Mayor Xaba Launched Durban's Summer Season with a Digital Buzz

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 6, 2026

The eThekwini Mayor Cllr Cyril Xaba launched Durban’s summer season at Tyler’s in Umdloti recently. This marked the closing of Tourism & Heritage Month and the start of a vibrant period for tourism, leisure and entertainment, while showing the City’s commitment to embracing the digital era.

Durban Summer Season is officially here! Mayor Cyril Xaba launched Durban Summer Season in the beautiful coastal setting of Umdloti, setting the tone for a vibrant season filled with unforgettable experiences, exciting events and endless opportunities to explore the city. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

At the launch there was also an unveiling of a new QR code which has been designed to provide visitors and residents with easy digital access to Durban’s tourism offerings, experiences, heritage and destination stories.

This initiative forms part of the City’s efforts to modernise the way Durban is promoted and how visitors get access to information about destinations. With a simple scan of the QR code, tourists can explore the diverse experiences that Durban has to offer, from its iconic beaches and outdoor attractions to its rich cultural heritage, entertainment, cuisine, nature and adventure attractions.

‘’Durban is a city of experiences, stories and possibilities. As we welcome visitors this summer, we want them to discover not only our beautiful beaches, but also our heritage, culture, cuisine, nature, entertainment and the many experiences that make Durban a destination worth exploring,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

Mayor Xaba said the introduction of the QR code demonstrated the City’s commitment to ensuring that tourism promotion keeps pace with changing technology and visitor expectations.

‘’Technology has changed the way people plan their journeys, discover destinations and share their experiences. We are therefore using digital platforms to bring Durban closer to visitors and ensure that our tourism offerings are accessible at their fingertips,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

The summer season looks set to provide an important boost to the local tourism economy, supporting businesses across the hospitality, entertainment, retail, transport, events and related sectors.

Mayor Xaba alongside City officials and tourism stakeholders at the launch at Tyler's Umdloti. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

The City also encouraged residents to become ambassadors for Durban by exploring local attractions, supporting tourism businesses and sharing their experiences across digital channels.

With this summer launch eThekwini further reinforced its commitment to positioning Durban as a leading tourism destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities to benefit from increased visitor activity.

Visitors are encouraged to explore Durban beyond the traditional attractions and discover the city’s stories, people, heritage, natural beauty and diverse tourism experiences.

Mayor Xaba unveiled QR codes designed to make it easier for visitors to discover Durban's tourism offerings. Scan. Discover. Explore. Experience Durban. 

As the summer season approaches the message is clear:

Durban is open. Durban is ready.

Durban welcomes you.

EThekwini empowers youth to fix infrastructure

 

EThekwini empowers youth to fix infrastructure

ETHEKWINI intensifies efforts to tackle unemployment and strengthen infrastructure, 63 unemployed young people have secured space in a groundbreaking plumbing apprenticeship programme.

This initiative, delivered through a partnership between the eThekwini Municipal Academy (EMA), iSisekelo Training Solutions, and key stakeholders, marks a significant investment in youth development and skills training.

It combines theoretical learning with practical workplace experience to equip participants with the expertise required in a critical sector of the economy.

The three-year Plumbing Apprenticeship Programme aims to develop a pipeline of skilled artisans. The intake comprises of 63 unemployed youth, including 36 females and 27 males from the west, south and central regions of eThekwini.

EMA Outreach and Capacity Building Division Coordinator Wendy Shabalala said partnerships remain critical in ensuring workforce development keeps pace with changing economic demands and service delivery needs.

‘’These partnerships also offer mentorship, entrepreneurship support, and market-relevant training that prepares participants for the world of working,’’ said Shabalala.

During the three-year programme, participants will work closely with the Municipality’s water and sanitation teams, gaining hands-on experience and technical expertise.

 

Mayor Xaba unveils multi-million rand commuter bus and water fleet 

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba officially unveiled a new multi-million rand commuter bus and water services fleet at the Centrum Site on 21 August.

The Municipality has invested approximately R300 million in 57 commuter buses, 35 water tankers, 18 utility vehicles for plumbers, and 16 vehicles for road and parks maintenance aimed at accelerating service delivery.

Of the 57 buses, four have been specially allocated to transport people with disabilities.

Last year, the Municipality took a decision to insource water tankering services and the additional vehicles will increase water tankers to more than 350.

The water tankers are serving as an interim measure for communities facing water shortages while the City continues to upgrade infrastructure and augment water supply across eThekwini.

Mayor Xaba said the new fleet will strengthen the Municipality’s capacity to deliver essential services to communities. ‘’We are also reducing the response time for services to reach our communities. These vehicles will ensure that assistance reaches residents promptly he said.

During a Disability Sector Budget Consultation Meeting held earlier this year, the Municipality committed to providing buses for people with disabilities.

‘’As a responsive and caring Municipality, we made sure that these buses are included in the fleet so that no one is left behind,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

Hlengiwe Mngadi, Deputy Chairperson of the eThekwini Municipal Disability Forum, expressed her gratitude, saying the Sukuma buses would help restore dignity to people with disabilities in the City. 

Durban Fashion Fair Celebrates 15 Years

 

By Fred Felton | Sep. 12, 2026

The Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) opened its doors 15 years ago, creating a platform for emerging designers, offering a platform for mentorship and exposure, now some of its earliest success stories will return to the runway when the Durban Exhibition Centre hosts three nights of fashion, creativity and enterprise from 16 to 18 September under the theme ‘’Where Legacy Lives’’, to mark the DFF15 milestone.

DFF15 will reflect the passing of the creative baton from one generation to the next. | Photo: Supplied. 

This showcase will bring together established designers, emerging talent and the DFF Mentee Class of 2026. The participation of former mentees, demonstrates DFF’s impact in nurturing talent, creating business opportunities, expanding market access and building industry recognition.

One of them is Kwenzi Nkomo of Indoni Fashion House, who made her DFF debut in 2014. She has gone on to showcase internationally, including at Ethiopia Fashion Week and Pure London, supplies boutiques and major retailers in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, and won DFF Designer of the Year in 2022. She recently showcased at Uganda International Fashion Week.

‘’The theme fits perfectly to our journey. We will be celebrating the impact we leave behind through our work. It is about preserving our culture, inspiring the next generation of creatives, and building a brand that will continue to empower people long into the future. Legacy is created through consistency, excellence, and the lives we touch along the way,’’ said Nkomo.

Show schedule for the 15 years of Durban Fashion Fair taking place at Durban Exhibition Centre, from 16 to 18 September under the theme: 'Where Legacy Lives'. | Photo: Supplied. 

Approximately 84 designers will feature across the three nights, with shows at 18h00, 19h00, 20h00 and 21h00. Tickets are R120 per show, R250 for a day pass and R500 for a three-day pass.

The showcase ends with the Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards on 19 September, where the best designers will receive cheques towards business development equipment to assist productivity.

The eThekwini Municipality Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, said the Municipality remains committed to growing the sector through skills development, market access, financial support, equipment and mentoring, supporting self-employment and job creation.

DFF showcase tickets are available through Webtickets, Pick ‘n Pay and Boxer.

Enforcement operations strengthen road safety

 

Enforcement operations strengthen road safety 

ETHEKWINI Municipality continues to prioritise road safety and freight compliance through proactive enforcement operations conducted along key transport corridors. During July, a series of joint freight enforcement operations were undertaken on the M7/N2 corridor and at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, bringing together the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), and the City’s Metro Police, Fire Directorate, and eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA). 

These multi-agency operations form part of the Municipality’s broader commitment to promoting safer roads, improving compliance with traffic legislation and municipal by-laws, and supporting the efficient movement of freight through Durban, home to South Africa’s busiest port. Each participating agency played a specialised role during the operations. 

The Fire Directorate inspected dangerous goods documentation to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, while RTI officials focused on traffic law enforcement and provided motorists with opportunities to settle outstanding traffic fines on site. RTIA officials educated drivers on the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system and 

assisted them with checking infringement records. Metro Police and ETA officials provided enforcement support and co-ordinated operational activities. 

Four enforcement operations were conducted on 7, 9, 14 and 15 July respectively. Officers recorded six compulsory stop sign violations and identified 16 cases where drivers failed 

to produce the required dangerous goods certificates. A total of R92 500 in fines was issued, while 26 fines were settled on site, generating R15 800 in payments. Importantly, 272 vehicles were inspected and drivers were educated on safety and compliance 

By combining education with enforcement, the Municipality is strengthening accountability in the freight sector and making the roads safer for everyone.              Picture: SUPPLIED

Over R127 million invested for road upgrade programme

 

Over R127 million invested for road upgrade programme

EThekwini Municipality continues to drive the revitalisation of Durban’s inner city through the successful implementation of its Inner City Road Rehabilitation Programme. The initiative has seen the upgrade of key transport routes. The improved road network is enhancing mobility, safety, and connectivity while supporting economic growth and the broader regeneration of the city centre.                  Picture: SUPPLIED

EThekwini Municipality has reached a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to revitalise Durban’s inner city through the successful implementation of its Inner City Road Rehabilitation Programme. During the 2025/26 financial year, the Municipality invested approximately R127.9 million in the rehabilitation of 13 strategic roads across the inner city and surrounding areas. The programme resulted in the upgrade of approximately 65 lane-kilometres of road infrastructure, enabling the Roads and Infrastructure Management Directorate to exceed its annual resurfacing target.

This investment forms part of the Municipality’s broader Inner City Regeneration Programme. Major roads rehabilitated through the programme include Umgeni Road, Dr Pixley ka Seme Street, K E Masinga Road, Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Sandile Thusi Road, Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Soldiers Way, Smiso Nkwanyana Road, and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway (M4), among others. The extensive works have significantly improved conditions along key transport corridors used daily by thousands of commuters, residents, businesses, and public transport operators. In addition to road resurfacing, the projects have enhanced stormwater drainage systems, improved pedestrian and road safety, and reduced long-term maintenance requirements.

Acting Deputy Head of Roads and Infrastructure Management, Thanda Zulu, said: “An investment of nearly R128 million in our inner city road network reflects the Municipality’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure.

Zulu added that the programme also highlights the valuable contribution of the Municipality’s internal roads teams. “Out of the 13 roads rehabilitated during the 2025/26 financial year, four projects were completed entirely by municipal teams.”

Elation as service delivery projects in outer west bring renewed hope

 

Elation as service delivery projects in outer west bring renewed hope

Several service delivery projects that will make a tangible difference in communities was recently unveiled by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba (left) in the outer west region. This includes a house handover where recipient Babhekile Zwane (centre) could not contain her excitement when Mayor Xaba and Deputy Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Sifiso Mkhize officially handed over a newly built house to her.                               Picture: THULI DLAMINI

EThekwini Municipality leadership, led by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, officially unveiled several multi-million-rand service delivery projects in the outer west region on 23 July.

The Mayor was joined by Executive Committee members and councillors including Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Councillor Zama Sokhabase, Councillor Themba Mvubu, and Councillor Sifiso Mkhize.

The programme concluded with a community engagement attended by thousands of residents from KwaNyuswa, KwaNgcolosi, Embo, and surrounding areas.

Addressing the gathering, Mayor Xaba emphasised the Municipality’s commitment to expanding the KwaNqetho Water Reservoir to meet the growing needs of the community.

“The reservoir was upgraded from a capacity of one megalitre after a study conducted in 2021 established that the population in KwaNgcolosi had increased by an additional 2 500 households. The Municipality therefore took a decision to increase the reservoir’s capacity to six megalitres,” he said.

Mayor Xaba further announced plans for a new reservoir in KwaNyuswa, where intermittent water supply remains a challenge. A suitable site has already been identified for this project.

“As a City, we continue to invest in water infrastructure to stabilise water supply in both urban and rural communities so that no one is left behind,” he said.

In terms of road infrastructure, Mayor Xaba highlighted that the Municipality has constructed six access roads in KwaNyuswa and Maphephetheni, including rehabilitation works on roads damaged during the devastating 2022 floods. The community warmly welcomed the projects and the lasting impact it will have on their lives.

Applications Open for eThekwini's Smart Energy Pilot

 

By Fred Felton | Jul. 31, 2026

Households that qualify from across eThekwini are invited to apply to be part of a smart energy pilot which is designed to help homes use energy more intelligently.

Apply for eThekwini's Smart Energy Pilot. | Photo: Supplied. 

The midday sun can be used better with solar devices. Peak demand can put pressure on the Municipality’s resources. The biggest portion of electricity bills is electric geysers.

These devices can help reduce your electricity bill. You could save up to R300 on your electricity bill. The project aims to help with peak demand reduction, a cleaner future and energy security. 

Applications are currently open and close at the end of August. Project Smart Solar is backed by the eThekwini Municipality. There are only 280 spots available.

The pilot project is being delivered by the City in partnership with Plentify, a South African energy tech company, and supported by international development partners, including the Agence Franҫaise de Développement, the European Union, and the EU Delegation to South Africa.

‘’Project Smart Solar is an important step in exploring how households can become part of a more resilient energy future for eThekwini,’’ said Sindile Buthelezi, Energy Efficiency Manager at eThekwini Municipality.

Project Smart Solar includes a local skills development section. Youth recruited via the eThekwini Municipal Academy database will be upskilled by professional installation teams from Plentify and employed to support installations where possible.

‘’Skills development is an important part of making the energy transition more inclusive. It offers hands-on experience and transferable technical skills to young people,’’ noted Tumisang Kalagobe, Project Smart Solar Lead at Plentify.

Homes that have solar and battery systems are especially encouraged to apply and could qualify if they have: an electric geyser, solar PV panels, battery storage, a compatible inverter system and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

Households without solar, also qualify if they have an electric geyser and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

Those selected participants will receive the Plentify Home Energy Management System, which includes SolarBot and/or HotBot devices and access to the Plentify Home App.

A SolarBot is Plentify’s intelligent controller for solar and battery systems that assists households to use more solar energy, rely less on the grid, and stay protected during outages.

A HotBot is Plentify’s intelligent geyser controller that automatically heats water at the right times based on a household’s needs, ensuring hot water is available when needed while reducing unnecessary electricity use.

Professional installation and ongoing support will also be provided at no cost during the pilot.

You can apply for this opportunity here: https://plentify.io/project-smart-solar/

Fashion Designers Apply For 15th Durban Fashion Fair Showcase

 

By Fred Felton | July 30, 2026

The Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) has spent 15 years transforming emerging local designers into successful fashion entrepreneurs.

The programme celebrates its landmark 15^th edition under the theme ‘’Where Legacy Lives’’, and eThekwini Municipality is inviting fashion designers to be part of this milestone showcase.

Applications close on 31 July 2026.

Designers interested in showcasing their collections can apply by completing the online application form at https://forms.gle/9yHiqibirFNaxtLq9

The 15th DFF takes place from 16 to 18 September at the Durban Exhibition Centre ending with the Recognition Awards on 19 September.

Expect to see designers who joined the programme 14 years ago and have since built successful fashion businesses and created employment and showcased globally. It will also include the next generation of fashion household names currently participating in the intensive 10-month DFF Mentorship Programme which highlights the City’s continued investment in developing creative talent and growing the local fashion economy.

‘’For the past 15 years, the DFF has demonstrated that fashion is a powerful driver of economic development,’’ said the City’s Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli.

Through initiatives like the DFF Emporium at uMlazi Mega City and seasonal pop-up shops, the programme continues to empower micro, small and medium enterprises while positioning Durban as one of Africa’s leading fashion destinations.

For more information, contact nondumiso.mthembu@durban.gov.za

Asimile Siyaqhuba - Empowering The Youth As The Nation's Future Leaders

 

ASIMILE SIYAQHUBA: EMPOWERING THE YOUTH AS THE NATION’S FUTURE LEADERS

EThekwini Municipality has made youth development a strategic priority through the work of its Youth Development Office, which operates within the Mayoral Parlour.

Highlighting the gains made to empower young people in the City is the Five-Year Service Delivery Milestones campaign being rolled out under the theme Asimile Siyaqhuba: Resilience Through Adversity.

The campaign highlights transformative efforts that have shaped service delivery during the 2021 to 2026 term of office.

The Youth Development Office continues to play a pivotal role in empowering young people socially, academically, and economically. Through a range of targeted interventions, the office is helping to build a generation of confident, skilled, and self-reliant young residents.

HONOURING TOP MATRIC LEARNERS

One of the office's most celebrated initiatives is the annual Matric Awards Ceremony, held at the beginning of each year. The event recognises academic excellence among matric learners across eThekwini.

The programme honours the Top 20 matric achievers, comprising the Top 10 overall best-performing learners in the metro and an additional Top 10 learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Each of the Top 20 achievers receives a full bursary to pursue studies at a South African university of their choice, in any field of study. Many beneficiaries go on to enrol in scarce and critical skills programmes, contributing to the country's future workforce needs. The Municipality invests close to R1 million annually to support students throughout their tertiary education journey.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPORT

Through its Back-to-School Programme, the Youth Development Office assists learners from disadvantaged communities by providing essential educational resources.

The programme supplies learners with calculators, mathematical sets, school shoes, dignity packs, toiletries, and sanitary products for female learners. During the 2025/26 financial year alone, more than 1 500 learners from 30 schools around the Municipality benefited from the initiative.

STUDENT RELIEF FUND

The office also has a Student Relief Fund that assists deserving students with registration and admission-related costs, including upfront fees required by tertiary institutions.

During the 2025/26 financial year, approximately R1.3 million was allocated towards this programme, helping young people take their first steps towards obtaining qualifications and securing better opportunities for the future.

 

BUSINESS CHALLENGE

Every June, as part of Youth Month celebrations, the Youth Development Office hosts a Business Challenge aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs whose businesses have been operating for more than a year. The Municipality, along with its partners provide practical business resource vouchers that contribute directly to business growth and sustainability.

Under the programme, the top three entrepreneurs receive business support resources valued at approximately R70 000 collectively, while a further 17 participants share resources worth around R170 000.

YOUTH TALENT SHOW

The Youth Talent Show is an annual programme that creates opportunities for young people to showcase their creative abilities. Through this platform, young people gather to present their talents in various categories, with the winner appointed as the “ambassadors” of the Youth Development Office. Previous winners have gone on to make a name for themselves in the creative space.

Furthermore, throughout the year, the Youth Development Office delivers a variety of projects and empowerment initiatives, including sports tournaments, career expos, leadership development programmes, skills development workshops, and community-based interventions designed to equip young people with the tools needed to succeed.

IMPACT OF PROGRAMMES

Speaking about the impact of these programmes, Youth Development Office Manager Nokuthula Hlophe said the Municipality remains committed to ensuring that young people are equipped with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed while eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said investing in young people remains one of the Municipality's most important priorities.

Asimile Siyaqhuba - Five Years of Advancing Clean, Sustainable, and Resilient Communities

 

Waste Management Directorate: Five Years of Advancing Clean, Sustainable, and Resilient Communities

Over the past five years, the Waste Management Directorate has made significant strides in delivering efficient, reliable and sustainable waste management services across the City. Highlighting these gains is eThekwini’s Five-Year Service Delivery Milestones campaign being rolled out under the theme: Asimile Siyaqhuba: Resilience Through Adversity.

The campaign highlights the gains made in ensuring efficient and effective service delivery during the 2021 to 2026 term of office.

As the leading provider of comprehensive waste solutions, the Waste Management Directorate operates an extensive network comprising of 32 depots, six transfer stations, four landfill sites, 22 garden sites with selected public recycling drop-offs, two landfill gas projects, and three leachate treatment plants. This robust infrastructure enables the delivery of essential services to residential, industrial, and commercial customers.

The directorate has consistently provided weekly refuse collection services to over one million households, meeting key service delivery objectives while maintaining high standards of cleanliness. City streets are serviced daily, with the central business district cleaned up to three times per day, supported by high-pressure washing and mechanical sweeping operations. Recognising the unique challenges within informal settlements, the directorate has worked closely with contractors to ensure weekly collection and street sweeping services in these areas.

Illegal dumping continues to pose challenges; however, it is being addressed proactively through the Illegal Dumping Eradication Programme. This programme is implemented through co-ordinated joint operations and dedicated enforcement efforts. In many instances, the City has partnered with stakeholders such as Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa to rehabilitate affected sites through environmental restoration initiatives, including tree planting, thereby enhancing environmental integrity and community wellbeing.

Over the past five years, substantial volumes of waste have been collected annually, contributing to cleaner, healthier, and safer urban spaces. Continuous operational improvements and strengthened regional co-ordination have further enhanced service delivery across all areas of the City.

Beyond waste collection, the directorate has prioritised environmental education and meaningful community engagement. Programmes such as the Back-to-School initiative and the introduction of “Nono,” the City’s waste awareness mascot, have encouraged learners to adopt responsible waste practices from an early age. Public awareness campaigns, including #BinIt, have further promoted proper waste management and sustainability, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within communities.

Sustainability remains central to the directorate’s mission. Recycling programmes and waste diversion initiatives form the foundation of the directorate’s transition towards a more circular waste economy. Concerted efforts have been made to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill, supporting broader environmental and climate objectives. E-waste and bulk waste drives have provided residents with safe and environmentally compliant disposal options for electronic and bulky household items. These initiatives have helped curb illegal dumping, promote recycling and resource recovery, and advance the vision of a cleaner, healthier City for all residents.

The directorate also manages four strategically located landfill sites that collectively receive approximately 900 000 tonnes of general waste annually, ensuring environmentally responsible disposal and compliance with regulatory standards. Ongoing investment in infrastructure and technology has strengthened operational capacity, while maintaining strict adherence to environmental legislation and best practice standards.

Resource optimisation through route balancing and the implementation of fleet management best practices has enhanced operational resilience, improved fleet utilisation, and ensured service continuity across all service areas.

The directorate has also led numerous community engagement initiatives, school programmes, and clean-up campaigns aimed at promoting responsible waste management, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices aligned with the National Waste Management Strategy.

The past five years have represented a period of strategic investment, operational enhancement, and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, service excellence, and community partnership.

A particularly encouraging development is the directorate’s recent participation in the Metro Trading Services Reform Programme, through which a comprehensive Turnaround Strategy has been developed. This strategy entrenches a long-term, integrated approach to substantially reduce waste, modernise collection systems, and reinvigorate the recycling sector.

Asimile Siyaqhuba - Driving Technology Forward In The City

 

DRIVING TECHNOLOGY FORWARD IN THE CITY

THE INFORMATION Technology Directorate of eThekwini Municipality plays a critical role in shaping the City’s digital future. Its mandate focuses on developing and promoting an Information Communications Technology (ITC) vision that addresses current challenges while enabling long-term growth. Highlighting the technological goals made by the directorate is eThekwini’s Five-Year Service Delivery Milestones campaign being rolled out under the theme: Asimile Siyaqhuba: Resilience Through Adversity. The campaign highlights transformative efforts that have shaped service delivery during the 2021 to 2026 term of office.

Key strategic priorities include building a paperless environment, ensuring secure and integrated data management, and strengthening reliable ICT infrastructure, including cloud solutions. A central focus of the directorate is the use of Geographic Information Systems, which helps address issues and supports the vision of transforming eThekwini into a modern digital hub for future generations. The Public Wi-Fi Programme forms a central pillar of the City’s Digital Inclusion Strategy and Smart City agenda being driven by the Information Technology Directorate. Director of the Information Technology Directorate Robert Dlamini said over the past five financial years, the Public Wi Fi Programme has significantly expanded equitable internet access across municipal wards. The eThekwini Public Wi-Fi Programme has delivered measurable, city-wide digital inclusion progress. With 75 percent of the strategic target achieved and 98 percent ward-level reach established, the programme remains a critical enabler of social equity, economic participation, and digital transformation within the City.

Strategic Target

The approved long-term strategic target for the programme is 750 public Wi-Fi Sites across the Municipality. This target aligns with a minimum of three sites per municipal ward, the deployment within high-footfall public facilities, prioritisation of underserved and previously disadvantaged communities and the expansion of affordable digital access across all 110 wards.

Infrastructure Growth and Progress

Currently 565 active Public Wi-Fi Sites have been installed (cumulative to date). Dlamini said this represents substantial progress toward universal ward level coverage and positions the Municipality as a leading implementer of municipal digital infrastructure within the province.

Expanding Digital Infrastructure

To date, the Municipality has installed 1 633 enterprise grade Wi-Fi access points across both indoor and outdoor environments. These access points are strategically deployed in high-demand areas to support reliable, high-capacity connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

Accessible Community Connectivity

Public Wi-Fi has been deployed at key locations that support daily life and economic activity, including:

           ·          Municipal libraries

           ·          Sizakala Centres

           ·          Clinics and healthcare facilities

           ·          Schools and community halls

           ·          Sports grounds and public parks

           ·          Tourism hubs such as beachfront areas

           ·          Market precincts and transport nodes

           ·          Key economic corridors, including Florida Road.

Empowering Residents Through Free Access

A key feature of the programme is its free data allocation model, which provides 2GB of free data per user per day, accessible through a secure self-registration portal. This approach ensures fair and consistent access while maintaining sustainability. The Wi-Fi Programme continues to experience strong uptake and usage with over 446 000 registered users to date. There are between 24 000 and 26 000 daily connections and around 2 000 concurrent users during peak periods. These milestones highlight the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to expand digital inclusion.