IN PICTURES || The Mkhondo Local Municipality held its Ordinary Council Meeting on 30 October 2025, at the Mkhondo Council Chambers, at 10Hoo am.
The meeting was conducted in accordance with Section 29(1) of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act No. 117 of 1998, which governs the convening of council meetings.
The Speaker of Council, Cllr. Mduduzi Ngwenya successfully presided over the gathering which was attended by members of the Executive Committee, Councillors, and Senior Municipal officials together with the members of the community.
The key discussions and decisions taken included the following imperative items:
- MPAC Report: Council reviewed a report on unauthorized, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure incurred between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, identified by the Auditor-General and resolved to investigate further
- Performance Agreements: Council noted the performance agreements of Section 56 Managers for the 2025/26 financial year.
- Financial Performance: Council reviewed and noted the first-quarter financial performance report and identified areas for improvement, particularly in revenue collection and indigent household registration.
- MDRG Implementation Plan: Council received a presentation on the Implementation Plan for the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant, focusing on forthcoming projects and budget allocations, in consideration of value for money.
- MIG Implementation Plan: Council approved the replacement of the Amsterdam Water Treatment project with the Amsterdam Sewer Pump Station project.
- Cemetery Management Plan: Council approved the Mkhondo Cemetery Management Plan to improve cemetery management and planning.
- Emergency Relocation: Council noted progress on relocating residents from flood-prone areas / high risk areas within eMkhondo, relating to the subdivision and rezoning of Erf 9077.
- Strategic Planning: The Strategic Planning Workshop for the 2026/27 financial year and review of Integrated Development Plan (IDP) was postponed to January 2026 to allow sufficient time for comprehensive preparation and coordination.
- Spatial Development Framework (SDF): Council noted the Phase Two Spatial Development Framework (SDF), which provides a strategic and uniform approach to spatial planning and land use management within eMkhondo.
- Tourism Strategy: Council noted the Tourism Strategy Roadmap to promote local tourism, economic growth and future investments.
- The Mkhondo Investment Breakfast proposal: Council discussed and approved the proposal with amendments. “The initiative aims to showcase investment opportunities, attract potential partners, and boost economic development within the municipality”.
- “Council further approved the reimbursement of residents whose sites were encroached upon during pavement road construction projects, reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to fairness and accountability.”
- On conclusion, council approved the closure of municipal offices during the festive period season, from December 19, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
These decisions undertaken by council aim to enhance service delivery, promote economic growth, and ensure financial accountability within the municipality.
