ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECISIONS
The City’s Executive Committee (EXCO) held a meeting today, 24 February, where decisive resolutions were adopted to accelerate service delivery, strengthen public safety, expand economic opportunity, and restore dignity to vulnerable communities.
The Committee endorsed several high-impact programmes that will advance the City’s long-term strategy for inclusive growth and resilient infrastructure.
All approved items will proceed to Full Council for final adoption.
WATER TANKER SERVICE PROVISION AND DEPLOYMENT PLAN
The Water and Sanitation Directorate reported that 39 percent of the Municipality’s 111 wards remain reliant on full-time tanker supply, while 15 percent of the Municipality’s 263 tankers are deployed for ad hoc non-revenue water requirements.
The Municipality currently operates 263 tankers, of which 85 percent are fully functional, supported by 234 drivers, with 96 percent on duty.
Efforts to close the staffing gap are underway, including advertising eight vacant driver posts and an additional 60 fixed-term positions.
According to the Directorate, regional assessments show that while most areas are operating close to their required tanker allocations, there remains a shortfall, particularly in the north and south regions, which jointly require 94 additional tankers and 152 additional drivers to fully meet operational and Operation and Emergency Control Interventions standards.
The report highlighted operational constraints affecting service levels.
These include:
• 15–30 percent tanker downtime due to workshop-related repairs and intake processes
• 15 percent of tankers registering zero mileage due to delays in licensing, assessments for disposal, and pending workshop clearances.
A total of 39 tankers are currently out of operation due to license renewals and mechanical defects, with all expected to return to service by 27 February 2026.
To stabilise supply, the Directorate also tabled a detailed water tanker deployment schedule for Ward 3 (Umzinyathi) and Ward 108 (Eskebheni/Umzinyathi).
Each ward will receive between 9 to 12 tankers per day, depending on daily demand and convoy scheduling.
Furthermore, the first 22 new tankers, which are part of the 100 fleet expansion expected within the next six months, have been assigned to high-demand wards including Umzinyathi, Eskebheni, Amaoti, Inanda, Shongweni, Welbedatch, Ntshanga, Savannah Park, Umkhomazi, Mfume and uMlazi.
These tankers will operate across morning, afternoon and convoy shifts.
To improve service verification, the City is strengthening monitoring through daily delivery notes and running sheets that track routes, customer signatures, mileage and tanker utilisation.
This forms part of broader efforts to prevent misuse and enhance transparency.
GLOBAL HUB FOR INNOVATION: THE KINGSBURGH AI DATA CENTRE
In a landmark step positioning eThekwini as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, EXCO approved a strategic partnership with the Korea South Power Consortium to develop world-class Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Centre in Kingsburgh, Ward 97.
The project carries an estimated investment between $3 billion and $10 billion, fully funded by the developer.
The centre will deliver high-performance computing to support smart-city applications such as real-time traffic optimisation and energy management.
The development will include an AI Training Hub to equip residents with future-ready digital skills, integrating eco-tourism elements to benefit local communities.
RESTORING DIGNITY: HOUSING FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
EXCO approved amendments to the Cornubia Phase 2 Allocation Guidelines to prioritise qualifying flood victims, enabling their transition from temporary shelters into permanent and dignified homes.
With 2 662 units already occupied in Phase 1, the Municipality is currently rolling out 1 200 serviced sites across Phase 2A and 2B.
A budget of R420.4 million has been noted for these serviced sites, with strict mandates for geotechnical monitoring to ensure the long-term safety of the infrastructure.
STRENGTHENING TOURISM SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
To safeguard Durban’s tourism economy, EXCO approved acceptance of a R4.3 million donation of vehicles, quad bikes, and specialised equipment from major industry role-players which includes Tourism Marketing South Africa, Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa.
This equipment is earmarked for the Metro Police Coastal and Tourism Policing Division, enhancing visibility along Durban’s 100km coastline.
EXCO also supported the registration of the Outer West Fire Protection Association, a partnership with private landowners to strengthen veldfire prevention and emergency response.
There are no financial implications for the Municipality associated with accepting this donation.
EXTENSION OF PARTNERSHIP WITH CAPRISA TO ADVANCE HIV RESEARCH
EXCO approved the extension of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between eThekwini Municipality and the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) for an additional five years.
Since 2021, the Municipality and CAPRISA have collaborated on critical research within Municipal public health clinics, focusing on:
• Assessing the effectiveness of HIV programmes
• Monitoring implementation of National HIV Treatment Guidelines
• Producing evidence-based recommendations to improve patient outcomes.
EXCO also noted that findings from this research have significantly supported improvements in public health service delivery and require no financial contribution from the Municipality.
As such, the City Manager has been authorised to sign and implement the renewed agreement.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON THE NOISE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT BY-LAW, 2024
To enhance community well-being and improve noise regulation, EXCO approved the draft Noise Control and Noise Management By-law, 2024, for public participation.
The draft by-law seeks to effectively regulate noise from:
• Entertainment venues
• Vehicles exceeding noise limits
• Open-air events
• Residential sources (excluding ordinary human activity)
• Industrial operations.
Public participation will run for no less than 30 days and will enable residents to comment on enforcement measures and penalties proposed in the by-law.
The Municipality will also host workshops to unpack key elements of the legislation to ensure it is balanced and responsive to community needs.
CONTINUED OPERATION OF BESTER’S LIBRARY PENDING LAND EXPROPRIATION
EXCO approved the continued operation of Bester’s Library and other Municipal services located at N25 Ntuzuma Road beyond the expiry of the current lease on 30 June 2026.
The landlord, Bester’s Camp Development Company, abandoned the property in 2017 and cannot be traced, despite numerous attempts.
This has resulted in lapsed lease arrangements and significant outstanding utility costs.
Given the critical services the Bester Library provides- which includes study space, internet access, printing, and other essential services- EXCO resolved that the library must continue operating for at least two more years while the City initiates a land expropriation process.
The Municipality also plans, in the long term, to relocate the library to the Bridge City Mall precinct as part of a modern one-stop service model, while the current building will be repurposed as a study hall for community use.
APPROVAL TO IMPLEMENT GRANT-IN-AID CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOPS
EXCO authorised the Social and Community Development Division to implement the 2026 Grant-in-Aid (GIA) capacity building workshops.
The workshops, scheduled for May to June 2026, will capacitate Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and Non-Profit Companies (NPCs) across all six Municipal regions.
The sessions will provide comprehensive training on the GIA Policy, application processes, financial management, report writing and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) compliance.
Weekend workshops will be held for regional NPOs, while weekday sessions will target councillors, traditional leaders and religious leaders.
To facilitate the programme, EXCO approved an expenditure of R209 600.
EXCO SUPPORTS FIVE PERCENT TARIFF INCREASE FOR PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURE DIRECTORATE
In alignment with inflation-related adjustments, EXCO has given in-principle approval for a 5 percent tariff increase for the Parks, Recreation and Culture Directorate for the 2026/27 financial year.
The proposed tariffs will undergo a public participation process to ensure transparency and enable meaningful community input before the final approval of the Municipal budget in May.
APPROVAL TO INITIATE A NEW MEDIA PARTNERSHIP BIDDING PROCESS
With the current three-year media partnership agreement, held with Gagasi FM and East Coast Radio set to expire on 30 April 2026, EXCO authorised commencement of a new competitive bidding process.
The aim is to secure non-monetary value-exchange partnerships that maximise marketing opportunities for Municipal stadiums and sports facilities, support event promotion, and enhance public engagement across print and electronic media.
The current agreement provided a value-in-kind worth R9 million per annum.
CONTINUED PARTNERSHIPS WITH PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
EXCO also granted authority for continued partnerships with key football bodies and clubs, including AmaZulu FC, Kaizer Chiefs FC, Durban City FC, South African Football Association, Confederation of African Football, and Council Of South African Football Associations.
This authority supports a new three-year mutually beneficial agreement that will ensure Moses Mabhida Stadium continues hosting league matches, tournaments and national fixtures that stimulate the local economy, attract visitors, and generate revenue to sustain stadium operations.
The decision follows the completion of an event impact study and a review of current partnerships, which highlighted both operational challenges and significant successes, such as hosting CAF matches and major PSL finals during the past seasons.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
