In a decisive move towards improving service delivery and enhancing the quality of life for residents, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Karen Walker, has officially received 15 industrial-grade grass cutting machines on behalf of the Greater Kokstad Municipality (GKM). This strategic acquisition marks a proactive step in the ongoing municipality’s efforts to address the issue of overgrown grass, and it is a move as well to continuously maintain public spaces across the municipality.

For months, communities within GKM have voiced concerns about the deteriorating state of parks, sidewalks, cemeteries, and open areas, spaces that should be safe, welcoming, and well-maintained. The Deputy Mayor’s intervention speaks directly to these concerns, demonstrating the municipality’s responsiveness and commitment to restoring order and pride in public infrastructure.

“These machines are not just tools; they are instruments of service, visibility, and dignity,” said Cllr Karen Walker during the handover. “Our people deserve clean, accessible, and well-kept environments. This is a tangible step toward achieving that,” added the Deputy Mayor.

The newly received equipment will significantly boost the municipality’s capacity to carry out routine maintenance and rapid response operations in all affected wards. Municipal teams will now be better equipped to implement scheduled grass-cutting programmes with greater efficiency and consistency.

This milestone also forms part of GKM’s broader agenda to professionalise service delivery, invest in essential resources, and uphold the principles of good governance. By equipping teams with the necessary tools, the municipality is not only resolving current backlogs but also building long-term capacity to maintain high standards of service across all communities.

The Greater Kokstad Municipality remains committed to creating a cleaner, greener, and more dignified environment for its residents. This is yet another promise that fulfils a clear indication that meaningful change is underway.

By Nomzekelo Selani

In a significant move to support local agriculture and economic empowerment, the Greater Kokstad Municipality (GKM) recently handed over essential farming equipment to the Greenfingers Co-operative in Maraiskop Village in Ward 2. The handover formed part of the GKM’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget Roadshow for 2025/26, which drew community members and council officials together to discuss development priorities.

The equipment handed over by GKM’s Local Economic Development (LED) Department is set to benefit not just the co-operative but the broader community, assisting in ploughing and harvesting local fields and promoting self-sustenance.

The handover ceremony was led by GKM Mayor, Councillor Lwanda Madikizela, who described the initiative as a critical step towards empowering residents to become active participants in food production, food security and economic development.

“We are giving our people the tools to feed themselves, support each other, and even generate income from surplus produce,” said Mayor Madikizela. The Mayor added that this was more than just farming—it’s a movement towards fighting poverty, creating jobs, and building economic resilience.

Equipment handed over included the following agricultural implements:

• PTO Shaft with Clutch 612sff
• 4-Row Planter
• 5-Tine Ripper
• 600L Boom Sprayer
• 4 Mouldboard Plough
• 2-Row Potato Planter
• Single-Row Potato Harvester
• 3-Ton Tip Trailer
• Battery (674) for MF290 Tractor

These tools will enhance the community’s capacity to cultivate a variety of crops, ultimately strengthening food security and local food systems.

Mayor Madikizela highlighted that this handover aligns with the “One Home, One Garden” programme spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture and Land Reform. The initiative encourages households to grow their own produce, promoting self-reliance and sustainability.

“In Kokstad, we’ve gone a step further by launching a seed bank at our Eco-Park Centre,” he noted. “Even residents who may not have money for seeds can access them freely. We want every household to grow something—whether it’s for their own table or for sale,” added the Mayor.

This approach reflects a broader vision of community-led development where urban and rural agriculture are embraced as tools for transformation.

The Mayor also took time to commend the Strategic Project Fund (SPF), an initiative run by the GKM in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA). The program is designed to support informal traders and small business owners, providing financial aid and technical guidance to help them grow.

“We’re starting to see the difference,” said Mayor Madikizela. “People are opening small businesses, gaining confidence, and taking steps to improve their lives.”

The LED Manager at GKM, Mr. Mthokozisi Zulu, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, emphasizing that the SPF is a vehicle for inclusive economic participation. According to Zulu, the program targets Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) that show potential for growth and a positive local impact.

“We focus on businesses that are already demonstrating success,” Zulu said. “Through funding, mentorship, and support services, we’re helping them scale up and compete effectively.”

Market access and product development are key pillars of the program, ensuring that beneficiaries not only survive but thrive in the local and regional economy.

At the heart of these initiatives is a deep commitment to community empowerment. From farming co-operatives to micro-enterprises, GKM’s approach is rooted in participatory development, where residents are not passive recipients but active drivers of change.

The IDP roadshow served as a platform for transparent engagement between the municipality and its people, with attendees allowed to raise concerns, suggest projects, and gain clarity on the municipality’s plans.

Agricultural support like the Maraiskop handover is not a standalone event—it’s part of a broader GKM strategy to reduce dependence on state aid and promote self-sustaining livelihoods. By investing in farming equipment, the Municipality is making a clear statement: economic freedom begins with empowering people where they are.

Mayor Madikizela made it clear that while profit and income generation are important, the social and developmental impacts of farming cannot be overlooked.

“When a community can feed itself, it restores dignity. It builds pride. And from that place, real development can take root,” he said.

Members of the Greenfingers Co-operative expressed their appreciation for the farming tools, saying they are excited to start planting on a larger scale.

“We’ve been working hard with limited resources, but now things are different,” said Danise Jansen, a member of the co-op. “These tools will really help us increase our productivity and maybe even employ more people from the community.”

Their sentiment was echoed by local residents who see the initiative as a turning point for Maraiskop.

By Kamvalethu Xhelithole

The Bhongweni Youth Centre was recently abuzz with excitement as young netball players gathered for the Netball South Africa Presidential Community Outreach Programme. Hosted in partnership with the Greater Kokstad Municipality (GKM), the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, as well as the Harry Gwala Netball Federation, the initiative sought to nurture young talent, enhance sports development within Harry Gwala, and amplify the excitement ahead of the Under-21 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar later this year. 

Among the key figures present was Mbali Diphoko, a rising star in South African netball who grew up playing on the very courts she returned to inspire the next generation on. The U21 South Africa netball player, who once attended 7 Fountains Primary School and Shayamoya Area Secondary School in Kokstad, shared her journey with the aspiring athletes, serving as a beacon of hope for many.

Mbali’s story is one of perseverance and passion. Her exceptional talent on the court earned her a bursary to study at the University of the Free State (Kovsies), where she is currently in her first year. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I never imagined that the same courts I played on as a child would be the place where I would return to inspire others. Netball has changed my life, and I hope to see many of you follow in my footsteps.”

During the event, Mbali handed over netball equipment to school captains, symbolizing her commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured her talent. 

GKM Speaker, Cllr Bheki Nozaza emphasized the importance of investing in young athletes, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Mbali and what she has achieved. Her story is proof that with the right support, our young people can reach greater heights. As a Municipality, we are committed to ensuring that sports facilities and training opportunities continue to grow.” 

President of Netball South Africa. Cecilia Molokwane echoed similar sentiments, underlining the association’s dedication to developing young players. “This is more than just netball. It’s about building a future for these young girls. Mbali is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication,” she said 

The event also marked a significant milestone for Netball South Africa as they celebrate 30 years of democracy. The donation of netball equipment to local schools reinforced their commitment to fostering talent at a grassroots level. With young players like Mbali emerging from communities like Kokstad, the future of South African netball looks brighter than ever.

As the programme concluded, one thing was clear—Mbali Diphoko’s journey is just the beginning, and she carries with her the hopes of many young players who one day dream of wearing the green and gold colours of the South African national netball team.

By Kamvalethu Xhelithole 

The Municipality tops the list of the best-performing municipalities in the KwaZulu-Natal province and has recently been confirmed to be in a good state of finances by the Auditor General.

The Greater Kokstad Municipality continues to maintain its position of being one of the country’s best-performing and financially viable municipalities.

The Municipality has recently been featured and announced to be among the four best-performing Municipalities in the KwaZulu-Natal province.

The declaration was made by the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department (CoGTA).

Evident to this, the Municipality has recently received an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor General for 2023/2024, meaning the municipality's finances are stable and are in good health.

Different independent agencies also rated the Municipality for three consecutive years as the best performing and stable municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal province and number four nationally in terms of functionality and being in good financial status previously.

Moreover, these achievements and accolades are attributed to the Greater Kokstad Municipality, which is not a grant-funded institution. The municipality sustains itself by delivering services to the people at the highest level through various revenue collection streams.

The Greater Kokstad Municipality Mayor, Councillor, MNL Madikizela was very delighted by the news saying, “This is through hard work with the rest of the team (officials) and councillors”.

He said the achievements are through a united council where in his Municipality they work as a team even with opposition parties.

“I say this boldly that this is not a partisan municipality, we work as a team with all parties,” he said.

The Greater Kokstad Municipality Municipal Manager, Mr Sipho Zwane echoed the Mayor’s sentiments saying “Nothing is impossible when working as a team and also thanked his officials for working tirelessly to ensure they are a better Municipality and giving confidence to communities that the taxpayers's money is in safe hands”.

He said they will continue using the taxpayer's money wisely and the door is wide open for those having elements of fraud and corruption and that as the municipality they will make sure that they face the music.

By Kamvalethu Xhelithole