Celani Sikhakhane brings you KwaZulu-Natal’s latest news.
Durban: The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs honoured 47 Amakhosi who completed the Leadership and Good Governance Programme in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The graduation ceremony took place at the Durban ICC.
MEC for COGTA, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, described the event as a defining moment for traditional leadership in the province.
“Today is not just a graduation — it is a coronation of knowledge. We are unveiling a new calibre of leadership for KwaZulu-Natal.”
The year-long programme equipped Amakhosi with critical skills in governance, public policy, financial management, land administration and rural development. Each participant also received digital tools — including laptops and connectivity — to strengthen service delivery at Traditional Administrative Centres.
Reflecting on the journey, Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela said the programme had elevated community confidence in traditional leadership, while Inkosi Bhekizwe Biyela urged graduates to uphold discipline, integrity and the dignity of the institution.
Newcastle: The Madadeni High Court in Newcastle sentenced Lindokuhle Mbatha (37) to four terms of life imprisonment for murder and a further 80 years in jail for attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The sentencing follows a brutal and senseless attack that occurred at the Mahlaba homestead on the evening of Sunday, 14 January 2024, in the Madlangeni area under the Charlestown policing precinct. On that night, a suspect entered the home of Mrs Mahlaba and opened fire on those who were inside the house. Mrs Lucia Mahlaba (42), who was a local induna, was fatally wounded. Her 22-year-old son, Thando Mahlaba, her neighbour Mrs Shonaphi Mbhatha (50) and her son’s friend Ayanda Zikhali (19) also lost their lives during the attack.
One person managed to escape the shooting and called for help. Some neighbours who came to assist were also shot at and sustained injuries.
Park Rynie: The execution of the #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation has resulted in the suspension of the driver’s licence of a reckless driver, Musa Trevor Mnguni. In addition, the court imposed a sentence of R30,000 or eight months in prison.
The driver was arrested on 10 December 2025 by the No Nonsense RTI Park Rynie Team after dangerously clocking 172 km/h in a 120 km/h zone. He appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court.
Through this suspension of a driver’s licence, we are communicating a clear message that a driver’s licence is a legally granted privilege and not a constitutional right. Therefore, we will ensure that we take it away in order to prevent you from killing innocent people on the road.
Pictured above: About 47 traditional leaders across KZN villages graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Image source: KZNCOGTA
