Chris Pappas has been re-elected as the mayor of uMngeni Municipality in South Africa, marking the beginning of his second term in office. The Democratic Alliance (DA) retained control of the municipality, securing 15 out of 25 seats in the council during the 4 November local government elections. Pappas, along with Sandile Mnikathi as deputy mayor, was sworn in alongside 23 other councillors during the municipality's inaugural council meeting.
In his inaugural address, Pappas outlined the municipality's priorities for the next five years, focusing on accelerating progress, expanding opportunities, and preparing uMngeni for future generations. He acknowledged that challenges such as potholes, inadequate services, unemployment, and poverty persist, but expressed commitment to addressing these issues. Pappas emphasized the need for action, stating that residents deserve more than explanations.
Job creation and economic growth will be key priorities for the council, with a commitment to supporting the creation of 2,000 net new jobs and providing training opportunities to 1,000 people. Pappas mentioned that partnerships with businesses, agriculture, tourism, and industry will be strengthened to support investment, entrepreneurship, and employment. The municipality aims to make it easier to invest and create jobs in uMngeni.
The municipality will continue to invest in road repairs, public lighting, and infrastructure maintenance, while strengthening law enforcement, traffic services, emergency preparedness, and fire services. Pappas identified electricity distribution pressures as a major challenge, particularly in Hilton, where residents face ongoing electricity supply challenges. The municipality's planning documents highlight electricity infrastructure serving Hilton as an ongoing challenge.
Water and sanitation infrastructure, housing needs, and rural access to services were also highlighted as areas requiring continued investment and co-operation with other spheres of government. Pappas emphasized that the election result represents significant trust from voters but warned against complacency. He invited opposition councillors to participate constructively in council, stressing that the municipality belongs equally to residents regardless of their political affiliation.
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi congratulated the elected councillors, urging them to put political differences aside and work together to improve service delivery. Buthelezi emphasized that residents expect a municipality that works, delivers, and has accountable leadership. The new council has a responsibility to ensure that residents experience tangible improvements in their lives.
Pappas concluded that the first chapter of his term was about proving that change was possible, while the next chapter must focus on proving that progress can endure. With a renewed mandate, the council will work to address the municipality's challenges and improve the lives of its residents. The DA's retention of control in uMngeni Municipality sets the stage for continued development and growth in the area.
Key points
- The DA secured 15 out of 25 seats in the council during the 4 November local government elections.
- Pappas aims to create 2,000 net new jobs and provide training opportunities to 1,000 people.
- The municipality will prioritize investments in road repairs, public lighting, and infrastructure maintenance.
