Sihle Mavuso presents the latest news from KwaZulu-Natal.
Pietermaritzburg – The Ingonyama Trust Board has extended the contract of Advocate Vela Mngwengwe, the chief executive of the Ingonyama Trust, until 18 July 2026. This decision goes against the wishes of Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, the sole trustee of the Trust. In May, the King said Mngwengwe was challenging his authority. Mngwengwe’s term was originally set to end last week.
eThekwini – The eThekwini Municipality has removed many homeless people from its streets, some of whom were accused of crimes. The Safer Cities Unit will help those needing housing and rehabilitation, while those found with illegal substances will face arrest. eThekwini has the most homeless people in KwaZulu-Natal, with many being drug addicts.
Umzumbe – The election of a new deputy mayor for the Umzumbe Local Municipality has been delayed. The current deputy mayor from the ANC, Mhlengi Luthuli, has not yet resigned despite a coalition deal that would give the IFP the positions of speaker and deputy mayor.
Vryheid – The National Freedom Party (NFP) has brought back Khanyisile Jiyane, a councillor at the Abaqulusi Local Municipality, who was fired in April last year. Jiyane took the matter to court, but NFP president Ivan Barnes confirmed her re-admission in exchange for dropping the court challenge.
Dundee – The mayor of the Endumeni Local Municipality in Dundee, Siyabonga Ndlovu, has asked the provincial government for help in improving roads. Better roads would help the area benefit more from the annual Dundee July event and its location along the famous battlefield tourism route. The recent Dundee July event significantly boosted local tourism, but poor road conditions are holding the numbers back.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has a strained relationship with Mngwengwe.
Source: Sihle Mavuso
