Celebrating excellence in iLembe

iLembe mayor Siduduzo Gumede encouraged councillors to work hard towards making a positive impact during their term of office and to be prepared to face harsh criticism.

Gumede was speaking at the second annual councillors’ appreciation and mayor’s business excellence awards at the Ibandla Hotel in Ballito on Friday.

“Our job is a critical one and we need to be able to deal with harsh criticism from the people that we are elected to serve, yet we must also ensure that we provide the service that is required from us,” said Gumede.

The awards were hosted by the Noble Leader’s Foundation, in partnership with iLembe municipality, First National Bank and Siza Water.

Individuals and companies were recognised for their contributions to the economic landscape of the district through job creation and social initiatives.

This included the founder of Azowel Projects Welile Gumede from Maphumulo, who came third in the 2018 iLembe Chamber Entrepreneur Competition and recently won the SMME UKZN Champions Project, the eLan Property Group, Hesto Harnesses, KIC and P&O Fabrications.

The Qwabe twins, Virginia and Viggy Qwabe, from Doringkop, were also honoured for their outstanding performances at the SA Idols competition and for their contribution to increased visibility for the district.

Noble Leader’s Foundation chairman Emanuel Ngcobo said they chose to award only businesses this year because last year they awarded long-serving councillors.

“We further want to extend our gratitude to all the people who came on board to make the event a success and congratulations to the 2019 winners. As we shine our light as the Noble Leaders Foundation and iLembe District Municipality in recognising good deeds for continued inspiration, we trust others will also do the same. This will allow the light to shine brighter in the darkness we currently face as a country.

“This would not have been possible without our main partners. All that we do is through private partnerships, without public funds hence my deepest appreciation to those who continue to support us as we develop noble leaders for a global impact,” said Ngcobo.

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