ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY TABLES DRAFT 2026-27 BUDGET AND IDP IN CLERMONT
The eThekwini Municipality today, 08 May 2026, engaged with communities in the western part of Durban, including Clermont, Wyebank, Pinetown, Westville and others from Wards 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 63, and 92 at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, addressed residents and highlighted that over R328 million has been allocated to the western region.
Some of the key projects identified for the region include:
• Installation of sanitation facilities
• Upgrading of community halls
• KwaDabeka sewer reticulation
• Housing development projects
• Substation upgrades
Transport and road safety also feature prominently in the budget, with plans to install traffic calming measures and funds allocated for public transport ranks and public transport shelters.
Residents listened attentively as Mayor Xaba and City officials presented the proposed R74.7 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, alongside the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
Mayor Xaba said the consultation process afforded residents an opportunity to express their views and contribute to the Municipality’s planning process.
The community welcomed Mayor Xaba’s presentation of the draft budget.
Mayor Xaba said the budget was aimed at ensuring inclusive governance and community-centred development.
He reaffirmed the Municipality’s commitment to accelerating service delivery, improving quality of life and prioritising peri-urban communities.
Residents were informed about the several measures aimed at cushioning residents amid economic challenges:
Properties valued at R350,000 or less will be exempted from rates.
Additional relief is available (on application) for: Households earning R7,000 or less and properties valued between R350,000 and R750,000.
The first 6 kilolitres of water will be free for qualifying households.
Properties valued under R350,000 will be exempt from refuse removal tariffs and residents in rural areas, informal settlements, and non-kerbside areas will continue receiving free refuse removal services.
Mayor Xaba also emphasised that the Municipality is actively working to create job opportunities by attracting investment:
“We are attracting businesses to invest billions of rands in the City in a bid to generate more revenue that will be reinvested into service delivery,” said Mayor Xaba.
The community welcomed the planned developments and expressed appreciation for the Municipality’s ongoing engagement on matters affecting local residents.
This engagement forms part of the Municipality’s broader public participation process for the Draft 2026/27 Budget and IDP.
The process aims to encourage community input and strengthen cooperative governance.
The draft IDP and Budget are available on the Municipality’s website:
Residents are encouraged to submit their feedback via email:
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
