Residents Called To Comment On EThekwini's Draft 2026/27 IDP And Budget

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RESIDENTS CALLED TO COMMENT ON ETHEKWINI’S DRAFT 2026/27 IDP AND BUDGET

EThekwini Municipality has tabled its draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which serves as the foundation of the 2026/27 budget and directs investment toward job creation, reliable basic services, community safety, social development, good governance, and long-term financial sustainability. Guided by the City's vision of a caring, livable and prosperous city, the IDP is a five year road map for inclusive growth, sustainable development and a better quality of life for all.

The Municipality is calling on residents, businesses, civil society, and organised labour review the draft and provide meaningful input into this key strategic document.

The draft IDP is anchored in an Eight-Point Plan that sets out the Municipality’s core service delivery and development priorities for the year ahead.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said: “This Eight-Point Plan is our contract with residents. Every rand in the 2026/27 budget must advance inclusive growth, restore service reliability, protect the vulnerable, and strengthen climate resilience.”

The Mayor added that the City continues to prioritise core essential services, such as water, sanitation, electricity, roads, housing, public safety, and the local economy, while safeguarding clean governance and fiscal stability.

“We urge all residents to take part in this process and help shape a plan that responds to the needs of our communities,” said Mayor Xaba.

Strategic Priorities of the Eight-Point Plan

1. Spatial, Environmental and Economic Development
Driving smart spatial planning, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience, while accelerating sector growth, supporting SMMEs, attracting investment, and expanding youth employment.

2. Municipal Entities
Strengthening oversight and performance of key entities, including the Durban ICC and uShaka Marine World, to enhance economic growth and job creation.

3. Quality Living Environment
Delivering integrated human settlements and accelerating the eradication of service backlogs in water, sanitation, electricity, roads, transport, and waste management.

4. **Socially Equitable Environment**
Advancing health, education, food security, community safety, and targeted support for vulnerable groups.

5. Organisation and Human Capital
Building a capable, ethical, and professional administration to improve service delivery.

6. Vibrant and Creative City
Promoting arts, culture, heritage, and sport to foster social cohesion and stimulate tourism.

7. Good Governance and Responsive Local Government
Strengthening transparency, accountability, anti-corruption measures, risk management, and community participation.

8. Financial Excellence and Sustainability
Ensuring prudent budgeting, improved revenue collection, value-for-money expenditure, and clean audits.

The Mayor added: “The budget gives effect to this plan by linking rands to measurable results through the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan, ensuring residents see tangible improvements in their communities.”

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NOW OPEN

Residents, the business sectors, civil society, organised labour and various stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft 2026/27 IDP and budget, which is available on https://tinyurl.com/Draft-IDP-2026-27

Submit comments via:

* Sizakala Centres and Municipal libraries
* Email: comments2021@durban.gov.za
* WhatsApp (Khuluma Nathi Chatbot): 060 225 9959

Closing date for submissions: 9 May 2026

All inputs received, including written submissions, ward-level engagements, and stakeholder consultations will inform the final IDP and budget to be adopted by Council.

ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate