EMALAHLENI — In a heart-warming display of leadership and encouragement, the Executive Mayor of eMalahleni Municipality, Cllr Vusi Nhlapho, paid a special visit to Phillip Ndimande Senior Secondary School in Ward 23, Empumelelweni, on Monday, June 9, 2025. His visit aimed to honour academic excellence and ignite leadership potential among the youth of the municipality.
This inspiring occasion followed the successful Career Expo held at Witbank Dam on May 23, 2025, where hundreds of learners from across eMalahleni schools gathered to explore career opportunities, interact with professionals, and broaden their horizons. It was during this energising event that Mayor Nhlapho announced an exciting new initiative, the selection of one outstanding Grade 11 learner to serve as “Mayor for a Day.”
That honour was awarded to 17-year-old Moses Zunguza, a determined and high-achieving learner at Phillip Ndimande Senior Secondary School. During Monday’s school visit, Mayor Nhlapho officially congratulated Moses and presented him with a brand-new laptop, both a symbolic and practical gesture intended to support his studies and promote digital learning.
“This is not just a reward; it’s a reminder that hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed,” said Mayor Nhlapho. “We want to empower our young people with the tools and confidence they need to become the future leaders of eMalahleni and beyond.”
Principal Simon Mmakola welcomed the Mayor with appreciation and praised the municipality’s commitment to education. He said, “This visit is more than ceremonial, it brings hope.” He added, “I wish it could’ve been at a different time, and not during exam season, so that more learners could benefit from the motivation.” The “Mayor for a Day” programme is expected to become an annual tradition, designed to encourage youth involvement in local governance, inspire academic success, and foster a culture of civic responsibility across schools in eMalahleni
