THE City of uMhlathuze held its last council meeting on Tuesday.
The five-year term came to an end on a high note with the passing of a historical 40% youth beneficiation capital budget quota through its supply chain management policy.
‘The city went miles ahead of its peers in the country by practically passing the youth, woman and disabled persons economic inclusion policy and stipulated tangible set-asides,’ said Mayor Mdu Mhlongo.
The amended policy also caters for sub-contracting to SMMEs.
‘There are set-asides where well established businesses will not be allowed to tender, such as Vukuphile, enterprise development, incubation and other community-based initiatives.’
Mhlongo applauded the council for acknowledging that the city is dominated by youth.
‘The sole objective for political parties that contest for state power is to change people’s lives through progressive prescripts that will directly impact on people.
‘If this policy is implemented correctly, in a period of three to four years, we would have completely changed the economic landscape of the city, the region and the whole northern KZN.’
Achievements
uMhlathuze Youth Council Chairperson Sikhumbuzo Mabaso said the policy came at the right time, as the city recently employed a Youth Affairs Manager, Njabulo Ntuli.
‘We have been advocating for youth empowerment initiatives for quite some time. In our last Youth Council summit, we resolved for the establishment of a Youth Affairs Manager as well as for the policy amendment,’ said Mabaso.
The council also highlighted major achievements during its term of office, including the fact that 97% of water and electricity coverage in areas serviced by the city was reached.
‘We end this term on a high note as we leave three consecutive clean audits,’ said Mhlongo.
‘This is contrary to prophets of doom who worked tirelessly to drag our name through the mud through rumour mongering, aiming to score cheap political points.
‘I thank the outgoing team of councillors under my mayorship.
‘We shall walk tall knowing we have contributed positively to the betterment of residents’ lives.’
A new council is expected to be inaugurated two weeks after the local government elections.
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