Marshall Mzili, a long-serving mechanic for Kouga Local Municipality, retired on March 31, 2025 after dedicating 25 years to the institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mzili’s journey to the municipality began with stints as a driver for a liquor outlet and a taxi driver for five years. On November 11, 1999, he joined the former Jeffreys Bay Municipality as a workshop assistant. In those early years he wore many hats \u2013 assistant mechanic, tyre fitter and cleaner \u2013 and often worked challenging hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was later promoted to mechanic, contributing significantly to the maintenance of the municipality’s fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health challenges prompted Mzili to retire earlier than planned. A three-month hospitalisation made him realise he was beginning to make mistakes at work, which could jeopardise the safety of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI loved my job but could not live with myself if any mistakes I made harmed my co-workers,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a parting message, Mzili urged his colleagues to continuously learn from their superiors and never hesitate to ask questions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Marshall Mzili’s farewell marks the end of an era as he retires after dedicating 25 years to serving the municipal 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