Today, we commemorate Freedom Day — a defining moment in our nation’s journey, when millions of South Africans stood together in 1994 to cast their votes for the very first time in a democratic South Africa.

This year’s theme, “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship,” invites us to reflect not only on how far we have come, but also on the responsibility we carry to protect and strengthen our democracy.

Freedom is more than a historic victory — it is a living promise. It lives in our Constitution, in our right to be heard, and in our collective duty to uphold justice, equality, and dignity for all. The rule of law remains the foundation upon which our freedoms stand, ensuring that every voice matters and every right is protected.

As we mark 30 years of democratic citizenship, we are reminded that democracy does not sustain itself. It requires active participation, informed choices, and a commitment from each of us.

With local government elections on the horizon, we call on all residents to take part in shaping the future of our communities:

• Register to vote
• Verify your registration details
• Show up and make your mark on election day

Your vote is your voice. It is your power to influence change, to hold leadership accountable, and to contribute to building the municipality and country we all want to see.

Let us honour the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom by continuing their legacy — through unity, active citizenship, and participation in our democracy.

Happy Freedom Day, South Africa. 🇿🇦

Together, let us protect our freedom and shape a brighter future for generations to come!

Happy Easter to all who are celebrating!

Easter is a season of renewal, of light returning after darkness, and of hope blooming like flowers after a long winter. It is a reminder that no stone is too heavy, no night too long — that resurrection and new beginnings are always possible.

May this Easter fill your home with warmth, your heart with peace, and your table with laughter and love. May every egg hidden, every candle lit, and every family gathered together be a celebration of life’s greatest gift — each other.

To those carrying heavy hearts this season, may you feel the gentle comfort of grace surrounding you. And to those overflowing with joy — let it shine!

Wishing you and your loved ones a truly blessed and beautiful Easter.

In a significant step toward enhancing service delivery, the Okhahlamba Local Municipality officially unveiled a new fleet of vehicles and machinery today. This strategic investment is aimed at improving operational efficiency across key municipal departments.

The newly acquired fleet consists of three tipper trucks, three TLBs, a drop-side truck, an aerial platform truck, a motor grader, a roller, two 4×4 bakkies, and two sedans. Additionally, the municipality is expecting the delivery of a 14-seater Toyota Quantum and a 6,000-litre water tanker later this month to further strengthen its service capacity.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, His Worship, Mayor V.R. Mlotshwa highlighted that the acquisition follows a comprehensive assessment last year, which identified the urgent need to upgrade and replace the aging fleet previously decommissioned and auctioned.

The Mayor emphasised that the new fleet must be used responsibly, cautioning that any misuse of municipal assets will not be tolerated and will be met with strict consequence management measures.

Mayor Mlotshwa was joined by members of the Municipal Council and the management committee during the unveiling, underscoring the leadership’s united commitment to improving the lives of Okhahlamba residents through responsive and efficient service delivery.

His Worship The Mayor, Cllr VR Mlotshwa on behalf of Okhahlamba Local Municipality, under the DDM Catalyst Category, claimed the 1st prize of the Clean Audit Titans Award worth R100 000 cash price, surpassing 257 municipalities in South Africa to be ranked #1 for its consistent clean financial audit performance – the second within his Mayoral tenure. Such an achievement signifies that under his capable and astute leadership, Okhahlamba’s financial statements and records are accurate, transparent, and in adherence to established regulations and standards.

Ukhahlamba Luyizwi Labantu.

Today the Okhahlamba Local Municipality held its third Imbizo in Newstand, a traditional South African gathering designed to promote community engagement and knowledge sharing. This event brought together residents from various wards, offering them the opportunity to engage directly with key government departments and agencies.

The primary goal of the forum was to enhance communication between citizens and essential public services. The participating organisations included:

1. Department of Home Affairs  

2. Department of Social Development  

3. South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)  

4. Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)

This initiative aimed to improve access to critical services and information, helping to create a more connected, informed, and empowered community within the Okhahlamba municipality.

In a powerful display of community support, the Okhahlamba Local Municipality Youth Office organised a special prayer session today for matriculants on the brink of their life-changing final examinations. This event, held just 19 days before the commencement of the crucial matric finals on 21 October, underscores the profound significance these exams hold for the future of our young scholars.

The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including religious leaders, local government officials, educators, and the matriculants themselves. Pastor Maphalala and Bishop Gabela led the prayers, infusing the session with spiritual guidance and encouragement. His Worship, the Mayor, Cllr. V.R Mlotshwa, Deputy Mayor, Cllr. N.E. Tshabalala, and Speaker, Cllr. S.Z Khumalo highlighted the community’s united front in supporting these young minds during this critical juncture in their academic journey.

The matric final examinations represent a watershed moment in the lives of these students, serving as a gateway to their future aspirations and careers. Recognising the weight of this occasion, principals and teachers from various schools across the municipality attended the event, some offering words of motivation and support to the nervous yet determined matriculants.

As these young learners stand on the precipice of this monumental challenge, the Okhahlamba Local Municipality extends its heartfelt wishes for success to all matriculants. We acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and resilience that have brought them to this point, and we have full confidence in their ability to excel.

To our dear matriculants: As you enter the examination halls, know that your community stands behind you, cheering you on. May you approach these finals with confidence, clarity of mind, and the determination to showcase your best efforts. Remember, these exams are not just a test of knowledge, but an opportunity to open doors to your dreams.

We wish you strength, focus, and brilliance throughout this exam season. Your success is our success, and we eagerly await the bright futures that await you beyond these final papers. Good luck, and may you emerge victorious in this significant milestone of your educational journey!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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The Okhahlamba Local Municipality recently hosted its second imbizo, a traditional South African gathering focused on knowledge sharing and community engagement. Held in Emmaus, this event brought together over 300 residents from various wards, facilitating direct interaction with key government departments and agencies.

The forum’s primary objective was to bridge the gap between citizens and essential public services. Participating organisations included:

1. Department of Home Affairs

2. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

3. Department of Social Development

4. South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

5. South African Police Services (SAPS)

6. Various municipal departments

This initiative aimed to improve access to vital services and information, fostering a more connected and informed community within the Okhahlamba municipality.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Okhahlamba Local Municipality marked Women’s Month with a colorful Phinifa and Doek Day celebration on Thursday. The event commenced with a poignant prayer and candle-lighting vigil honouring victims of gender-based violence, followed by an energetic fashion show and certificate awarding ceremony to graduates of The Women’s Skills Development programme.

The gathering featured empowering messages from key government entities and organisations, including the KZN Departments of Social Development and Sports, Arts and Culture, as well as the Gabriel Foundation. These addresses focused on educating and empowering young women, with various government departments offering their services throughout the event.

Deputy Mayor Cllr. N.E Tshabalala delivered an inspiring message of hope to the attendees. She addressed critical issues such as the feminisation of poverty, HIV/AIDS prevention, gender equality, and the pressing concerns of gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy. Cllr. Tshabalala reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to improving the lives of young women in the community.

The event saw impressive community participation, with attendees adhering to the dress code. The municipality expressed gratitude for the strong turnout and extended thanks to all stakeholders and government departments for their invaluable support and educational contributions.

Imeya kamaspala uKhahlamba uMnuz Vikizitha Mlotshwa utshele abezindaba ukuthi banezingxoxo nomunye umnikazi we Plazi elise duze nedolobha ngenhloso yokuthi alidayisele umaspala wasoKhahlamba.

Uthi inhloso yokuthenga leli Plazi ukwakha kabusha idolobha lase Bergville libe sezingeni lamadolobha amakhulu asesifundazweni sakwaZulu-Natal.

Uthi uyajabula ngoba nendawo yokusebenza yosomabhizinisi abancane yase Bergville isiphelile abanye bayasebenza kuyo manje futhi isezingeni eliphezulu.

UMlotshwa uthi usengalala nobuthongo uma kungaba nedolobha elisha e Bergville elihlelikile isifiso sakhe leso.

UMlotshwa ukusho lokho njengoba bekulalelwa isicelo sebheyili sika Mnuz Mlungisi Hlongwane osolwa ngokudlwengula indodakazi yakhe eyiNkosi yesifazane yesizwe samaNgwane inkosi uNontobeko Hlongwane.

UMlotshwa uthi kumele kube nesithangami samadoda ase Bergville ukuze kukhuzwe umkhokha ohlasele amadoda eBergville adlwengula abasifazane nezingane.

In a bid to enhance the operational efficiency of the Okhahlamba Municipality, a comprehensive two-day Strategic Planning session was convened at the Alpine Heath Resort from 18 to 19 April, 2024.

During these sessions, the council and municipal officials engaged in robust discussions covering various critical aspects. Topics ranged from formulating policies and strategies for the upcoming financial year to addressing service delivery bottlenecks identified through the IDP/Budget Roadshow process, alongside reviewing the draft budget. Additionally, presentations were delivered by key stakeholders to enrich the deliberations. The session was facilitated by Mr. Eric Sithole of Nsikayezwe Management Consultants.

His Worship, Mayor V.R. Mlotshwa underscored the importance of establishing strategic alliances to propel the municipality forward, ensuring the realisation of its strategic objectives aimed at uplifting the lives of its citizens. He also stressed the significance of upholding the municipality’s clean audit status as a pivotal priority.

The overarching goal of these sessions is to enhance the municipality’s performance by prioritising community needs and effectively allocating resources within the constraints of the municipality’s budget.

The council, alongside stakeholders and municipal officials, reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to collaborating synergistically despite the escalating economic challenges, both locally and globally.