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.

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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

At the ongoing 3rd Ordinary Council Meeting, sitting today – 29 August 2024 – the Chairperson of the Audit Committee was presenting his Q4 Audit Committe Report and amid the subsequent deliberations thereof by the council, His Worship the Mayor mentioned that out of 54 municipalities in the province of Kwazulu-Natal, Okhahlamba Local Municipality is one of the ONLY 4 local government entities to have received an unqualified audit opinion (Clean Audit) for the 2022/23 financial year.

Ukhahlamba Luyizwi Labantu.

Today Okhahlamba Local Municipality hosted its annual Matric Excellence Awards ceremony which was led by His Worship, Cllr. V.R Mlotshwa. The awards ceremony commemorated the top 30 highest academic achievers across the municipality.

In his keynote address Cllr. Mlotshwa reminded the learners that “The path to achieving success is always undergoing development” and encouraged them to always remember their roots.

The Bergville Circuit Manager Cluster outperformed Estcourt CMC and Mnambithi CMC. The Bergville CMC secured an 88,9% pass rate followed by Estcourt CMC (81.7%) and Mnambithi CMC (78.4%). The Emangwaneni Circuit secured a 91.2% pass rate with its Class of 2023 securing 436 bachelor passes, 250 diploma passes, 127 higher certificate passes and one national senior certificate pass. The top-performing schools in the Bergville CMC were Amazizi High School, Qhozo High School, Maqoqa High School and Bambazi High School. All of these schools secured a 100% pass rate.

The top five learners in the Bergville CMC were: Bhekithemba Sthembiso Nduduso Xaba (Amaphisi High School), Sbongakonke Alwande Khumalo (Amangwane High School), Alwande Zamakhuze Bulelani Zikalala (Ngcongcosi High School),  Edwin Ntokozo Ngubeni (Ubulinga High School), and Asanda Nobuhle Zikode (Ukhahlamba High School).

The event was attended by councillors, learners, parents, teachers, principals, dignitaries from the Department of Education and municipal officials.

We would like to congratulate the Class of 2023, the CMC and all the schools under it, the student governing bodies and everyone who contributed to this success on their remarkable achievement.