Newly appointed uMshwathi municipal manager Mafezwe Ralph Khanyile said his first 100 days in office will focus on tightening financial governance, restoring basic services and strengthening the municipality’s disaster readiness. Khanyile, who was born, raised and still lives in Mpolweni Mission, said his immediate priority is “to stabilise financial governance, accelerate essential service delivery — water, waste collection and street lighting — and strengthen disaster resilience in response to recent flood events, while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth”. He said his decision to accept the post was guided by his roots in the area and his desire to give back.Khanyile holds diplomas in Public and Project Management, a Bachelor of Technology degree, an Honours degree and a Master’s degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
He said his academic training, combined with his public-sector experience, prepared him for the role. Armed with years of service delivery experience at Eskom, the Independent Electoral Commission, uMshwathi Municipality as a line manager, and almost 20 years at the KZN Office of the Premier, I felt it was time to come back home and give back by taking this municipality to the next level. He outlined three key priorities for his first 100 days: restoring financial discipline and governance to address audit findings; improving service delivery through targeted infrastructure maintenance and quick-win interventions; and strengthening disaster preparedness and climate resilience through risk mapping, early warning systems and resilient infrastructure.
Khanyile said transparency and public participation would underpin his approach. “We will pursue transparency, regular performance updates and open channels for feedback,” he said, adding that improved community participation, stronger whistle-blower protection and better access to frontline services would be central. He added that unlocking tourism potential around Albert Falls Dam and strengthening agricultural value chains would also be focus areas.
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