THE City of uMhlathuze will sport a fresh and contemporary identity this year with the imminent launch of a new logo.
The design received the thumbs up from the City’s Executive Committee earlier this month, when Chief Communications Officer, Vukile Mathabela outlined the new-look logo.
‘The new symbol reflects who we are as the City of uMhlathuze. We are an industrial area, tourist destination and a commercial/agricultural region. There was a lot of research and thought put into the design, which started in May. Council welcomed the new logo, adding it signalled a positive way forward to attract investment and showcase tourism,’ said Mathabela.
The components of the new logo entail a shield representing the rich Zulu heritage. Other elements include a crane on the left-hand side of the shield symbolising the large industrial footprint in the City. The ‘sugar cane leaves’ illustrate the thriving agricultural and commercial sector. The fish eagle is the only component from the old logo that was designed 10 years ago to mark the amalgamation of the Richards Bay and Empangeni Transitional Local Councils.
‘The current logo was a temporary design at the time. With the new logo, we are now mapping the way forward as the City prepares to become a metropolitan. Following Council’s approval of the new emblem, there will be a public launch soon. There will also be more public participation sessions through our Integrated Development Plan and budget roadshows,’ said Mathabela.