Jabulile Msiya Transforms uMzimkhulu as First Black Female Mayor, Expanding Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities

A Historic Leader for uMzimkhulu

Jabulile Msiya made history in 2021 as the first black female mayor of uMzimkhulu Local Municipality. Since taking office, she has focused on improving service delivery, upgrading infrastructure, and creating economic opportunities for residents.

Msiya, who previously served as a ward councillor and speaker, brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her leadership is rooted in transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

“My role is to provide oversight and engage people on what they want,” Msiya told The Witness. “Public participation has been key to our success.”

Infrastructure Upgrades and Service Delivery

Under Msiya’s leadership, uMzimkhulu has seen significant infrastructure improvements. Roads and bridges have been upgraded, particularly in rural areas, to improve connectivity and access.

Water and sanitation projects have also been prioritized. These initiatives aim to address shortages and ensure reliable access to clean water for all residents.

“We try by all means to keep our town clean and safe so we can attract investors,” Msiya said.

Empowering Youth and Women

Msiya’s administration has introduced programs to support young entrepreneurs and women in business. These initiatives aim to reduce unemployment and foster economic growth in the municipality.

Collaborations with law enforcement have also improved safety in crime-prone areas. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create a secure environment for residents and businesses.

“New programmes have been introduced to support young entrepreneurs and women in business,” Msiya explained.

Challenges and Future Plans

Despite her achievements, challenges like unemployment and service backlogs remain. Msiya is committed to addressing these issues by attracting investment and creating more job opportunities.

Her administration is also working to strengthen governance structures. This includes enhancing the audit committee and municipal public accounts committee to ensure clean audits.

“We are focused on clean governance, which translates to proper service delivery,” Msiya said.

A Legacy of Progress

Jabulile Msiya’s leadership has brought a fresh perspective to uMzimkhulu. Her commitment to transparency, community engagement, and development has set a new standard for governance.

As she continues her work, Msiya remains dedicated to uplifting the community and ensuring a brighter future for all residents.

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