Cllr Cele: Umuziwabantu Local Municipality Update
On 28 January 2026, I attended the first Council meeting of the year as the Al Jama-ah representative in the Umuziwabantu Local Municipality. I actively participated in all agenda items, contributing to discussions with a strong focus on service delivery and community needs
Community Outreach and Voter Engagement
In preparation for the 2026/2027 local government elections, my team and I conducted door-to-door community visits from 2 February onwards.
These engagements focused on listening to residents, understanding local challenges, and strengthening relationships with our supporters.
During these visits, households received the municipal calendar, which reflects my ongoing involvement in development and sod-turning projects within the municipality.
Community Issues Identified
Through direct engagement with residents, several pressing issues were raised, particularly the ongoing water crisis, which continues to affect large parts of Umuziwabantu. While water provision falls under the responsibility of Ugu District Municipality, repeated attempts to resolve the matter have not yet resulted in lasting solutions.
In addition, follow-ups were conducted regarding a previous request for computers for a local school, made during ICROP in Harding. Although the school prepared the required facilities, the delivery of equipment remains delayed despite earlier assurances.
Plans and Strategic Focus
Key priorities moving forward include:
– Renewing and strengthening party membership and ensuring active, paid-up branches
– Launching functional party branches before June
– Hosting community meetings in wards where Al Jama-ah enjoys strong support
– Developing a borehole proposal to help mitigate water shortages in affected areas
I remain committed to community engagement, accountability, and practical solutions, and will continue to advocate for improved service delivery and responsive governance for the people of Umuziwabantu.
