Ratepayers expect progress under new manager

MSUNDUZI Municipality ratepayer associations are looking forward to a fresh and effective approach from new municipal manager Simon Mndebele to turn the city’s fortunes around.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

Mndebele, who was appointed as the manager on Friday, was described by Mzimkhulu Thebolla, Msunduzi's mayor, as pivotal to reposition Msunduzi as a municipality that is responsive, financially stable, and people-centred.

Mndebele previously served as a technical support expert for Msunduzi Municipality, deployed by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). Mndebele also served as municipal manager at Govan Mbeki Local Municipality and director in its Corporate Services department at Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality.

“In this capacity, he led the development of the municipality’s turnaround strategy, conducted diagnostic analyses, and helped establish critical performance oversight structures. His in-depth knowledge of Msunduzi’s operational landscape provides a solid foundation for decisive leadership from day one,” Thebolla said.

He added that with his leadership, Msunduzi aims to fast-track infrastructure development, improve basic services, strengthen financial controls, and restore institutional stability.