UMhlosinga Development Agency

16/06/2026

🇿🇦 Happy Youth Day!

To every young person pursuing a dream, building a future, and striving to make a difference:

Today, we honour the courage and sacrifice of the youth of 1976, whose determination changed the course of history and left a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Your ambitions, talents, and ideas have the power to transform communities and create opportunities where they are needed most. Every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future.

Dream boldly. Rise above challenges. Lead with purpose. The future belongs to those who have the courage to shape it.

Happy Youth Day, South Africa! ✊🏾🇿🇦

09/06/2026

🌟 SKILLS PROGRAMME SUCCESS STORY 🌟

Success begins when opportunities are matched with determination.

We are proud to celebrate Ayanda Nxumalo, whose journey through the Skills Programme has led to a remarkable achievement. After completing her in-service training at Galaxy Lodge and Conference Centre as part of her Diploma requirements, Ayanda has successfully secured employment as a Receptionist with the Galaxy Lodge and Conference Centre.

💬 “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity I was given to complete my in-service training at Galaxy Lodge and Conference Centre. The support and experience I received played a significant role in my development, and today I am proud to be employed by the company as a Receptionist.” – Ayanda Nxumalo

This success story demonstrates the impact of skills development programmes in creating pathways to employment and empowering young people with practical workplace experience.

Congratulations, Ayanda! We wish you continued success as you build your career in the hospitality industry.

🌟👏🏽🎉

05/06/2026

🌍♻️ FROM WASTE TO WEALTH: CONVERSATIONS SHAPING A GREENER FUTURE UNDERWAY AT MKUZE AIRPORT ♻️🌍

The Waste Technical Engagement 2026 is currently underway at Mkuze Airport, bringing together government officials, industry experts, waste management practitioners, and community stakeholders to engage on innovative approaches to waste management, environmental sustainability, and economic development.

Hosted by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) under the theme, “Turning Trash into Riches: Towards Poverty Alleviation, a Healthy Environment, and the Creation of Job Opportunities for the Benefit of Jozini Citizens," the engagement is fostering meaningful discussions on transforming waste into economic opportunities while promoting cleaner and healthier communities.

The event highlights the critical role of collaboration in advancing circular economy initiatives, creating jobs, and unlocking sustainable development opportunities for the people of Jozini and the broader uMkhanyakude District.

UMDA is proud to support initiatives that drive environmental stewardship, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth across the district.

05/06/2026

📍JOZINI WASTE TECHNICAL ENGAGEMENT 2026

WASTE TECHNICAL ENGAGEMENT 2026

Hosted by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), this important engagement brings together stakeholders, industry experts, and community members to explore innovative waste management solutions that drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Theme: Turning Trash into Riches: Towards Poverty Alleviation, a Healthy Environment, and the Creation of Job Opportunities for the Benefit of Jozini Citizens.
📅 05 June 2026
⏰ 08h00 – 16h00
📍 Mkhuze Airport, uMkhanyakude District

04/06/2026

📻 CATCH UMDA LIVE ON MAPUTALAND COMMUNITY RADIO 107.6FM TODAY!

Join the uMhlosinga Development Agency (UMDA) and Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) live on Maputaland Community Radio 107.6FM today, 04 June 2026 at 18h00.

The discussion will focus on the various programmes and initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth and development across the uMkhanyakude District. Listeners can expect insights into opportunities within key sectors such as:

✅ Agriculture
✅ Tourism
✅ Investment Promotion
✅ SMME Development
✅ Local Economic Development

A special focus will be placed on the uMkhanyakude One Stop Shop, located at Mkuze Airport, a strategic initiative established through Trade & Investment KZN. The One Stop Shop serves as a vital support hub for entrepreneurs and investors by providing business support services, facilitating investment opportunities, and creating an enabling environment for economic growth within the district.

Don't miss this informative discussion on how partnerships between UMDA and TIKZN are working to attract investment, empower local businesses, create opportunities, and build a thriving economy for the people of uMkhanyakude.

📅 Date: 04 June 2026
⏰ Time: 18h00
📻 Station: Maputaland Community Radio 107.6FM

Informing. Empowering. Transforming Communities.

25/05/2026

‼️ UMHLOSINGA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY HOLDS STRATEGIC REVIEW SESSION ‼️

Today, 25 May 2026, the uMhlosinga Development Agency (UMDA) held its Strategic Review Session at the uMkhanyakude District Municipality Council Chambers.

The session brought together the UMDA Board, uMkhanyakude District Municipality leadership, municipal officials, and the uMkhanyakude family of Municipalities to jointly review the Agency’s Strategic Plan and map the way forward for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Attendees included uMkhanyakude District Municipality Speaker Cllr. Madhlopha, Portfolio Committee Chairperson Cllr. Moodley, Municipal Manager Dr. Sibeko, UMDA Deputy Chairperson Mrs. Mthembu, Board Members Mr. Ntshangase, Ms. Khumalo and Mr. Ndlovu, as well as UMDA CEO Ms. Khumalo.

Key discussions focused on strategic priorities, institutional risks, governance and audit matters, and the alignment of planning instruments such as the IDP, DDM, Budget, PMS, PGDS, and NDP.

The engagement also reflected on the implementation of the 2019–2024 Strategic Plan, extended to 2025–2026, and assessed progress made in advancing local economic development, investment promotion, job creation, and sustainable community development across the District.

Speaking during the session, UMDA Deputy Chairperson Mrs. Mthembu said, “This sitting allows the Shareholder to take stock of the progress made in advancing the local economy and to guide the Agency on priorities that will have the greatest impact on our communities in the upcoming financial year.”

The session further highlighted several catalytic development priorities aimed at transforming the economic landscape of uMkhanyakude through infrastructure investment, tourism expansion, agriculture commercialisation, industrial growth, and job creation. Among the projects discussed was the Mkuze Airport City Development, which continues to receive support from the District. The 84-hectare site identified for the development belongs to the uMkhanyakude District Municipality, with UMDA mandated to drive implementation and investor mobilisation.

The District has already invested in bulk services for the area as it recognises the project’s investment potential and has committed to continue expanding bulk infrastructure to support future development and attract investors.

UMDA CEO Ms. Khumalo reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to development, stating, “Through stronger partnerships and focused planning, we remain committed to driving inclusive economic growth, creating opportunities for young people, and improving the livelihoods of communities across uMkhanyakude.”

For 2026/2027, UMDA will continue prioritising the commercialisation of agriculture, agri-business development, tourism expansion, and catalytic infrastructure projects aimed at stimulating economic growth and regional development.

Despite budgetary constraints, the Agency remains committed to strengthening partnerships, improving institutional capacity, and supporting programmes focused on youth development, education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.

19/05/2026

📌One province. Endless experiences

19/05/2026

📌

A global hospitality giant is expanding its footprint in South Africa with plans to open a luxury hotel in KwaZulu-Natal.

15/05/2026

Umhlosinga Development Agency today attended the Umkhanyakude District IDP and Budget 2026/2027 Roadshow at Skhemelele Community Hall in Umhlabuyalingana.

The roadshow serves as an important platform for community engagement and development planning.

14/05/2026

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