Mzili bids farewell to municipality after 25 years of service

Kouga – Marshall Mzili, a long-serving mechanic for Kouga Local Municipality, retired on 31 March 2025 after dedicating 25 years to the institution.

The 58-year-old, originally from Tsitsikamma, attributes his passion for mechanics to his upbringing under his uncle, Ernest Mzili, who instilled a love of the trade in him from a young age.

Mzili's journey to the municipality began with stints as a driver for a liquor outlet and a taxi driver for five years. On 11 November 1999, he joined the former Jeffreys Bay Municipality as a workshop assistant. In those early years, he wore many hats – assistant mechanic, tyre fitter, and cleaner – and often worked challenging hours. 

He was later promoted to mechanic, contributing significantly to the maintenance of the municipality's fleet.

Health challenges prompted Mzili to retire earlier than planned. A three-month hospitalisation for tuberculosis made him realise he was beginning to make mistakes at work, which could jeopardise the safety of others.

“I loved my job but could not live with myself if any mistakes I made harmed my co-workers,” he shared.

Mzili now plans to focus on farming at his smallholding in Tsitsikamma, where he raises cows and goats and is constructing a pigsty. Although excited about this new chapter, he admits he will miss his job and colleagues, emphasising the crucial role of the fleet department in ensuring service delivery.

As a parting message, Mzili urged his colleagues to continuously learn from their superiors and never hesitate to ask questions.