Umzimkhulu Local Municipality in the far north of KwaZulu Natal is in the process of renaming the municipality after the former African National Congress Youth League secretary-general, Sindiso Magaqa who was murdered for exposing corruption. 

DRIVE-BY SHOOTING 

Magaqa was shot in a drive-by shooting along with two ANC colleagues in July 2017 and succumbed to his injuries in September of the same year. Magaqa was part of the ANCYL that was disbanded in 2012, together with Julius Malema and Floyd Shibambu. He was shot with fellow councillors Jabu Mzizi and Nonsikelelo Mafa outside a shop in the southern KZN after attending a council meeting. His death is believed to have been linked to infighting in the ANC's Harry Gwala region.

 
HONORING MAGAQA 

 Municipal spokesperson Willie Mgcina confirmed that the municipality will soon be named after Magaqa.  "Umzimkhulu Local Municipality has embarked on an initiative to re-rename itself after Sindiso Jethro Magaqa. The KwaZulu-Natal Geographic Name Changing Process, which is supported by KZN Provincial Geographic Naming Committee in conjunction with the Local Geographic Name Change Committee are working together to ensure that the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality name change process is conducted in a democratic, efficient, and regulated manner,' he said. He added that public hearings are undertaken in a way that is beneficial to the long-term interests of the community. "Public hearings started on Monday and will last until 25th April 2023," he said. Mgcina further said it was important for communities to understand that the proposed name change is not intended to change the name of Umzimkhulu as a town but only the municipal name. 

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