Umdoni Municipality News

03/09/2026

Umdoni Municipality together with the KwaCele community will attend the Memorial Service in honour of the four lives tragically lost in the horrific accident.

As we come together to remember and pay tribute to our loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, friends and the entire community. May their memories continue to live on, and may those mourning find strength and comfort during this difficult time.

02/09/2026

UMDONI EMPOWERS 40 LOCAL BUSINESSES!

Umdoni Municipality, in partnership with KZN EDTEA, has successfully handed over business equipment to 40 local SMMEs and cooperatives through the R2 million Municipal Employment Initiative (MEI).

The equipment was jointly handed over by KZN EDTEA MEC Rev. Musa Zondi and Umdoni Mayor, Her Worship Cllr M J Cele-Luthuli, providing entrepreneurs with practical tools to strengthen their businesses, create employment and contribute to local economic growth.

The beneficiaries include 25 women and 19 young people, with enterprises operating across agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, services, and audio-visual and entertainment sectors.

Mayor Cele-Luthuli welcomed the initiative, saying: “This equipment is not simply an asset; it is a tool that can help businesses grow, create employment and build sustainable livelihoods.”

Working Together To Build Better Communities.

02/09/2026

UMDONI EMPOWERS 40 LOCAL BUSINESSES THROUGH R2 MILLION MEI INITIATIVE

Forty local SMMEs and cooperatives have received a major boost towards growing their businesses and creating employment following the successful handover of business equipment through the Municipal Employment Initiative (MEI).

The equipment was jointly handed over by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, and Umdoni Municipality Mayor, Her Worship Cllr M J Cele-Luthuli, during a handover ceremony held in Umdoni on 2 September 2026.

The R2 million Umdoni SMME and Cooperative Support MEI Project, jointly funded by EDTEA and Umdoni Municipality, has provided qualifying enterprises with equipment to strengthen their operations, improve productivity and unlock opportunities for business growth and job creation.

The beneficiaries were selected from 104 applications received during the application process. Following desktop assessments and verification site visits, 40 enterprises were approved for support.

The supported businesses operate across key sectors including agriculture, hospitality, audio-visual and entertainment, manufacturing and services, with equipment provided according to their individual business needs.

The programme has placed a strong emphasis on inclusive economic empowerment, with 25 women and 19 young beneficiaries, including 10 young women, among those supported.

Mayor Cllr M J Cele-Luthuli welcomed the successful handover, describing the initiative as a meaningful investment in the entrepreneurial potential of Umdoni’s communities.

“Today is a proud moment for Umdoni as we see government’s commitment to empowering our local entrepreneurs translated into tangible support. This equipment is not simply an asset; it is a tool that can help businesses grow, create employment and build sustainable livelihoods.”

The Mayor expressed appreciation to MEC Rev. Musa Zondi and EDTEA for partnering with Umdoni Municipality in advancing opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“We appreciate the partnership with EDTEA and the leadership of MEC Rev. Musa Zondi in ensuring that our entrepreneurs receive the support they need. We are particularly proud that women and young people are among the beneficiaries. Their success will be a success for our communities and for Umdoni as a whole.”

Beneficiaries have been encouraged to use the equipment responsibly, maintain compliance with relevant business requirements, continuously develop their skills and embrace technology, artificial intelligence and social media to grow their businesses and reach new markets.

The successful handover reinforces Umdoni Municipality’s commitment to local economic development, enterprise support and creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities across the municipality.

Working Together To Build Better Communities.

Issued by:
UMDONI COMMUNICATIONS

01/09/2026

NEW AM4C COUNCILLOR JOINS UMDONI MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

Umdoni Municipality has welcomed a new member to its Council following the swearing-in of Councillor ND Pillay today at the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court.

Councillor Pillay joins Umdoni Council as a Proportional Representative (PR) Councillor representing the Allied Movement for Change (AM4C).

The Speaker of Umdoni Municipality, Cllr ME Mbutho, warmly welcomed Councillor Pillay and expressed confidence that the new Councillor would make a meaningful contribution to the work of Council and the development of local communities.

“On behalf of Umdoni Council, I warmly welcome Councillor ND Pillay and congratulate him on taking this important oath of office. As Councillors, we have a collective responsibility to put the interests of our communities first and to work together, despite our different political affiliations, for the betterment of the people of Umdoni.

Umdoni Municipality wishes Councillor Pillay well in his new role and looks forward to his positive contribution towards strengthening governance, promoting community development and building a better Umdoni for all.

ISSUED BY:
UMDONI MUNICIPALITY

01/09/2026

EMPOWERING LOCAL BUSINESS | STRENGTHENING OUR ECONOMY | BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES

Umdoni Municipality remains committed to supporting SMMEs and cooperatives through the MEI Programme.

“Working Together To Create Sustainable Economic Opportunities”

01/09/2026

UMDONI MAYOR AND LEADERSHIP VISIT BEREAVED FAMILIES FOLLOWING TRAGIC ACCIDENT

Umdoni Municipality Mayor, Cllr MJ Cele-Luthuli, together with Nkosi Cele and members of the Umdoni leadership, today visited four bereaved families to offer their deepest condolences and support following a tragic motor vehicle accident over the weekend.

The devastating accident claimed the lives of four individuals: Mr Shozi, who was also an employee of Umdoni Municipality, Mr Danisa, Miss Shozi and Miss Cele.

The Mayor and the accompanying leadership visited each of the affected families, sharing in their grief and offering words of comfort during this incredibly difficult time.

Speaking on behalf of Umdoni Municipality, Mayor Cele-Luthuli expressed profound sadness over the tragic loss of life.

“There are simply no words that can fully ease the pain of losing a loved one so suddenly and tragically. Our hearts are deeply saddened by this devastating tragedy. We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved families and pray that they find strength, comfort and courage during this painful time.”

The Mayor said the loss has not only affected the immediate families but has also deeply touched the broader Umdoni community and the Municipality, particularly following the passing of Mr Shozi, who was a valued municipal employee.

“We want the families to know that they are not alone during this difficult period. As the Umdoni Municipality, we will stand with them and offer any assistance and support that may be required to ensure that their loved ones are laid to rest with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

The Mayor further called upon the community to keep the bereaved families in their thoughts and prayers as they come to terms with the tragic loss of their loved ones.

Umdoni Municipality extends its deepest sympathies to the Shozi, Danisa and Cele families. May the families find strength and comfort in the love and support of their communities during this time of immense sorrow.

IMIPHEFUMULO YABO MAYILALE
NGOKUTHULA 🙏🏽

ISSUED BY:
UMDONI MUNICIPALITY

01/09/2026

NEW AM4C COUNCILLOR JOINS UMDONI MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

Umdoni Municipality has welcomed a new member to its Council following the swearing-in of Councillor ND Pillay today at the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court.

Councillor Pillay joins Umdoni Council as a Proportional Representative (PR) Councillor representing the Allied Movement for Change (AM4C).

The Speaker of Umdoni Municipality, Cllr ME Mbutho, warmly welcomed Councillor Pillay and expressed confidence that the new Councillor would make a meaningful contribution to the work of Council and the development of local communities.

“On behalf of Umdoni Council, I warmly welcome Councillor ND Pillay and congratulate him on taking this important oath of office. As Councillors, we have a collective responsibility to put the interests of our communities first and to work together, despite our different political affiliations, for the betterment of the people of Umdoni.

Umdoni Municipality wishes Councillor Pillay well in his new role and looks forward to his positive contribution towards strengthening governance, promoting community development and building a better Umdoni for all.

ISSUED BY:
UMDONI MUNICIPALITY

29/08/2026

SIYAYA EMHLANGENI!

Umdoni Hosts Powerful Gathering of Young Maidens Ahead of Umkhosi Womhlanga 2026

Umdoni Municipality hosted hundreds of young Zulu maidens from across the Ugu District at KwaDumisa Sports Field, under the Izimpethu Zendlovu Tribal Authority, for a significant day dedicated to moral regeneration, cultural pride, self-respect and the development of the girl child.

Operation Siyaya Emhlangeni is more than a build-up to the upcoming Umkhosi Womhlanga 2026. It provides an important platform to nurture young maidens, strengthen cultural and moral values, promote dignity and self-respect, and remind the girl child of her vital role within her family, community and society.

With anticipation building towards the Reed Dance Ceremony scheduled for September at eMachobeni and Mashobeni Royal Palaces, the gathering served as a powerful expression of culture, unity and collective responsibility in preparing young maidens for their role as future women and leaders.

Her Worship the Mayor of Umdoni Municipality, Cllr M J Cele-Luthuli, together with the MEC Champion for Arts and Culture, Hon. Minister CM Shinga, welcomed Queen KaMafu, representing Isilo, as she led this leg of Operation Siyaya Emhlangeni.

Addressing the young maidens, Mayor Cele-Luthuli shared a deeply personal message, reminding them that she, too, was once a young maiden. She reflected on her own journey from being a young girl guided by values and obedience to becoming a woman leader and the Mayor of Umdoni Municipality.

The Mayor encouraged the maidens to understand that obedience, respect, self-development and determination can shape a young woman’s future and open doors to a better life. Her own journey, she explained, is a testament to what is possible when young women embrace their values, invest in themselves and remain determined to fulfil their potential.

Her message was a powerful reminder that the young maidens gathered at KwaDumisa today are not only custodians of culture, but also future mothers, professionals, community leaders and decision-makers.

From the vibrant izintombi, to traditional leadership and government working together, the message of Siyaya Emhlangeni remains clear: our culture matters, our values matter, and our girl children matter.

As Umdoni Municipality continues to support initiatives that promote the development and empowerment of young people, Operation Siyaya Emhlangeni stands as a celebration of heritage, dignity and hope for the generation of young women who will shape the future of our communities.

ISSUED BY
UMDONI MUNICIPALITY

29/08/2026