There was jubilation in Mbaxa Village, Amahlathi Local Municipality, as Mayor Nomakosazana Nongqayi handed over a newly built community hall; a long-awaited facility that promises to bring residents together for social and development activities.

During the handover ceremony, Mayor Nongqayi highlighted the significance of the project, saying: This event marks Mbaxa as the first rural area in the Amahlathi Municipality to receive a hall equipped with a water pump, a flushable toilet, and electricity. This is an important step forward in advancing infrastructure development in our communities.”

She added that the project is a clear indication of the municipality s ongoing commitment to effective service delivery and the upliftment of local communities, noting that it reflects government s determination to improve living conditions for the people of Amahlathi Municipality.

Local leaders expressed their appreciation to government for investing in rural development and strengthening community cohesion. They noted that the hall would not only provide a venue for community events but also serve as a platform for youth development initiatives and public participation programmes.

Representing the residents, Mr Lulama Mbeki expressed gratitude for the new facility. As the people of Mbaxa, we are very grateful for this hall. For a long time, we have struggled without a proper venue for our meetings. We now have our own quality facility where we can hold meetings, church services, and funerals with dignity and respect, without being affected by weather conditions.”

The handover forms part of government s broader commitment to bringing essential services and infrastructure closer to the people, especially in rural and historically underserved communities.