Okwabantu Ebantwini Mayoral Imbizo
The people of Endumeni Local Municipality gathered in large numbers today at the Dundee Traditional Horse Riding Track for the much-anticipated Okwabantu Ebantwini Mayoral Imbizo—a day that blended community engagement, service delivery, and tangible progress.
Led by His Worship the Mayor, Cllr. AM Mkhize, the imbizo created a platform for residents to directly engage with leadership, raise concerns, and hear first-hand about plans shaping the municipality’s future. The programme was further strengthened by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who delivered a keynote address emphasizing infrastructure development and improved mobility.
A major highlight of the day was the official unveiling of newly acquired yellow plant machinery—an investment set to significantly improve service delivery across Endumeni. The fleet includes a tipper truck, grader, water tanker, and cherry picker, all aimed at addressing critical challenges such as road maintenance, water supply, and general infrastructure upkeep.
Mayor Mkhize also unpacked the draft budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the upcoming financial year, outlining key priorities and encouraging community input to ensure inclusive and people-driven development. Key announcements included:
• Provision of 100kWh of free basic electricity to indigent households in line with National Energy Regulator of South Africa regulations.
• An electricity tariff increase of 13% effective from 1 July.
• A 3% increase in property rates.
• A 2% increase in refuse removal tariffs.
The day was made even more meaningful through a powerful show of support for local economic growth. Sixteen small businesses—many of them youth-owned—benefited from grant funding and essential equipment. Items distributed included sewing machines, laptops, printers, brush cutters, gas stoves, chairs and tables, generators, and direct financial support. This initiative underscores the municipality’s ongoing commitment to empowering small and emerging enterprises.
With community voices heard, resources delivered, and development plans shared, today’s imbizo stood as a clear demonstration of a municipality working hand in hand with its people—taking services to the community and building a future rooted in opportunity and progress.
