DA’s Pappas sworn-in for second term as uMngeni Mayor

Chris Pappas has begun a second term as uMngeni mayor after the Democratic Alliance (DA) retained control of the municipality. Pappas and Sandile Mnikathi were re-elected as mayor and deputy mayor, respectively. They were sworn in alongside 23 other councillors at the municipality's inaugural council meeting on Friday. The DA secured 15 of the council's 25 seats in the 4 November local government elections, while the ANC won five seats, the MK Party four, and the IFP one. Kate Janse van Rensburg was elected speaker, and Nompumelelo Buthelezi was elected chief whip.

In his inaugural address, Pappas outlined the municipality's focus for the next five years, emphasizing accelerating progress, expanding opportunities, and preparing uMngeni for future generations. He acknowledged ongoing challenges, including potholes, inadequate services, unemployment, and poverty. Pappas pledged to create 2,000 net new jobs and provide training opportunities to 1,000 people, emphasizing partnerships with businesses, agriculture, tourism, and industry to support investment and employment.

The mayor also addressed the municipality's electricity distribution challenges, stating that the system faces significant financial and technical pressures. He highlighted the need to reduce electricity losses and pursue a sustainable resolution to the electricity supply issues affecting Hilton. Pappas reiterated the municipality's commitment to strengthening road repairs, public lighting, and infrastructure maintenance, as well as enhancing law enforcement, traffic services, emergency preparedness, and fire services.

Pappas cautioned against complacency, urging councillors to work together to deliver tangible improvements in residents' lives. He invited opposition councillors to participate constructively in council matters and emphasized the importance of putting political differences aside to serve uMngeni residents effectively. KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi congratulated the elected councillors and urged them to work together to improve service delivery, promising that the people of uMngeni expect a municipality that works, delivers, and is accountable.