Latest News & Developments
ethekwini ratepayers
eThekwini mayor unveils budget adjustments to boost economic growth and infrastructure
eThekwini municipality's mayor announces crucial budget changes for growth and service delivery
Political parties guarded on effectiveness of Durban's R70. 9 billion 2025/2026 budget
eThekwini Municipality's R70. 9 billion budget for 2025/2026 has been approved, but councillors express mixed feelings about its potential impact on residents. This article explores the various perspectives on the budget and the concerns raised during a council meeting.
Durban's R70. 9 billion budget for 2025/2026: Political parties weigh in on its impact
eThekwini Municipality's R70. 9 billion budget for 2025/2026 has been approved, but councillors express mixed feelings about its potential impact on residents. This article explores the various perspectives on the budget and the concerns raised during a council meeting.
Concerns arise as eThekwini Municipality seeks R1. 5 billion loan
eThekwini Municipality's plan to borrow R1. 5 billion for capital expenditure has sparked concerns among stakeholders about the city's financial strategy and outstanding loan payments.
Durban residents demand better municipal services during beachfront protest
In a powerful display of unity, Durban residents took to the beachfront to demand accountability and transparency from their municipality, expressing their anger over poor service delivery and soaring tariff increases.
How Durban's R70. 9 billion budget aims to transform infrastructure and manage tariff adjustments
As the eThekwini Municipality proposes a R70. 9 billion budget for 2025/26, ratepayer associations raise concerns over infrastructure and tariff adjustments in the face of economic challenges.
eThekwini councillors approve 50 percent debt write-off for residents and businesses
eThekwini councillors have approved a vital debt relief programme, providing a 50% write-off on arrears to help residents and businesses tackle the escalating water debt crisis.
Doctor baffled by R2. 7 million electricity bill due to meter reading error
eThekwini Municipality's billing error leaves a Reservoir Hills doctor bewildered with a R2. 7 million electricity bill. The municipality promises to rectify the mistake and address residents' concerns about billing accuracy.
eThekwini Municipality Audit and Risk Committee raises concerns over City Integrity and Investigations Unit
The eThekwini Municipality Audit and Risk Committee has expressed concerns regarding the capacity of the City Integrity and Investigations Unit to handle ongoing investigations, urging city management to implement urgent action plans.
Ratepayer associations demand accountability in eThekwini's infrastructure projects
Ratepayer associations in eThekwini Municipality are raising concerns over the city's infrastructure spending, highlighting mismanagement and a lack of accountability in capital projects.
Ratepayers express concerns over eThekwini's double-digit tariff hikes
Ratepayers in eThekwini Municipality are voicing their concerns over significant tariff increases in the 2025/26 budget, with calls for more transparency and accountability from city officials.
eThekwini battles sewage crisis: Thousands of illegal connections overwhelm infrastructure
eThekwini Municipality is drowning in a sewage crisis with over 16 600 illegal connections contaminating streets and waterways. Despite removing 2 917 pipes, enforcement has stalled since 2020 when courts stopped pursuing cases. Local conservationists and councillors are demanding immediate action as health hazards and environmental damage escalate across Durban.
Stench and sinkholes: Isipingo ratepayers battle housing development's sewage disaster
Nilgiri Crescent residents in Durban are battling an unbearable stench and overflowing sewage from the adjacent Kanku Road housing development. The 330-unit complex reportedly lacks proper sewerage infrastructure, causing environmental hazards and health risks as raw waste flows into stormwater drains.
eThekwini ratepayers demand accountability for R669. 5 million infrastructure surcharge fund
The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement is demanding answers after the municipality revealed it collected R669. 5 million in infrastructure surcharges, with residents claiming no visible improvements despite the municipality extending the controversial levy into 2025/2026.
No budget, no stock, no meters: eThekwini's growing prepaid utility crisis
More than 4 000 eThekwini residents have been waiting up to two years for prepaid water and electricity meters despite having paid for installations. This investigation reveals how budget shortfalls, vehicle shortages, and stock depletion have created a massive backlog, while officials from the Electricity Unit and Supply Chain Management face mounting questions about accountability and service delivery failures.
eThekwini Municipality faces backlash over 'discriminatory' rental tariff proposal
IFP councillor Dr Jonathan Annipen accuses eThekwini Municipality of racial profiling in its 10% rental tariff increase proposal, claiming only Phoenix's Ward 48 is targeted while other areas are excluded from the rate hike plan.
Concerns raised over eThekwini's property rates policy for senior citizens
eThekwini Municipality's draft property rates policy has come under fire for potentially forcing elderly homeowners out of their homes due to unaffordable rates. DA Councillor Bradley Singh is advocating for an income-based rather than property value-based relief system, arguing that the current approach contradicts the city's claim of being 'Africa's most caring city'.
Three years post-SA Human Rights Commission findings, eThekwini's water crisis persists
Three years after the South African Human Rights Commission's findings, eThekwini Municipality continues to face a severe water crisis, impacting residents' daily lives and raising concerns over human rights violations.
eThekwini's R15bn water strategy faces fierce criticism from ratepayers
eThekwini's ambitious R15 billion water turnaround strategy faces intense scrutiny as ratepayer associations condemn it as a 'rehashing of old promises'. With water losses amounting to R2 billion annually, stakeholders demand concrete action and oversight in what they call a critical trust deficit between citizens and city officials.