Outcry over prolonged weekend power outages

By Xpress Reporter

KwaDukuza Municipality has failed to respond and explain the reasons for power outage that lasted for 24 hours, at the weekend. The outage affected several areas in Ward 16. Residents demanded answers on the delay in sending out electricians to attend to the fault.

Some residents said KDM Control Room had informed them that a cherry picker would be required, which meant the fault could not be repaired on time.

What angered the residents the most is that, after 24 hours of blackouts, the electrician reportedly spent just ten minutes to resolve the fault. Residents demanded to know why it took the KDM Electrical Department 24 hours to do a 10-minute repair.

At the time of going to press on Tuesday, KDM had not provided any answers.

Former Mayor appointed acting Municipal Manager

Former KwaDukuza Mayor Thulani Khuluse (pictured) has been appointed as the acting Municipal manager for Maphumulo Municipality. Khuluse, who has pledged to work with staff and Council to improve the lives of the people of Maphumulo, is the Director of Corporate Services for the same municipality.

N2 accident leaves pedestrian dead

By Xpress Reporter

A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle on the N2 Highway near Salt Rock, on Sunday. IPSS Medical Rescue says the driver of the vehicle, a bakkie, sustained serious injuries during the accident, and had to receive emergency treatment before being transported to a suitable medical facility. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

A pedestrian was killed after being knocked by a vehicle

District

Thobani Shandu has handed over 20 laptops to the Department of Education in Ilembe District. Mayor

Shandu met with District Director Dr Musawenkosi Madondo on Thursday last

By Xpress Reporter

A vehicle hijacked in KwaDukuza on Thursday night was recovered the following day at Hazelmere in Verulam. The Ford Ranger bakkie was reportedly taken at about 22:30, and just after 7am the following morning, a vehicle tracking company provided coordinates for the location of the vehicle to law enforcement agencies.

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) says its officers, week, to hand over the computers.

The municipality said ten of the laptops were to be handed over to the District's top ten performers for the Matric Class of 2022, while ten were for use by the Department.

Shandu commended the Department for achieving 83.9% pass rate for the 2022 academic year, while Dr Madondo revealed that Department aims to achieve nothing less than 90% pass rate for the current school year.

By Xpress Reporter

The ANC in the General Gizenga Mpanza Region is mourning the death of Councillor Nkanyiso Nxumalo (37), who was the ward councillor for Ward 15 under Mandeni Local

Municipality.

Cllr Nxumalo succumbed to a short illness on Wednesday, 22nd of February 2023.

ANC Regional Secretary Siphesihle Zulu has described the deceased as a selfless community leader, whose life touched many people within his community.

“We bow our revolutionary banner in honour of his selfless (dedication) to the creation of a just and equal society. He had a short but well lived life. The ANC conveys its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the entire mass democratic movement,” Zulu stated.

Mandeni Local Municipality has also paid a moving tribute to the late councillor, saying he was dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Ward 15.

“As a member of Mandeni Local Municipality Council, Nxumalo never missed an opportunity to represent his people and bring forth their plight in order for them to get much needed assistance.

“The Municipality mourns his passing and wishes to convey its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow councillors as well as everyone who crossed paths with his gentle soul,” the Municipality stated.