![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/2019/05/Ricardo-Mthembu.jpg)
Outgoing KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu delivered his final speech amidst loud applause and a standing ovation on his last day in office last Thursday.
Mthembu officially tendered his resignation as mayor in the municipal council following his promotion to the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature where he will be sworn in as an ANC MPL this week.
Mthembu is one of 44 ANC MPL’s to take a seat in the provincial legislature after the recent national and general elections.
Addressing members of the council, dignitaries and members of the public at the Stanger town hall, Mthembu thanked everyone for their support but urged the council to not lose sight of the importance for all the parties to come together to work for the social upliftment of the poor and disadvantaged.
Describing himself as a “simple man”, Mthembu grew up in Macambini (Mandeni) and moved to KwaDukuza when he started his high school education.
He became involved with the ANC at the young age of 16 and rose through the ranks where he took on the position of ANC PR councillor in 2006.
Mthembu was elected as the mayor of KwaDukuza in 2011 as well as the ANC regional chairperson.
He was the first KwaDukuza mayor to be re-elected for a second consecutive term in August 2016 with two-thirds majority support.
Last year he was elected to the ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) where he was appointed to serve on the provincial working committee, which is responsible for the day-to-day work of the organisation.
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