City Manager Mxolisi Tsika has joined Executive Mayor Sindisile Maclean in paying tribute to the political and administrative leadership of Buffalo City for winning a second national award in as many months.

He said winning the ZK Matthews award for the best municipality in the African National Congress 92nd birthday awards announced by President Thabo Mbeki in Pietermartizburg on Sunday was the cherry on the top.

"The political recognition aside, I believe the supreme voice in the country is also telling us that we are administratively sound," said Tsika, who accompanied Councillor Maclean to receive the award in Pietermaritzburg.

"Obviously we are very grateful for the recognition from the President. It tells us we are administratively sound and that we are following the direction correctly that is being laid down by the ANC-led city council."

Buffalo City recently beat 219 other cities to win the National Vuna Award for the best performing municipality. The competition, an initiative of the Department of Provincial and Local Government, carried a R3-million prize.

SABC 2 broadcast the conference live and millions of viewers watched as Councillor Maclean received the award. However, it came during the interviews and President Mbeki's voice was blocked out at the time.

Asked what the President had said to Councillor Maclean, mayoral adviser and spokesman Matthew Moonieya said: "I hear you are doing well. Congratulations and keep it up Comrade."

Councillor Maclean said the award was from the movement that had deployed the ANC councillors in Buffalo City and it should be an inspiration for them to work harder.

"This award recognises the ANC councillors' contribution to good governance and should be a spur for them to work harder. There is a lot of work to be done in this, our 10th year of liberation, and because it is an election year," the mayor said.

He said he felt great humility and pride in receiving the award on behalf of the all the people of the City.