipality I herewith present this short introduction to our website, we despair that you will find a superior way to stay connected with us and get relevant information pertaining things that are happening in our Municipality.

With regards to the objectives of the municipal newsletter this is to ensure that different departments of the municipality and stakeholders always stay in touch. This document further showcases the quality of Council oversight and administrative accountability. Section 26 and 27 of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act 200 (Act 32 of 200) makes realization of the community to involve community in the municipal affairs. It is indeed a platform to socially engage with our people about their plans, job vacancies, and advertising.

We pledge to improve and enhance service delivery in all key development areas. Oversight role Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 makes a realization of community participation in the affairs of programs and the activities of the municipality, through the following.

Rules and orders committee are held monthly. In this manner this forms part of the discussions and the debate within the council that the speaker has to ensure that are taking place. These rules of committee are chaired by the Speaker whereby it has the responsibility to review the rules and orders of the Council in order to ensure that there is consistency and accuracy within the council contemplation. Undoubtedly the resolution taken by the council have to be strictly implemented as to comply with the policy guidance given.

Committee meetings are normally held monthly throughout the year and monitored together by the Municipal Speaker to discuss issues. Council meetings meet once a quarter unless special items brought forward to urgently be taken care of. This is also to ensure the maintenance and implementation of effective resolution tracking and monitoring resolution of Ward Committees, Section 79 Ad Hoc Committee and the Council Committee.

Umzimkhulu area is where Umzimkhulu Local Municipality is situated, under Harry Gwala District. Eloquent, prominent and traceable individuals who chronologically descend from Umzimkhulu have been directly and indirectly motivational to this community. It is through their strides and undying spirits that have inspired the community of Umzimkhulu as their undisputed constituency. Umzimkhulu Local Municipality has embarked on an initiative to re-rename Umzimkhulu Local Municipality after Mr. Sindiso Jethro Magaqa.

The KwaZulu-Natal Geographic Name Changing Process, which is supported by KZN Provincial Geographic Naming Committee, as established in terms of Section 2(2) (a) of the South African Geographical Name Council Act No. 118 of 1998 in conjunction with the Local Geographic Name Change Committee are working together to ensure that the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality name change process is conducted in a democratic, efficient, and regulated manner. The public hearings are undertaken in a way that is beneficial to the long-term interests of the community.

They had been conducted throughout Umzimkhulu as from 18th April 2023 to 25th April 2023 hence different teams with their leaders which are members of the Executive Committee (EXCO) had been established. It is vitally imperative to declare that this proposed name change is NOT intended to change the name of Umzimkhulu as a town but ONLY the municipal name.

To partake on this conscious and treasurable initiative of re-naming Umzimkhulu Local Municipality after one of its service delivery stalwarts, distinct leader and activist all stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments, recommendations and objections to the Municipal Manager: Mr. Andile C. Ngqoyiya to his email address ngqoyiyac@umzimkhululm.gov.za and Ms. Thandie Konza ( Executive Support Officer in the Office of the Municipal Manager) on 039- 259 5321/ 53 tkonza@umzimkhululm.gov.za . The closing date for submission of inputs is 26th May 2023.

Till we meet again, stay blessed.

Cllr. Gugulethu Mavuma

Council Speaker