Newcastle Municipality snatched not one but two impressive awards at the Municipal Excellence Awards (MEA), hosted on Thursday (March 12) at the elite Durban International Convention Centre.

The award ceremony is hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and aims to recognise local municipalities for their hard work and dedication towards their communities.

Most Functional Fire and Rescue Services

In a statement released by its communications department, the municipality said that Newcastle was awarded for the ‘Most Functional Municipal Fire and Rescue Services’. This proves the municipality’s operational readiness, as well as its unwavering commitment to ensuring the public’s safety.

The municipality was also awarded second place for ‘Outstanding Implementation of the Community Work Programme (CWP)’.

Newcastle Mayor Xolani Dube, together with Deputy Mayor Andile Nkosi and Speaker Thengi Zulu, attended the event on behalf of the local municipality and its residents, gladly accepting the prestigious awards.

Word of thanks

The mayor described the awards as a proud and defining moment for both the municipality and local residents.

“These awards reaffirm that the municipality will move forward as a capable and responsive people-centred government. Being recognised for the functionality of our fire and rescue services reflects on the dedication, professionalism and bravery of the men and women who work tirelessly to ensure that our community remains safe,” Dube said.

Dube further said the award for the municipality’s CWP also represented the municipality’s commitment to inclusive development and social upliftment.

“The CWP remains an important driving force for restoring dignity, creating opportunities and strengthening our communities’ resilience.”

Dube further extended his gratitude to the entire municipal workforce for their collective commitment.

“On behalf of the council as well as the people of Newcastle, I congratulate our municipality’s management, the fire and rescue services unit, the CWP teams and every official whose dedication has contributed to this achievement,” he concluded.

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