ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TRADING SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING DECISIONS
The Trading Services Committee, chaired by Councillor Mdu Nkosi, held its monthly meeting on 23 April at the Durban City Hall, to recommend and support items to be discussed at an Executive Committee meeting.
The Trading Services Committee supported the following items:
ENERGY MANAGEMENT OPERATIONAL MONITORING REPORT
The Trading Services Committee tabled a report outlining the Energy Management Directorate’s operations. The committee noted that the directorate services more than 790 000 customers in an area covering nearly 2 000 kilometres.
The main electricity supply to eThekwini is purchased at 275 000 volts from Eskom and is transmitted and distributed to customers.
The Municipality purchases just over five percent of the total energy generated by Eskom.
The report also stated that four infrastructure theft criminal cases have been opened at KwaNdengezi, Phoenix, Newlands, and Hammarsdale Police Stations, amounting to over R913 000.
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE RECYCLING AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY FRAMEWORK
The Waste Management Directorate has developed the eThekwini Recycling and Circular Economy Framework to guide the Municipality to strengthen its recycling systems, increase waste diversion rates, and enable collaboration with industry, communities, and private sector stakeholders.
The framework is in compliance with the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008 and the National Waste Management Strategy. The legislation enforces the promotion of sustainable waste management practices that support waste minimisation, reuse, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal.
Director of the Waste Management Directorate, Noluthando Magewu, said the framework’s primary goal is to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.
“We want to reduce environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and drive economic efficiency through enhanced recycling infrastructure and market development,” said Magewu.
She said they had set an ambitious target of waste diversion of 70 percent in the next 15 years.
“We want to contribute to economic growth and job creation from the collection, processing, and recycling of waste to support small businesses and community-based projects,” she said.
CONTINUOUS AUDIT LOG MONITORING REPORT
The Committee noted a report highlighting the significance of internal and external audit findings for the period of March 2026.
The eThekwini Municipality Audit, Risk and Advisory Services (EMARAS) is working closely with directorates reporting to the Trading Services Committee.
These directorates include Waste Management, Energy Management, and Water and Sanitation.
EMARAS collaborates with the directorates in pursuit of effective leadership and good governance, as well as sound and clean financial management.
The Committee was advised that 46 percent of the audit issues raised by the Internal Audit Division have been resolved.
The Committee also noted that 13.46 percent of the issues raised by the Auditor-General in the 2024/2025 financial year have been resolved.
EMARAS said they are working towards resolving outstanding issues, working with the Internal Audit and Internal Control Divisions to prioritise audit matters older than 180 days.
WATER AND SANITATION MARCH MONTHLY PERFORMANCE REPORT
A report outlining the performance of the Water and Sanitation Directorate for March was tabled by the Committee.
The tabled report stated that the directorate manages an extensive water network spanning 14 469 kilometres, along with an 8 600-kilometre sewer network.
This infrastructure includes 30 wastewater treatment works, incorporating two sea outfall pipelines, and 255 wastewater pumpstations.
To effectively meet the City's demands, there are 361 water storage facilities and 33 water pumpstations strategically placed to serve most areas.
The report noted that informal settlements are provided with a service through 1 633 community ablution blocks, surpassing the requirements set by the World Health Organisation for a water standpipe.
These community ablution blocks offer hand washing, clothes washing, toilet, urinal, and shower facilities, catering for 50 households each.
In total, 984 942 households have access to water, with 630 565 of them being indigent. Additionally, 891 990 households are provided with sanitation services, with 508 146 of them being indigent.
In February, the directorate effectively addressed 3 057 sewer blockages, 9 441 customer service leaks, 7 516 operational leaks and 957 burst pipes within 48 hours of the initial complaint.
Performance of the directorate is key to service delivery objectives of the Municipality. This report provides the required information on performance areas that support service delivery.
Acting Director of the Water and Sanitation Directorate, Sibusiso Vilane, said all water supply systems are tested in compliance with the SANS 241 water quality standard requirements.
“A full chemical analysis is done to ensure chemical compliance. Non-compliance is checked and followed up on within 24 hours, in accordance with internal standards,” said Vilane.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
