Latest news with #MzimkhuluThebolla
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Political intervention looms as ANC-led Msunduzi and Mpendle municipalities face mayoral shake-up
Msunduzi Municipality Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla's future hangs in the balance. Image: Supplied The two embattled ANC-led Msunduzi and Mpendle local municipalities in the Moses Mabhida region (Pietermaritzburg) in KwaZulu-Natal could have new mayors by the end of next week following their performance assessment by the newly elected regional task team. The team, led by Nathi Mdlala as convener and former Cosatu provincial secretary Zet Luzipo as coordinator, is expected to present its assessment report and recommendations to the provincial leadership this weekend. Sources that have seen the report said it has recommended a strong political intervention to the two municipalities, which many viewed as a recommendation for the removal of the political heads of these struggling municipalities. 'Everyone is seeing that Mzimkhulu Thebolla has struggled to run Msunduzi since taking over from Themba Njilo in 2019. With all interventions that have been tried not yielding positive results, the ANC has run out of options but to remove him; otherwise, the opposition will eat for lunch in the next year's elections,' said the source. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Mdladla confirmed that his team will present its assessment report to the provincial structure in a meeting that will take place in Durban this weekend. He refused to be drawn on speculation that the report contains recommendations for sweeping changes in the two municipalities. 'We have met all the leadership of our municipalities, and we are finalising everything today with Umgungundlovu District Municipality. We are going to present our report to the provincial team at the weekend,' said Mdladla. Msunduzi, which is the second biggest municipality in the province, has been struggling financially and administratively for a long time without solutions. Many interventions have been tried, including placing it under administration, but none of them appeared to have been successful. Just a month before last year's general elections, the ANC-led Cabinet removed the municipality from under administration. However, a new assessment by the IFP-led Cabinet intervened again by sending another team led by former Public Works MEC Ravi Pillay, which resumed its work in March this year. This was followed by another intervention by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department, which instituted a Section 106 investigation following the surfacing of fraud allegations in the municipality. Thebolla, who was ANC regional chairperson, has already lost political power after he was left out of the task team's top five. Attempts to get a comment from Thebolla were unsuccessful. Mpendle Municipality is currently in disarray, with a month gone by without a mayor. The ANC Mayor Buyisani Mlaba was ousted with the help of the party councillors who decided to abstain during a motion of no confidence, which took place early last month, which was filed by IFP and backed by the EFF. The tiny municipality on the south-west side of Pietermaritzburg has only 10 seats. ANC has six while the IFP and the EFF have two each. Attempts to get comment from Mlaba were also unsuccessful. A source in Mpendle said the ANC provincial team recently visited the branches in an attempt to get their buy-in to fire all the councillors for helping the opposition to remove the mayor. However, the leadership backed down after branches threatened to vote for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in the next year's local elections. The source said branches supported the councillors' decision to oust the mayor and want the party to appoint a new mayor, and threatened to vote for the MKP if they are removed. The ANC provincial spokesperson, Fanle Sibisi, had not yet responded to the questions about the party's intervention in Mpendle.
IOL News
20-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Pietermaritzburg Airport expansion plan: Strong support from local stakeholders
Msunduzi Municipality Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla speak on airport expansion plans. Image: Supplied THE Msunduzi Municipality has outlined ambitious plans to transform the Pietermaritzburg Airport into a regional hub that will boost local investment, tourism, and infrastructure growth. The airport is exploring additional flights in and out of the City, including to Cape Town and Gqeberha. The municipality said research conducted as part of its plans to expand the airport's operations and capacity, confirmed that there is demand for flights from the airport to these destinations. Currently, the airport handles four scheduled arrivals and departures daily, alongside charter and training flights from two flight schools. Msunduzi mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said: 'A research study has been conducted on two possible routes, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, for possible expansion. What we can say is that these have been assessed, and it has been found that there is a need.' 'This will be the airport of choice for activities including business people who want to get in and out without problems or traffic,' said the mayor. In a statement, the municipality revealed that the first draft of the revised Airport Master Plan has been completed, outlining a structured roadmap for short, medium, and long-term development. Among the improvements it intends to make are: ◆ Attraction of a second airline to improve route diversity and affordability. ◆ Terminal upgrades, including expanded office and retail spaces, modernised baggage collection systems, and digital check-in enhancements. ◆ Development of adjacent land for commercial use, including a proposed hotel, conference centre, and retail area designed to promote an aerotropolis model. ◆ Apron expansion to accommodate increased aircraft traffic. ◆ Establishment of a cargo terminal, including an agro-cargo facility and dry port to serve surrounding industrial areas like Mkondeni. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The City stated that these initiatives will enable the airport to become a modern, high-capacity facility that offers an enhanced passenger experience while supporting commercial and cargo operations. 'A comprehensive study conducted by the airport has confirmed significant untapped demand, which includes low-cost travel options for broader market access. 'Improved connectivity for local businesses and government travellers, who currently rely on distant airports like King Shaka, is also a priority. Additionally, there will be increased accessibility for tourists visiting the Midlands Meander and Drakensberg,' said the statement. The city is actively supporting route development by offering incentive programmes to attract new airlines and routes, including landing fee discounts, providing marketing support through municipal platforms to promote new routes, and participating in route development conferences to engage directly with airline planners. 'The expansion of Pietermaritzburg Airport stands to deliver widespread socio-economic benefits, including improved regional connectivity, increased tourism and business travel, job creation through construction, airport operations, hospitality, and retail,' the statement said. UMngeni Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas remarked that boosting the capacity of Pietermaritzburg Airport could prove to be a key catalyst for the economic growth of Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands area. 'Establishing a regional airport with greater capacity would bring significant benefits to the area. It would enable larger aircraft to land, increasing the number of visitors and expanding destination options, both of which would boost business and tourism. Melanie Veness, the CEO of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB), stated that additional routes from Pietermaritzburg Airport will facilitate trade. 'New routes mean greater access to our market for business and tourism, and if the route is successful, it will translate into economic growth.' THE MERCURY
IOL News
14-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
Devastating fire claims life and destroys homes in Jika Joe informal settlement
Msunduzi Municipality Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla Image: Supplied. Msunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla has expressed deep concern over a devastating fire that tore through the Jika Joe Informal Settlement late Sunday evening, destroying an estimated 50 dwellings and claiming the life of one resident. Thebolla said the fire broke out at approximately 22:54 and was brought under control by 02:15 am, thanks to the swift response of emergency services. 'We commend these teams for their timely intervention and professionalism under pressure,' he said, referring to the Fire and Rescue teams, Disaster Management, South African Police Service (SAPS), Emergency Medical Services, and other departments. 'We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and all those who have lost their homes and belongings,' said Thebolla. He confirmed that the municipality is currently awaiting an official count of affected individuals from Disaster Management and is committed to providing the necessary humanitarian assistance to help families rebuild their lives. The mayor used the tragedy to urge caution around open flames and the illegal use of electrical connections, which he described as 'a significant risk to lives and property.' He said such practices 'cannot be tolerated,' and appealed for 'vigilance and cooperation in reporting such practices.' Reflecting on other developments in the city, Thebolla praised the Traffic and Law Enforcement Unit for 'intensifying operations to ensure road safety and compliance,' and thanked residents for their cooperation. 'We are already fostering a stronger culture of responsibility on our roads,' he said. Highlighting recent events, Thebolla noted the successful hosting of an Aviation Career Expo and a Job Preparedness and Information Sharing Session by the Msunduzi Youth Office. These efforts are part of 'our ongoing mission to create employment and entrepreneurial pathways for young people,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The mayor also thanked attendees of the recent Fuze Airshow, which he said 'brought vibrant energy to our city and showcased the unity that makes Msunduzi so special.' As Mandela Day approaches, Thebolla urged residents to reflect on service, unity, and humility. 'While the Municipality remains steadfast in delivering services, we recognise that challenges may arise. We ask for your patience and understanding during these times, assuring you that we are working tirelessly to improve and respond swiftly.' He concluded: 'Let us continue to move forward together in the spirit of Madiba, and with hope for a safer, more united Msunduzi.' THE MERCURY
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ANC to reshuffle its leaders in ailing Msunduzi Municipality
Msunduzi Municipality mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla's political future is uncertain after being excluded from the reginal task team list in the Moses Mabhida region. Image: Supplied The embattled ANC-led Msunduzi Local Municipality in Pietermaritzburg is likely to have new political supervisors by the end of week following the exclusion of both regional chairperson Mzimkhulu Thebolla and regional secretary Samora Ndlovu from the leaked regional task team list. According to the unconfirmed list, Thebolla who is also Msunduzi mayor did not make it to the top five positions allocated to the task team which will oversee the work of the ANC deployees in the six municipalities under the party's Moses Mabhida region. His secretary, Ndlovu is also exempt from the list. The region encompasses Msunduzi, Umshwathi (New Hanover), Umkhambathi (Camperdown), Mooi Mpofana (Mooi River), Umngeni ( Howick) and Richmond municipalities. On top of the list appears the name of Nathi Mdladla who is said to be in the leadership of Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Associations and former Msunduzi mayor Chris Ndlela. Attempts to get Thebolla and Ndlovu to respond were unsuccessful. The municipality under these two leaders has been besieged by administrative and poor service delivery problems which led to Premier Thami Ntuli's intervention with the appointment of a team led by former Human Public Works MEC Ravi Pillay. The municipality and the region are one of the strategic centres of the ANC, it has the second biggest budget after eThekwini and the region also is the second largest in the province. There is talk that the municipality will be merged with the other five smaller municipalities to form a metro. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The ANC held a service delivery summit in Durban on Sunday and the provincial task team coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu said the process to appoint a new regional task team had been completed but the party will publicly announce the names next week after formally informing branches. 'In line with the ANC protocols, we are not going to announce the names of the people that will lead our regions as task teams before informing our branches first. Next week we will begin that process and announce the names,' said Mabuyakhulu. Despite the ANC's insistence that regional task teams are an opportunity for renewal, others view the move as a strategic decision by Luthuli House to have direct control over branches in the province ahead of the party's elective conference in 2027.
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Msunduzi municipality launches debt relief programme for struggling ratepayers
The Msunduzi municipality is giving its embattled ratepayers a chance to reduce their debt to the municipality. The City kicked off a debt relief programme this month that could see the debt of its customers being reduced by up to 50%, provided they meet certain conditions. The municipality is owed billions of rand by its ratepayers. In a statement, the council said it has approved the #BePartOfTheSolution Debt Collection Campaign, a targeted debt relief initiative designed to assist distressed consumers in the city who are struggling with arrears on their municipal accounts. The campaign will run from 1 June 2025 to 30 September 2025. It said the initiative aims to provide financial relief while encouraging responsible account behaviour and improving revenue recovery. Key features of the campaign include significant discounts on municipal debt and structured payment arrangements for qualifying residents and businesses. The city stated that the #BePartOfTheSolution Campaign offers an important opportunity for distressed customers to restore their municipal accounts and access ongoing municipal services without the burden of unmanageable historical debt. Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said, 'The council's approval of this targeted debt relief campaign demonstrates our commitment to building a caring city. Aligned to our 2025/2026 budget priorities, we are introducing interventions that bring practical relief to residents and businesses in financial distress while ensuring that we strengthen our revenue base. We want our people to access municipal services with dignity — and this campaign is a step towards restoring trust, improving payment culture, and achieving financial sustainability.' Under this agreement, the city outlined the following conditions for the debt relief: 50% Discount on services-related debt for distressed businesses, residential, and other debtors whose debt accumulated from 31 July 2024. This discount is subject to full and final settlement or an approved extended payment arrangement. 10% Discount on services-related debt for the same categories of distressed debtors whose debt accumulated from 31 January 2025, also subject to full settlement or an approved payment plan. 100% Discount on interest for property rates debt accumulated up to 30 April 2025, for distressed businesses, residential, and other debtors, provided that the full capital amount is settled or a payment arrangement is accepted. The city statement emphasised that while the municipality is committed to supporting those in genuine financial distress, there are clear policy conditions and exclusions to ensure integrity and fairness in the application process. Customers will not qualify for the campaign if they have tampered with electricity more than once, have benefited from similar discounts in the past five years, or refuse audit access to municipal staff conducting verification, among other conditions. THE MERCURY
