ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FINANCE COMMITTEE NOTES STRONGER CONTROLS AND REDUCED BORROWINGS
The City’s Finance Committee met yesterday, 18 February, to consider several key financial reports.
These included the notable decline in the use of Section 36 contracts and proposed tariff adjustments for the 2026/27 financial year from the Revenue Management and Property Valuations and Management Directorates.
All reports now proceed to the Executive Committee for further processing.
SECTION 36 CONTRACTS DOWN AND BORROWINGS REDUCED
The Procurement and Supply Chain Management Directorate reported a significant reduction in Section 36 contract usage.
• 2024/25 value: R1.5 billion
• Current year to date: R451 million.
This continued downward trend is attributed to strengthened procurement planning.
The Committee also noted improved financial health through reduced borrowings from financial institutions.
E‑SERVICES REGISTRATIONS CONTINUE TO RISE
The January billing report showed a 99.9 percent billing success rate and steady growth on the e‑Services platform, which now has about 600 000 registered users.
The e‑Services portal enables customers to manage their Municipal accounts online, from viewing bills and submitting meter readings to updating details, applying for debit orders, logging queries, and making payments.
PROPOSED TARIFF ADJUSTMENTS FOR 2026/27
The following 5 percent tariff increases were proposed:
Rates Clearance Certificates:
• R290.85 for properties valued up to R185 000
• R467.25 for properties valued above R185 000
• Rejected direct debit payments: R95.55
• A 5 percent proposed increase in all valuation-related tariffs.
These proposed changes will undergo public consultation alongside the 2026/27 IDP/Budget.
Final approval is expected in May 2026.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
