Umzinyathi District Council passes funded budget after four years of financial instability
After four consecutive years of operating with an unfunded budget, the uMzinyathi District Municipality has finally turned a crucial corner. The 2025/2026 funded budget has officially been passed—marking a major milestone for both the institution and the residents it serves.
This breakthrough ends a prolonged period of financial and administrative uncertainty and is expected to unlock improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and a restoration of public trust.
Newly installed Mayor Thembisile Mchunu welcomed the development with optimism, calling it a turning point in the municipality's recovery.
'This is more than just a financial document. It's a commitment to responsible governance, meaningful service delivery, and rebuilding trust with the people of uMzinyathi,' said Mchunu.
She thanked the Municipal Council, administrative teams, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) for their collective efforts during the tough years.
The Mayor also praised the residents for their 'patience, resilience, and ongoing faith in the institution,' adding:
'This victory belongs to every household and every stakeholder who stood by us. The road ahead will not be easy, but we are now equipped to travel it with integrity and accountability.'
With the funded budget now in place, the municipality is expected to fast-track project rollouts, address service delivery backlogs, and rebuild operational capacity.
Among the most pressing issues is the long-delayed upgrade of the Biggarsberg Water Treatment Plant. The stagnant project has drawn public ire and sparked a full-scale march to the municipality's Dundee headquarters in March.
The approval of the 2025/2026 budget is seen as a significant step toward financial stability and improved governance in a region long affected by systemic challenges.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
3RC marks 25 years of empowering youth through education and innovation
3RC, an organisation known for its career guidance roadshows and youth development initiatives, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a media breakfast in Parkhurst. The event, held at Nice on 4th Avenue on July 31, brought together media guests and stakeholders for a morning of reflection and future planning. Founder and CEO Kay Cheytanov shared how the organisation grew from a music-based school tour into a full-scale educational platform aimed at inspiring learners across South Africa. Cheytanov, who began her career in music, said the idea for 3RC was sparked in 2001 after recognising the need to engage learners in more creative ways. The organisation has since hosted thousands of shows in schools, launched interactive expos, and introduced programmes such as High Five, which focuses on emotional wellbeing in children. 'We constantly adapt our shows to stay relevant. Today's learners respond to different methods, and we aim to meet them where they are.' Also read: Artist's 'Matriarchs' exhibition was made using coffee capsules 3RC continues to expand its reach through partnerships with schools and sponsors. Future plans include launching an internship programme, developing content for younger age groups, and increasing online access to resources for learners, teachers, and parents. The company says it remains committed to supporting the next generation with tools, information, and motivation to make informed choices about their future. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The Citizen
15 hours ago
- The Citizen
Umzinyathi District Council passes funded budget after four years of financial instability
Umzinyathi District Council passes funded budget after four years of financial instability After four consecutive years of operating with an unfunded budget, the uMzinyathi District Municipality has finally turned a crucial corner. The 2025/2026 funded budget has officially been passed—marking a major milestone for both the institution and the residents it serves. This breakthrough ends a prolonged period of financial and administrative uncertainty and is expected to unlock improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and a restoration of public trust. Newly installed Mayor Thembisile Mchunu welcomed the development with optimism, calling it a turning point in the municipality's recovery. 'This is more than just a financial document. It's a commitment to responsible governance, meaningful service delivery, and rebuilding trust with the people of uMzinyathi,' said Mchunu. She thanked the Municipal Council, administrative teams, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) for their collective efforts during the tough years. The Mayor also praised the residents for their 'patience, resilience, and ongoing faith in the institution,' adding: 'This victory belongs to every household and every stakeholder who stood by us. The road ahead will not be easy, but we are now equipped to travel it with integrity and accountability.' With the funded budget now in place, the municipality is expected to fast-track project rollouts, address service delivery backlogs, and rebuild operational capacity. Among the most pressing issues is the long-delayed upgrade of the Biggarsberg Water Treatment Plant. The stagnant project has drawn public ire and sparked a full-scale march to the municipality's Dundee headquarters in March. The approval of the 2025/2026 budget is seen as a significant step toward financial stability and improved governance in a region long affected by systemic challenges. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
End of Wanatu? Afrikaans e-hailing responds to 'bankrupt' rumours
Popular Afrikaans e-hailing service Wanatu has shut down rumours that it has gone bankrupt and has been forced to shut down. This comes after a screenshot of a 'fake news' article circulated on the X app. According to its founders, the service only employs drivers who speak the language. However, the service is openly available to the public who live in the Centurion and Pretoria areas. On its Instagram account, Wanatu reposted a viral screenshot concerning a 'fake news' article about the Afrikaans e-hailing service going bankrupt. The post read: 'We are aware of spreading fake news and misleading information about Wanatu. If there is anything important to share, Wanatu will communicate it via our official channels. 'We appreciate your continued support. We are still fully operational and ready to take you everywhere'. According to Wanatu, the e-hailing service aims to create job opportunities among Afrikaans-speaking South Africans and 'restore the dignity' of the community. Director Van Rooy van den Berg told Jacaranda FM: 'A dignified job is one of the foundations for making a person feel valuable. Many people in the Afrikaner cultural community have lost their jobs in recent years. That is why it is a calling to create dignified work opportunities'. While drivers are required to speak Afrikaans fluently, passengers do not have to. Afrikaans e-hailing service via Instagram: @warnatu_vervoer Since its inception in October 2024, the e-hailing app has employed close to 100 drivers. It has a fast-growing database of subscribers, including actress Reandi Grey and former Springbok Victor Matfield. According to Wanatu, drivers utilise branded Toyota Corolla Cross HEV hybrid electric vehicles. The service – which is mainly used by schoolchildren, business people, and the elderly – offers school transport and airport shuttle services. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
