At 29 he is the youngest Mayor in KZN if not in the country. In a frank interview with the Courier, as his tenure reaches 100 days following the victory of the IFP/EFF/DA, Siboniso Richard Mbatha said he is humbled by his election as Endumeni Mayor.
“The IFP and the Council placed faith in me. I must stick to my mandate and lead this Council and the town. Endumeni has been through rough waters over the past five years and the time has come to put egos aside and focus on service delivery.” His first task is to amalgamate the 13-member Council comprising of six ANC, two DA, one EFF and four IFP members. “We are fairly stable at the moment despite the difficulties of the first meetings. I am confident that we are all united in ensuring that all citizens of Endumeni receive a better service from their municipality. We are looking at what people are complaining about. Roads – the infrastructure has been neglected hence the need to look at this. We have attended to the Glencoe Prison road, roads in the industrial area and roads in residential areas. I believe in an accessible office. Call me or the municipality’s technical department should residents encounter potholes or other road problems.”

Asked about the challenges facing Endumeni, Mayor Mbatha said ‘unemployment has given me sleepless nights’. “Whenever there are vacancies in the municipality we will first look at local people. I am pleased that many retail businesses are following the same principle and would encourage them to ensure that this is the norm.” Electricity theft – at around R30-million a year – is scary and Mayor Mbatha believes more must be done to stem the scourge.
“Crime is also on the rise. For years the public has called for CCTV cameras to be installed in the business areas. This will become a reality over the next five years.” Reacting to comments that residents are negative towards the municipality because of poor service delivery and ‘rude front-line staff’, Mayor Mbatha said he has already requested management to ‘deal with errant behaviour’. He commented that in acting municipal manager, Desi Padayachee, ‘we have someone who can run the municipality and mete out discipline when necessary.”
The TP Biyela matter is one that costs the town R80 000 a month as the case of the still-suspended municipal manager drags into its third year. “Council wants the matter resolved quickly. A new prosecutor has been instructed to proceed as a matter of urgency.”

Asked about the vexed question of a Mayoral vehicle, Mayor Mbatha said he is still using the Audi Q7 used by Mayor Mahaye.
“Although the vehicle was stolen, recovered and involved in a major accident I am using it. I do not want to be seen wanting a new vehicle even though this one is not up to scratch. We must give this vehicle a thorough check by professionals and if necessary trade it in for a new vehicle.” He was adamant that he would not fall into the trap of employing a ‘fleet of backup vehicles for his own security.”
“I don’t mind driving myself on occasions – I have a license.” He concluded by saying his other concern was recreational facilities for especially the youth. “The new Wasbank sports centre will help but, yes, we must look at ways to establish a sports centre that will encourage recreational activity.” He encouraged all residents, regardless of political affiliation, to help guide Endumeni to a brighter future.