New municipal manager has an optimistic vision
MBALI Ndlovu has been appointed as the new Municipal Manager at King Cetshwayo District Municipality.
Ndlovu, who took up office on 1 November, says she is ready to drive the developmental mandate of the district. No stranger to local government, Ndlovu previously served at the uMhlathuze Municipality as Deputy Municipal Manager: Corporate Services. Born and raised in Durban, she moved to Richards
Bay in 2005, joining the local municipality’s legal department.
‘When I left the municipality in
2014, I went into legal practice specialising in corporate and business law. Ndlovu, who graduated at the University of KwaZuluNatal, is an admitted attorney and conveyancer specialising in corporate governance and business law with an interest in public interest and human rights law.
She said as municipal manager, she will continue to ensure good governance, accountability and driving the service delivery agenda.
‘I have been entrusted with the role of an accounting officer. I will be directing all my energy to ensuring effective coordination of administration and financial resources to ensure delivery of services, the implementation of economic development programmes and facilitate processes of public participation and community consultation.’
Mbali said she also aims to redefine the image of King Cetshwayo as a district and its strategic position in KZN.
‘I want to ensure the strategic objectives of the district are achieved, aligned with those of the government.
‘In the first few months I will be focusing internally. That means looking into the institutional arrangements, systems and controls of the district and also work on strengthening the team to see how we can best position ourselves to deliver the mandate effectively.’
She also highlighted five key areas in the economic development plan and strategic opportunities for the district.
These include, amongst others, agriculture, manufacturing, domestic and foreign tourism and the maritime sector.
‘For example, the district is currently implementing an innovative maritime incubation programme.
‘This structured programme will entail business training, mentorship, guidance and business support which will result in the establishment of ten new maritime enterprises, with special focus on previously disadvantaged women, youth and disabled individuals from all municipalities within King Cetshwayo District.
‘We will also be directing our energies to ensuring development in rural areas. We will continue to align ourselves with the goals of national government while being guided by the integrated development plan of the district.’
I want to ensure the strategic objectives of the district are achieved