At a memorial service in Pietermaritzburg for the late Yusuf Bhamjee, ANC member Zweli Mkhize emphasized the need for South African leaders to adopt Bhamjee's leadership style. Bhamjee, who passed away on January 3, 2025, served in various capacities within the ANC, including as a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and as Mayor of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality.



Mkhize highlighted Bhamjee's ability to connect with comrades across the political spectrum and his role in fostering peace during a tumultuous period in the Natal Midlands. He noted that Bhamjee was an activist at heart, dedicated to addressing community challenges rather than seeking personal comfort in office.



According to Mkhize, Bhamjee's commitment to serving the people exemplified the empathy that originally drove the ANC. He lamented the shift in the party, where some members have become careerists focused on personal gain rather than community service. Mkhize pointed out that this change has hindered effective governance and service delivery.



He praised Bhamjee's leadership in the uMgungundlovu District, stating that he understood community needs and managed people effectively. Mkhize called for a return to the type of activism that Bhamjee embodied, urging ANC members to foster cooperation among South Africans of all backgrounds.

He concluded that Bhamjee's legacy should inspire a renewed commitment to serving communities and addressing their challenges.

Ward 60 Councillor Fakazi Mdletshe during a site visit to the Redcliffe Housing Project to inspect progress made thus far. The R84 million housing project will change the lives of 600 families once it is complete. Picture: THEMBA KHUMALO

WORK to build more than 600 houses in Ward 60 has begun. The R84 million Redcliff Housing Project began last month following the introduction of the contractor to the community by Ward 60 Councillor Fakazi Mdletshe. He said following the introduction of the contractor, the infrastructure for services including water, sanitation and electricity was being implemented before construction started.

Councillor Mdletshe said the project will also bring the development of roads, passages, infrastructure upgrades and other developments. “Several people will also benefit from short-term employment. We also have many local companies who will be subcontracting in various stages of the project.”

Last week, PSiRA noted allegations against Pro Secure CEO Ferrel Govender, who was arrested alongside his brother, Darren. Both are accused of murdering uMhlanga businessman Shailen Singh. Singh, 32, was shot dead in uMhlanga on December 29, 2024.



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The brothers are awaiting a decision on their bail application in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.

On Monday, Pro Secure issued a statement in light of widespread speculation regarding the volatile status of the security service, which stated that PSiRA had suspended them.

“We would like to reassure our clients, partners, and the public that these claims are false and have been misrepresented by the media, social media platforms, and other service providers,” Pro Secure said.

Midlands EMS spokesperson, Ronald Robertson, said they were alerted to the incident, and an advanced life support team was dispatched to the scene to provide urgent medical assistance.



"On arrival, our team found one person who had sustained serious injuries and was in critical condition. Immediate advanced life support treatment was initiated to stabilise the patient," Robertson said.

He said rescue teams had to use specialised rescue equipment to ensure safe and effective care in a challenging environment.

After stabilisation at the scene, the patient was transported to a local trauma hospital for further treatment, Robertson said the patient was taken to a local trauma hospital for further treatment.

In a separate incident, also involving an animal, a young child was seriously injured while out horse riding.

Robertson said emergency teams raced to the scene in Howick, also in the KZN Midlands on Monday afternoon to find the injured child.

"Upon arrival, it was determined that a child had sustained serious injuries and required urgent advanced life support treatment.


"The child was stabilized on scene using specialised rescue equipment before being transported to a nearby hospital for further care," Robertson said.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za