Thami Magubane

Journalist, The Mercury

Two KZN municipalities face possible administration over governance woes

Thami Magubane|Published

Two municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, Impendle and uThukela, are facing potential administration due to severe governance failures and service delivery challenges, ...

Mbhele stands firm on eThekwini invoicing system despite contractor protests

Thami Magubane|Published

Despite strong opposition from service providers, eThekwini Municipality's City Manager, Musa Mbhele, reaffirms the commitment to the online invoicing system, highlighting ...

KZN Education Department summoned by SAHRC amid funding failures

Thami Magubane|Published

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is facing scrutiny from the Human Rights Commission over its failure to pay essential funding to schools.

eThekwini issues warning on vandalism amid contractors' protest

Thami Magubane|Published

The eThekwini Municipality has issued a stern warning against vandalism of city infrastructure, linking recent damage to protests over unpaid service providers. ...

eThekwini mayor Xaba calls for specialised courts to tackle land invasions

Thami Magubane|Published

Mayor Cyril Xaba proposes the establishment of special courts to combat land invasions and property hijackings in Ethekwini, aiming to protect property owners and ...

KZN budget cuts: More than 40,000 learners set to lose scholar transport

Thami Magubane|Published

More than 40,000 earners may lose access to essential scholar transport services due to drastic budget cuts, raising concerns over education inequality and potential ...

eThekwini's online system processes 5,000 invoices after payment delays

Thami Magubane|Published

The eThekwini Municipality has successfully processed 5,000 invoices through its new online payment system, aiming to improve efficiency and compliance for service ...

SA Reserve Bank explains Ithala banking licence failure

Thami Magubane|Published

Ithala Bank's application for a commercial banking licence has been declined by the Reserve Bank due to non-compliance with critical conditions. Former board members ...

IFP councillor survives shooting on N2 near Mtubatuba, northern KZN

Thami Magubane|Published

An Inkatha Freedom Party councillor has survived a shooting attempt on the N2 Highway near Mtubatuba, with authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding ...

DA KZN elective congress 2026: Mzamo Billy, Sithembiso Ngema vie for top job

Thami Magubane|Published

Candidates, including ministers and local leaders, are gearing up for the DA's elective congress in KwaZulu-Natal, each presenting their vision for the party's future ...

eThekwini’s new invoicing system stalls payments for Durban contractors

Thami Magubane|Published

Contractors in eThekwini Municipality are protesting payment delays attributed to a new online invoicing system, raising concerns about service delivery and municipal ...

SAPS leadership crisis: Call for fitness inquiry for Masemola after suspension

Thami Magubane|Published

Following the suspension of National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, opposition parties express concerns over the stability and integrity of the South African ...

Proposed R17 billion bioethanol plant offers hope for KZN's sugarcane farmers

Thami Magubane|Published

UPL's announcement of a $1 billion bioethanol plant in KwaZulu-Natal offers hope to struggling sugarcane farmers and could revitalise the local industry.

SACP defies ANC: 10-day ultimatum to choose sides rejected ahead of elections

Thami Magubane|Published

The South African Community Party (SACP) has instructed its members to disregard the ANC's directive regarding dual membership ahead of the upcoming local government ...

Bheki Cele tipped for political comeback in ANC eThekwini leadership role

Thami Magubane|Published

Bheki Cele is rumoured to be appointed as the new convener of the ANC Ethekwini region, as the party prepares for significant leadership changes ahead of the local ...

Former Ithala board members reject claims of governance failure

Thami Magubane|Published

Former board members of Ithala Bank describe the institution as a 'dead bank' amid a crisis marked by resignations and governance challenges. The KwaZulu-Natal government ...

Tongaat Hulett liquidation: IDC funding boost buys time, but no final plan yet

Thami Magubane|Published

Amidst the looming threat of liquidation, the farming community calls for a permanent solution for Tongaat Hulett, a key player in South Africa's sugar industry, ...

Ithala SOC Limited Board Resigns Amid Governance Failures

Thami Magubane|Published

Ithala SOC Limited's Board of Directors has resigned following significant governance failures, prompting the provincial government to implement urgent reforms aimed ...

James Nxumalo’s potential return to ANC leadership in KwaZulu-Natal

Thami Magubane|Published

Former eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo is being considered for a significant role within the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, as the party faces internal challenges and leadership ...

Ubumbano Lwezinduna accuses MEC Buthelezi of traditional leadership division

Thami Magubane|Published

Ubumbano Lwezinduna accuses MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi of fostering divisions among traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal, claiming his actions marginalise certain ...

Zulu royal family challenges King Misuzulu's coronation in Constitutional Court

Thami Magubane|Published

Disgruntled members of the Zulu royal family are returning to the Constitutional Court in a bid to challenge King Misuzulu's recognition, arguing that the legal ...

2026 elections: IFP vows no repeat of MKP surprise

Thami Magubane|Published

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is gearing up for the upcoming local government elections, learning from past experiences and focusing on growth strategies to ensure ...

R4.5bn Mooi River Valley plan: Premier golf course and residential villages

Thami Magubane|Published

Mooi River is poised for a significant economic revival with a new R4.5 billion investment aimed at developing a premier golf course, educational facilities, and ...

Government's plan to phase out non-viable municipalities by 2031: What you need to know

Thami Magubane|Published

The South African government is set to review non-viable municipalities, with potential phasing out by the 2031 local elections. Minister Hlabisa emphasises the ...

2026 elections: Xaba frontrunner to be ANC eThekwini mayoral candidate

Thami Magubane|Published

Current eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba is expected to be the ANC's mayoral candidate for eThekwini in the upcoming local government elections.