Submitted by Uthukela District Municipality
As all local municipalities have finished with their business of swearing in councillors, it was now the turn of UThukela District to wrap it up and swear in councillors to represent their constituencies at the district level.
The event took place at the Indoor Sports Complex in Ladysmith last Thursday and was graced by the presence of the KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu, in his capacity as a District Champion.
In his speech, Mr Mchunu said it was important for municipalities to work together with other spheres of government to bring services to the people. He emphasised the fact that if the District Mayor was not aware of what is happening in the local municipalities; then there is going to be a challenge.
“The mayors must work together to move municipalities forward because people elect councillors to represent their interests in the council,” said the Premier.
The Premier also highlighted the challenges of drought facing the district. He then urged all the parties to desist from engaging in political killings. After the Premier’s remarks it was then the start of nominating the top three.
The new Mayor of uThukela District Municipality is Cllr AS Mazibuko, Deputy Mayor Cllr NW Sibiya, who are both former Executive Committee (EXCO) members of uThukela and Speaker Cllr DCP Mazibuko, who is former Mayor of uThukela. They are seasoned politicians who are bringing in vast experience to the functioning of council.
At the sitting, the African National Congress (ANC) was in majority with a total of 18 seats, followed by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) with 11 seats, the Democratic Alliance with two seats and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with one seat.
This brings to the total number of 32 councillors for uThukela District Municipality. In the EXCO the ANC has four seats and the IFP has two seats.
In his address, the newly elected Mayor Cllr AS Mazibuko thanked the ANC for having confidence in him. He acknowledged responsibilities placed upon his shoulders to improve people’s lives. He said during the first 100 days in the office, council will work even harder to make sure they reach all 74 wards in the district to bring services to the people.
“We will continue to engage with the communities on issues of development and these will include provision of potable water and decent and hygienic sanitation. We will work with all relevant stakeholders to make sure the results are clear,” said Cllr Mazibuko.
