Public urged to comment on 2025/26 Draft Budget

THE public is urged to participate in the Draft Budget and Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultation meetings that will be taking place in the coming weeks. This comes as the City's 2025/26 Draft Budget of R71.3 billion was tabled at a Full Council meeting on 31 March and released for public consultation. 

Comprising of an Operating Budget of R64.2 billion and a Capital Budget of R7.1 billion, it is set against various challenges and tough economic conditions. 

Themed an 'Infrastructure Building and Service Delivery Budget', this budget is firmly focused on service delivery, rehabilitation, and replacement of infrastructure as well as economic development. 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, in his tabling address of the Draft Budget, said: ''We strongly believe that investing in infrastructure is essential for achieving sustainable economic recovery and inclusive growth.'' 

Some of the major highlights of the 2025/26 Draft Budget are significant amounts being allocated to take care of essential services. About R859 million has been allocated for electricity which will fund the ongoing extension and reinforcement of existing electricity networks, as well as 17 new substations that are being commissioned. 

The capital budget for water is R1.15 billion and will be spent mainly on the water loss intervention programme and the replacement of water pipes. 

Proposed tariff increases for Electricity is 12.72%, Water 15% for domestic customers and 16% for business, Sanitation is 13% for domestic and 14% for business, Refuse Removal is 9.9% for domestic and 9% for business. For property rates, the proposed tariff increase is 6.5%.

The City is committed to assisting disadvantaged communities through its social welfare package. The benefits of this package include the first 6kl of water free to households with property values under R350 000, the first 50kwh of electricity free to residents using less than 150kwh per month in Eskom reticulated areas and the first 65kwh of electricity free to residents using less than 150kwh per month in eThekwini reticulated areas. 

With regards to refuse removal, residential properties valued up to R350 000 are exempt from the domestic refuse removal tariff and a free basic refuse removal service is also available to indigent consumer units living in rural areas, informal settlements, and non-curbside residents. 

The first 6kl of effluent disposal is exempt for all properties with values under R350 000. 

In addition, a free basic service is also available to indigent consumer units with VIP's, urine diversion toilets and in informal settlements serviced by means of a toilet/ablution block within 200 metres. 

Meanwhile, comments on the IDP can be made from 4 April to 9 May 2025. 

Copies of the said document are available on the website www.durban.gov.za or by scanning the QR Code below. 

Digital copies of the Draft IDP can also be obtained via Sizakala Centres and libraries for viewing and public comments from 4 April to 9 May 2025. The public are requested to drop their comments at Sizakala Centres or libraries or send their comments to comments2021@durban.gov.za or via Whatsapp Chat bot using the QR Code below. 

The IDP is a key strategy that guides development and service delivery in the City. It is a requirement of the Municipal Systems Act and drives the City's budget allocations and the Service Delivery Implementation Plan to ensure service delivery to communities. 

For this reason, community consultation and input are critical. 

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Pinetown Men's Health Section 

Launched to boost healthcare

WITH the aim of addressing the primary healthcare needs of men, eThekwini Municipality officially launched a Men's Health section at the Pinetown Clinic. 

The launch was led by Chairperson of the Community Services Committee Councillor Zama Sokhabase alongside eThekwini Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni. 

The Pinetown Clinic provides health services such as blood pressure screenings, TB screening, counselling, HIV testing, and other medical assistance tailored specifically for men. 

This follows a successful pilot programme that began in July 2022 after an increasing demand for a men-only healthcare space was identified. 

Nursing Services Manager at Pinetown Clinic Zodwa Mthembu said they have seen an increase in male patients since the pilot began.

''We first designated one day a week for men's healthcare. Due to growing demand, we expanded to three days and eventually to daily services. 

Men from across the City now visit our clinic to access these free services provided by the Municipality. We are proud to offer them a safe and dedicated space for their healthcare needs,'' said Mthembu. 

Councillor Sokhabase praised men for prioritising their health. ''I am encouraged to see so many men using this facility. Your presence here today challenges the myth that men neglect their health. 

Please spread the word and encourage other men to visit for regular check-ups, screenings, and counselling,'' she urged. 

Duma Sibiya, a frequent visitor to the clinic commended the City for establishing the men's section: ''We now have access to important health information, including awareness about prostate cancer. This section of the clinic allows men to openly discuss health concerns and seek the necessary treatment,'' said Sibiya. 

Currently, the men's section at Pinetown Clinic serves over 11 000 individuals collecting treatment at the facility. 

Deputy Mayor Myeni emphasised the importance of early health interventions, especially given the higher prevalance of TB among men compared to women. 

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Northern Durban Business 

Fair empowers business

THE City's signature Durban Business Fair exhibition continues to play a pivotal role in empowering small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). This platform connects SMMEs with industry role-players, new clientele, investors, financial institutions, and likeminded entrepreneurs.

This follows the success of the North Regional Durban Business Fair which took place from 28 to 30 March at the Bridge City Shopping Centre. 

The event was well attended, with approximately 9 000 visitors eager to explore locally made products and support exhibitors. The fair's significance was amplified by its focus on empowering entrepreneurs, with a standout feature being a collaboration with New Bridge Graduate Training Institute. The partnership hosted a pitching session aimed at empowering unemployed youth aged between 18 and 35 to explore entrepreneurship. 

Participants showcased their business ideas, answering questions on their business plans and administration. 

The top 10 participants were awarded Business Administration NQF Level 5 bursaries worth R50 000 each. 

Thandeka Ntombela, one of the bursary winners from Ntuzuma, shared her excitement. 

''This is a life changing opportunity, and I am sure it will open many doors. I feel equipped to start my own business,'' she said.

Nathi Ndlovu, National Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Manager at New Bridge Graduate Training Institute, emphasised the importance of skills development among the youth. 

''This initiative is about equipping the youth with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Professional development plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship,'' he said. 

Ndlovu said the participants will begin their studies in June at either the Pinetown or Musgrave campuses. 

Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said: 

''We are happy this initiative, aimed at SMME development, continues to attract private sector interest and public support.'' 

U=U Campaign Launched by eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda

 

By Fred Felton | 23 June 2023

The U=U Campaign was launched in Durban on 20 June 2023 by eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda in Durban. This project is in partnership with UNAIDS.

The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda at the launch of the U=U Campaign in Durban. | Photo: eThekwini Municipality

This launch happened before the 11^th SA AIDS Conference which is taking place in Durban from 20 to 23 June. U=U stands for ‘’Undetectable = Untransmittable’’ and aims to create awareness about new scientific evidence that shows that people living with HIV who are on prescribed treatment, can supress HIV and avoid transmitting it to their partners and their unborn babies.

The aim of this campaign is to empower people living with HIV, and to encourage people to use condoms, be faithful to their partners, to abstain from sexual activity, and to get HIV tests.

Mayor Kaunda stressed the importance of men being open about their health and getting tested and circumcised.

‘’We call on eThekwini residents to join this campaign to end new HIV infections. The City started the Thuma Mina campaign to encourage men to live a healthy lifestyle. This created a platform for men to openly discuss issues that confront them daily and encourage them to undergo voluntary male medical circumcision,’’ said eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

Children are also an important part of the U=U campaign. Some children are living with the virus and they are not on treatment.  

‘’We encourage young people to get tested and as parents, we must support our children,’’ said eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

With the help of the City, 27 Peer Educators and 14 Adherence Officers have been placed at health facilities to help with adherence and retention in care.

The eThekwini Municipality has also embarked on a new campaign of tracing previous patients who have defaulted on treatment from various health facilities.

Under the leadership of the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, eThekwini Municipality remains committed to the fight to end AIDS by 2030.

TB can be managed

 

TB can be managed

THE month of March also focuses on TB Awareness and how it is no longer a death sentence. The national theme for the country is 'Invest in Action to End TB Now!' and the tagline is 'Get Screened. End Stigma. Save Lives'. Although progress has been made in recent years in the reduction of TB cases and mortality rate, the disease remains a public health threat. The KwaZulu Natal Province is considered the most affected together with the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and the Western Cape. The Head of eThekwini Municipality's Health Unit, Rose Van Heerden said despite the highest burden, but the TB treatment outcomes show definite progressive improvement. The COVID-19 pandemic also severely impacted on the control of TB and the restrictions increased the number of undiagnosed patients. The eThekwini District has identified 5 high transmission informal setllements considered geographically as priorities which include Malukazi, Inanda, Bester, Amatikwe and Tshelimnyama to increase case finding and identification of TB contacts and refer those diagnosed positive to clinics for initiation of treatment. As a means to ensure adherence to treatment, the district has TB/HIV Outreach Teams. Their function is to visit households to provide injections and supervise that patients take their medication. The municipality is appealing to the public to get screened and tested for TB as there may be undetected cases. Those who test positive are urged not to delay receiving medical care. 

What is the link between TB and COVID-19?

People with TB may have a weak immune system and may be at risk of getting infected with COVID-19. 

• If you have TB, you are also at risk of suffering more severe symptoms from COVID-19. The risk is even higher if you are HIV positive or diabetic. 
• Symptoms of TB and Covid-19 are similar (cough, fever, night sweats) however symptoms of Covid-19 start suddenly. Sore throat, nausea and vomiting, and loss of smell and taste are associated with Covid-19 and not TB. 
• Both are transmitted by droplets (coughing and sneezing) but Covid-19 is also found on surfaces, and is more contagious than TB. 
• TB is treated with 6 months of antibiotics, while there is no current treatment for Covid-19. 

Why is TB treatment important especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• People with lung damage, such as people with TB, or those with weak immune systems, including those with poorly controlled HIV, may suffer from more severe forms of COVID-19 if infected. 
• Treating TB improves the body's ability to fight other infections, like COVID-19. 

Visit any municipal clinic and get screened for TB today!

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Clean water is a Basic Human right

THE month of March is both Water month and Human Rights month. The provision of clean fresh water is one of the basic Human Rights everyone should enjoy. It is often said that Water is Life, which is why we need to conserve it all the time. South Africa is amongst the 30 most dry countries in the world. Hence, the importance of using wise ways of conserving water at any home. These simple ways include, but are not limited to, the following ways: 

• Only flush the toilets when it is absolutely necessary. 
• Collect rain-water for watering the gardens. 
• Use the shower instead of bathing and limit this action to 2 minutes.
• Do not leave the taps running while brushing your teeth. 
• Do not use hosepipes as they consume large amounts of water. 
• Ensure that children do not play with the hose/s and sprinklers and reward them for conserving water. 
• Do not water plants, fill swimming pools or wash cars with the tap water but instead use water that comes from the rainwater tanks. 
• If you do have rainwater tanks, use this water wherever possible in the home. 
• Turn off the water while shaving. 
• Designate one glass or bottle for your drinking water a day so you do not have to keep washing them. 
• Check your home and premises for water leaks and learn how to use your water meter to check for leaks. 
• Keep a close eye on your water bill to help spot leaks (and wasted money) 
• If you wash dishes by hand, do not leave the water running for rinsing. 
• Soak pots and pans instead of running the tap while you scrape them. 

By saving water, consumers are similarly able to save money by bringing their water bills down. In public places, individuals are encouraged to report leaks, burst pipes and illegal connections. Changing water consumption patterns and behaviours now, will help manage the limited water resources in and for the future. 

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Turning waste into cash

RECYCLING is a process of collecting and processing material that would otherwise be thrown away as waste and turning it into new products.

WHY RECYCLE?

• Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills
• Protect the environment
• Helps create jobs
• Promote the re-use of resources

BUY-BACK AND COMMUNITY DROP OFF CENTRES.

The municipality has established Buy back and Community drop off centres which are used for recycling purposes. 

Buy-Back Centres are operated by a licensed commercial recycler where individual waste collectors and street waste pickers can sell their recyclable waste. Here are Buy-Back Centres in eThekwini where residents can ''sell'' their recyclables

8 Ways To Prep For The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk Courtesy of Lisa Raleigh

The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk that takes place on 22 May 2016. You have been training for it right?  

The annual event brings together people for a morning of exercise and great memories. Exercise improves heart health, lowers blood pressure, helps reduce cholesterol and blood glucose, helps to burn fat and maintain weight. Walking is low impact and a refreshing form of low intensity exercise.

All four routes get underway at different times from uShaka Marine World and all 30 000 walkers will cross the finish line at People’s Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Lifestyle and fitness expert, Lisa Raleigh, has these tips to make sure you’re well prepped!

1. Get advice. Talk to your doctor first before starting a new fitness programme, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time.

2. Choose wisely. Correct walking shoes are light and fit comfortably. Walking long distances can put strain on different parts of your body, so it’s good to invest in quality footwear for both your training and the walk.  Check that they fit properly and wear them in before the big day to avoid blisters.

3. Dress smart. Wear comfortable, light, breathable clothes to avoid chafing.

4. Drink up! Hydrate well and make sure you eat something an hour before you train or do the walk.

5. Walk wisely. Keep a brisk pace to elevate your heart rate, but stay in a comfortable walking pace where you can still talk and not gasp for air.

6. Chin up! Maintain good posture during your walk. Keep your chest up to avoid slouching.

7. Don’t forget to stretch.

8. Round up the troops. If you just can’t get going with your training schedule, find a walking buddy or join a club!

This week, people who have signed up for the event will be able to collect the race packs (that includes the event T-shirt, goodie bag and race number) from the underground parking area at Moses Mabhida Stadium on the following days:

Thursday 19 May 10am – 7pm

Friday 20 May 10am – 7pm

Saturday 21 May 10am – 2pm

If you have registered at a participating Totalsports store, you would have received a reference number. Please bring this reference number to Moses Mabhida Stadium to collect your race pack. If you registered online, please take along your confirmation of entry.

Companies that have registered 10 or more of their staff can send a representative to collect race packs but they need to provide proof of payment.

There will be loads of fun for the whole family at the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk on 22 May 2016. Find out more at www.ecr.co.za

Article by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton

Image: Provided

Volunteers needed for International Aids Conference Durban 2016

The people who volunteer at each International AIDS Conference are critical to its

success. This year, we are looking for 800 committed individuals to volunteer at

AIDS 2016. 

Volunteers will have free access to the conference sessions when not

on duty, networking opportunities, and become part of a committed team working on

the HIV response by supporting a global event. Join them in Durban for this historic

moment and apply to volunteer today.

APPLY HERE

http://volunteers.aids2016.org/ApplicationForm/Index.aspx

Scholarship Opportunities: Clinicians, HIV Service Providers and Advocates for International Aids Conference Durban

As the International AIDS Conference remains a vital tool for continuing medical education, the International AIDS Society (IAS) is proud to launch the IAS Educational Fund – a mechanism aimed to provide and invest in educational opportunities that support the frontline HIV workforce.

The IAS Educational Fund will enable 100 clinicians and 40 advocates to attend the 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016). Additionally, it will offer increased virtual access to conference content and a series of symposia hosted in targeted countries to strengthen scientific and programmatic knowledge from a global perspective that is relevant at a local level.

Applications for grants to attend AIDS 2016 will open on 20 April and close on 11 May.

The IAS Educational Fund is made possible through an educational grant from ViiV Healthcare and financial support from Gilead Sciences.

LEARN MORE HERE

www.iasociety.org/educationalfund

The 21st International AIDS Conference To Take Place 18-22 July 2016 in Durban

Historical global conference introduces a fresh approach to the programme

 The conference will more fully incorporate several pre-conference meetings into the main conference programme. AIDS 2016 will be hosted in Durban, South Africa.

The new format will offer these pre-conference meetings within the main conference venue on 16-17 July, leading up to the Opening Session. These meetings, which have customarily been held off-site at surrounding areas, are open to all conference delegates. Attendees will have the ability to register online for pre-conference meetings during the AIDS 2016 registration process as part of the package.

“This was a strategic decision to offer a more holistic format to the traditional conference set-up,” said Chris Beyrer, IAS President and AIDS 2016 Co-Chair. “It will better enable delegates to access the strong pre-conference programming that will be offered.”

Olive Shisana, AIDS 2016 Local Co-Chair said, “This is the second time that Durban will be hosting the International AIDS Conference and marks a major milestone in the HIV response. We want to create an enhanced conference experience for everyone involved.”

Every year the International AIDS Conference has a dedicated theme, this year is “Access Equity Rights Now”. It is a call to action to work together and reach the people who still lack access to comprehensive treatment, prevention, care and support services. For example, more than 60% of people living with HIV remain without antiretroviral therapy; women and girls, men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, young people, and people who use drugs and other marginalized groups remain under-prioritized in the response; investments in HIV prevention research appear to have flattened; and widespread violations of human rights including criminalisation continue to undermine effective responses.

AIDS 2016 is convened by five permanent partners: IAS, Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), The International Community of Women with HIV/AIDS (ICW), International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO) and UNAIDS in collaboration with international and South African scientific and civil society partners. It is expected to convene over 18,000 delegates from around the world, including many journalists. 

For more info visit: www.AIDS2016.org