NEWCASTLE KZN: Mayor engages with interfaith community leaders [GALLERY]

Newcastle Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba has advocated, through prayer, for 'peaceful elections' during this year's LGE.

May 31, 2021

Newcastle Advertiser 1 minute read

Newcastle Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba - image from file.

Prayer is ‘one of the most effective and efficient responses to social scourges such as violence and crime’.

This is according to Newcastle Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba who recently met with interfaith leaders at the Newcastle Farmers Hall.

Mlungisi Khumalo, Head of Communications for the Newcastle Municipality said Cllr Mahlaba embarked on ‘a series of engagements with leaders of the community’ – the first of which took place at the Council Chambers on May 12 and consisted of traditional leaders.

“On May 27, Cllr Mahlaba, Deputy Mayor Reuben Molelekoa, Chief Whip Cllr Dolly Mnguni and acting Municipal Manager, Vish Govender led the second of the engagement series,” he said.

The sessions, accord to Khumalo, were initiated because the municipality acknowledged the ‘significant role that community-based leaders play in the overall welfare of communities’.

“Furthermore, it is crucial to make these kinds of engagements to encourage the participation of stakeholders and for them to utilise such platforms to raise societal issues,” continued Khumalo.

As part of the day’s programme, the hall was packed with interfaith communities who sought God’s guidance and intervention leading up to the Local Government Elections, with a view of gaining insight into issues relating to Newcastle and surrounds.

“With this prayer, we aim to promote peaceful elections and for God to ordain the rightful leaders to carry the mandate bestowed upon them,” concluded Cllr Mahlaba.