NMBM appoints modern head for Parks and Cemeteries

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality residents can expect stability and an improved service in the Parks and Cemeteries division, following the recruitment of the Head of Parks and Cemeteries in the Metro this month.

The recruitment of Malusi Mdoda comes as the Metro is faced with a challenge of vandalism despite putting up security measures in space at cemeteries and as work to beautify the Metro is underway.

NMBM Public Health Mayoral Committee Member, Cllr Thsonono Buyeye welcomed Mdoda to the Directorate and said it was a relief that after about four years, the position was finally filled.

With a passion and experience in horticulture, environmental and project management, Mdoda, has set his eyes on developing modern parks that are inclusive and working closely with NMB residents to find sustainable solutions to the vandalism crisis that continues to steal from communities.

“As the current head for the sub-directorate, I really study forward to serving the people of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The service we provide is mainly about servicing communities, everything we carry out is about the residents. I acquire vast experience in the field, I acquire also worked at the City of Cape Town for 15 years serving in different roles. My most recent role there was Area Head for Parks and Cemeteries,” said Mdoda.

Mdoda holds a National Diploma in Horticulture and B-Tech Degree in Environmental Management, both from CPUT. He is currently studying towards an Honours Degree in Public Administration at the Stellenbosch University.

“The focus on parks has always been about the children, but in this day in age we must be able to cater for adults to be able to work productively while sitting at the park or studying. We must be pleased safe spaces for leisure for the young and dilapidated. NMB is a tourism destination of choice for many and we will develop it to be an attractive and magnificent space through the development and implementation of the Parks Development Framework,” Mdoda said adding that partnerships with all stakeholders was needed to manufacture sustainable change.