ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECISIONS
The Executive Committee (EXCO) held a meeting today, 26 AUGUST 2026. Several resolutions were adopted to accelerate implementation and respond to current service delivery matters in the Municipality. These reports will proceed to Full Council for further deliberation and approval.
APPROVAL FOR THE REALOCATION OF THE BLOCK SUM WITHIN THE WATER CAPITAL BUDGET FOR 2026/27 FINANCIAL YEAR
The City is set to undertake a number of water infrastructure projects across the City aimed at reducing frequent pipe bursts and strengthening the water network.
The projects will include interventions along Peter Mokaba Road, Huntly Road, Duffs Road, Cornubia-Blackburn Village, Grange to Mount View Reservoir, uMhlathuzana and Umlazi Griffiths Mxenge, among other areas.
The Executive Committee (EXCO) has approved the unbundling of R37 million from the approved Relay and Extensions Block Sum within the Water Capital Budget and its allocation to individual projects for the 2026/2027 financial year. The approval will enable the City to proceed with the construction of identified water infrastructure projects as part of its efforts to improve the resilience of the water network.
The projects are being prioritised in response to areas experiencing frequent pipe bursts and infrastructure failures, which can result in water supply interruptions and place additional pressure on the City's maintenance teams.
The Water and Sanitation Directorate will oversee the implementation of the approved projects, with construction and related processes proceeding in accordance with the City's applicable procurement and project management requirements.
THE CITY TO TEST NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO REDUCE WATER LOSSES
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will partner with two specialist companies to test new technologies that could help detect water leaks and reduce non-revenue water (NRW).
The matter was tabled at the Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting, where the Committee considered a report seeking approval for the Municipality to enter into Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with the two specialist companies to undertake pilot projects focused on identifying opportunities to reduce non-revenue water (NRW).
EXCO approved the recommendation, allowing the pilot projects to proceed.
The pilot projects will focus on identifying hidden and underground water leaks and assessing the condition of selected water pipelines to identify potential problems before they result in failures.
The use of these technologies will allow the Municipality to assess their effectiveness and practicality before considering wider implementation. The pilot projects will also provide information to support future decisions on reducing water losses and investing in water infrastructure.
CITY CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR SMARTXCHANGE TO DRIVE ICT SKILLS AND JOB CREATION
The City through the Economic Development Directorate will continue supporting SmartXchange to strengthen ICT skills, entrepreneurship and job creation in the City, with R4 million approved for the 2026/2027 financial year.
The matter was tabled at the Executive Committee where a report seeking authority to continue funding SmartXchange and enter into a new one-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was approved.
The report highlighted the contribution SmartXchange has made to developing small businesses and creating employment in the ICT sector. Over the years, 273 SMMEs have graduated from its incubation programme, while 1 390 permanent and 2 860 casual jobs have been created.
Following consideration of the report, EXCO recommend that the Director: Economic Development be authorised to continue participating in the SmartXchange Incubation Development Programme for one year from the date of concluding the MOA.
SmartXchange provides incubation and innovation support to emerging ICT businesses, including mentoring, skills development, business growth support and access to networking and funding opportunities. Its programmes are aimed at strengthening the City's ICT sector and supporting entrepreneurs to establish and grow sustainable businesses.
CITY CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION
The eThekwini Municipality will continue supporting the growth and competitiveness of the local automotive manufacturing sector through its partnership with the Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC).
The initiative is aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, supporting small businesses, developing skills and creating employment opportunities across the automotive value chain.
The report tabled at EXCO recommended that the Municipality continue its partnership with the DAC for a further 12 months through a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
According to the report, the DAC was selected following a public call for partnerships issued by the Economic Development Directorate in December 2025. Following an adjudication process, the DAC's proposal was found to be the most responsive and was recommended to continue implementing the City's Automotive Industry Development Programme.
The programme focuses on improving the competitiveness of local automotive businesses, increasing localisation and manufacturing opportunities, supporting emerging businesses, developing skills and creating opportunities for Black industrialists and local manufacturers.
The automotive sector is a key contributor to eThekwini's economy and provides significant employment opportunities. The City is home to major automotive manufacturing operations, including Toyota South Africa's largest vehicle manufacturing plant, as well as a broad network of component manufacturers and suppliers.
CITY TO RESTORE OTHWEBA HEALTH POST WITH SUPPORT FROM PRIVATE DONORS
The eThekwini Municipality is set to undertake technical assessments and infrastructure repairs at the Othweba Health Post in KwaXimba following a proposed donation of R152 345 from the Mzungezwa Foundation, in partnership with Mayiviva Property.
The intervention will focus on addressing damage to the facility, including its roof, plumbing and electrical infrastructure, to improve the condition and functionality of the health post and support the delivery of primary healthcare services to the community.
A report on the proposed donation was tabled at the EXCO meeting for the approval for the Municipality to accept the donation and enter into a partnership with the donors.
The Executive Committee recommended that the Municipality support the establishment of a partnership with the Mzungezwa Foundation and Mayiviva Property through a Memorandum of Understanding, subject to all applicable municipal processes and legislative requirements.
The health post sustained significant damage during the 2024 storms, including the loss of its roof, which resulted in further deterioration of the building. Plumbing challenges have also affected the facility and surrounding households.
The proposed donation comprises R120 000 for roof installation and R32 345 for plumbing and electrical works.
ETHEKWINI MOVES TO STRENGTHEN FOOD SECURITY AND RESILIENCE
The eThekwini Municipality is taking steps to strengthen food security and build a more resilient and sustainable food system through the eThekwini Food Resilience Strategy Framework.
The Framework provides a coordinated approach to addressing food insecurity while supporting local food production, livelihoods, healthier food choices and the sustainable management of food waste across the City.
The Strategy responds to growing challenges such as food insecurity, poverty, inequality and the impact of climate change on food production and access to nutritious food. It seeks to bring together food-related programmes currently being implemented across different municipal departments to improve coordination and maximise their collective impact.
The proposed vision is that by 2040, eThekwini will have an inclusive and resilient food system that supports culture, opportunity and access to healthy food for all.
The Framework is built around six key areas:
Governance and Planning
Agriculture
Inclusive Food Economy and Livelihoods
Public Health and Food Safety
Food Environments and Infrastructure
Waste and Circularity
The proposed approach will support sustainable and climate-resilient food production, strengthen local food economies and livelihoods, improve access to healthy food and reduce food loss and waste.
EXCO recommended that the proposed governance structures be established to support implementation. These include a Food Desk/Food Policy Officer, Food Coordination Committee and Food Strategy Council. The structures will help coordinate work across municipal departments and provide broader stakeholder participation and strategic oversight.
Following approval, priority actions identified in the Framework will be aligned with existing municipal programmes, plans and departmental responsibilities to strengthen coordination and implementation.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
