Celani Sikhakhane brings you KwaZulu-Natal’s latest news.
Richardsbay: DA mayoral candidate Christo Botha for the City of uMhlathuze in Richards Bay has died.
Botha, who was announced as the DA’s mayoral candidate ahead of the November local government elections, passed away on Tuesday morning after suffering health complications, according to DA Provincial leader Sthembiso Ngema.
He was also the Deputy Mayor of uMhlathuze Municipality.
Botha played a key role in saving the IFP from losing governing power in 2023 after the EFF dumped the party from their 2021 coalition agreement.
“The DA has lost not only a Deputy Mayor but an outstanding leader and servant of the people who was going to contest as our mayoral candidate in the upcoming local government elections,” said Ngema.
Pinetown: A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment plus an additional 25 years after pleading guilty to housebreaking, robbery and murder in Pinetown.
The Pinetown Regional Court handed down the sentence to Siyabonga Ntuli for crimes committed in February 2025. Ntuli and a co-conspirator broke into the home of a 45-year-old man with the intention to rob him. During the confrontation, Ntuli shot and killed the man in front of his wife. The pair then stole household items and the deceased’s vehicle before fleeing.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence.
uMzumbe: KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has handed over Local Economic Development assets to 43 Amakhosi and Ondlunkulu within the Ugu District.
The handover, held at Nkanini Sports Complex in front of more than 2,000 community members, included catering equipment, mobile fridges, marquees and chairs.
Buthelezi said the initiative is designed to push Amakhosi toward financial self-sufficiency, enabling them to host events and launch small businesses that create jobs in rural areas.
Pictured above: DA mayoral candidate Christo Botha for the City of uMhlathuze in Richards Bay has passed away.
Image source: City of uMhlathuze
