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Showing posts with label KwaMashu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KwaMashu. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

City Launches Musical Theatre Production Developing Local Creatives

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 12, 2026

The show ‘Amandla Phumelela’ was premiered by eThekwini Municipality on 7 August. The show is a bold new local musical theatre production developed through the city’s Theatre Residency Programme.



This production came after the city held a public call for auditions, which invited actors, writers and directors, and which saw many young creatives come from all over the city to show their talent.

A total of sixteen young creatives were selected for their acting abilities, stage presence and powerful vocal performances and they form part of the Municipality’s first Theatre Residency.

The production officially opened on 7 August and will run until 16 August at The Stable Theatre. Entrance is free.

Amandla Phumelela is a powerful musical that explores the realities confronting many young South Africans. It is written and directed by Jerry Pooe, featuring choreography by Sfiso Mathibela. The show uses storytelling, music and drama and tackles issues such as substance abuse, abandonment, identity, and the search for love, purpose and belonging, while delivering a message of hope, resilience and transformation.

‘’Members of the cast are now receiving mentorship from industry professionals, theatre training and access to performance opportunities that will strengthen their artistic development and prepare them for the professional theatre environment,’’ said Director of Recreation and Parks, Dr Simphiwe Ndlovu.

By investing in emerging artists, the eThekwini Municipality continues to position Durban as a vibrant hub for artistic excellence and cultural innovation.

For bookings, contact Musa Ntuli of the Arts and Culture Division on 031 322 8789 or musa.ntuli@durban.gov.za


Thursday, July 30, 2026

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 15th 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


Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Asimile Siyaqhuba - Five Years of Ensuring A Reliable and Efficient Electricity Supply

 


ASIMILE SIYAQHUBA – FIVE YEARS OF ENSURING A RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

 

OVER the past five years, the Energy Management Directorate has delivered critical electricity services to residents and businesses across the metropolitan area, balancing infrastructure renewal, network expansion, revenue reform and social support. Serving approximately 800 000 customers, the directorate remains responsible for one of the largest municipal electricity distribution networks in the country.



 

NETWORK SCALE AND CORE SERVICE DELIVERY

The City’s electricity system comprises more than 110 high-voltage substations and over 14 000 medium-voltage substations. This extensive infrastructure network forms the backbone of electricity distribution, ensuring that power is transmitted safely and efficiently to homes, industries and commercial centres. Maintaining the stability of this system is central to service delivery, as reliable electricity underpins economic growth, public safety, and household wellbeing.




 

INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL AND NETWORK RESILIENCE

A key focus over the five-year period has been addressing aging infrastructure. Significant investment has been directed toward substation refurbishment, equipment replacement and cable renewal programmes. The replacement of aging underground and overhead cables has reduced faults associated with deteriorating infrastructure, improving supply reliability and minimising unplanned outages in affected communities. One of the most notable milestones was the commissioning of the KE Masinga Substation, a 132kV/11kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) facility. This is the first new GIS substation commissioned by the City in nearly a decade and marks a major step forward in adopting advanced, space-efficient and resilient technology. Constructed at an approximate cost of R120 million, the substation forms part of the City’s 25-year Transmission Network Master Plan, designed to guide infrastructure upgrades, expansion, and renewal to meet future demand. Additional upgrades are ongoing, including critical equipment replacement at the Mariannridge 132/11kV Substation, further strengthening network capacity and operational stability.




 

ELECTRIFICATION AND EXPANDING ACCESS

Despite operational challenges during the term, including prolonged shortages of electricity meters, the directorate continued to expand access to electricity. Over the past five years, 19 756 new residential electricity supply connections were installed. Thousands of residents in informal settlements and mixed formal informal areas have benefitted from electrification projects, improving safety, dignity and access to economic opportunities.




 

SMART METERING AND REVENUE PROTECTION

With meter supply constraints now resolved, the directorate has launched its Smart Metering Deployment Strategy. This initiative is aimed at restoring revenue integrity, improving operational efficiency and enhancing customer service. The prepaid smart meters incorporate advanced features such as tamper detection and remote diagnostics, enabling improved monitoring and reducing non-technical losses. To date, over 6 500 smart meters have been installed, with plans to roll out more than 200 000 units in the coming years. The programme is expected to significantly strengthen billing accuracy, reduce electricity theft and provide customers with better control over their consumption.

 

FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY AND SOCIAL IMPACT

The directorate continues to administer the Free Basic Electricity programme in line with national policy guidelines. Since 2003, qualifying indigent households consuming less than 150 kWh per month receive 65 kWh of free electricity monthly, automatically credited to their prepaid meters. Currently, close to 100 000 customers benefit from this subsidy.

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Municipality intensifies its winter safety campaign to prevent fires

 


Municipality intensifies its winter safety campaign to prevent fires

SANE SHANDU

ETHEKWINI Municipality’s efforts to protect residents have intensified, with a renewed focus on preventing devastating fires before tragedy strikes this winter season.



As the cold weather sets in, more households turn to heaters, candles, paraffin stoves, and electric blankets to stay warm. While these bring warmth, they also increase the risk of fire, especially in densely populated communities and informal settlements where fires can spread rapidly.

Recognising this growing danger, the Municipality’s Fire Service Directorate has rolled out an expanded winter safety campaign, taking fire prevention directly to people. The campaign is actively reaching communities, schools, and local spaces to share practical safety tips and raise awareness.

Every year, lives are lost and families are left devastated due to fires that could have been prevented. Many of these incidents are caused by everyday actions such as unattended stoves, overloading plugs, or unsafe heating methods.

Director of the Fire Services Directorate Enock Mchunu said fire safety starts with awareness and shared responsibility. ‘’Most fires begin with small mistakes. When people understand the risks and take simple precautions, we can prevent disasters and save lives,’’ he said.

Fire safety teams are working on the ground, empowering communities with knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their loved ones. The aim is to build a culture of safety. ‘’We want to work with communities and schools to ensure they are empowered with skills and tools that safeguard their homes,’’ Mchunu said.

In case of a fire emergency, residents can call 031 361 0000.



Monday, April 20, 2026

City Engaged with Business Sector on 2026/27 Draft IDP/Budget

 

By Fred Felton | Apr. 20, 2026

The eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has started a series of consultations with key stakeholders on the Draft 2026/27 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget.

EThekwini Municipality, led by Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, held its first sector consultation meeting at the Durban ICC, to discuss the Draft IDP/Budget for the 2026/27 financial year. | Photo: Supplied.


Mayor Xaba engaged with representatives from the business sector at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 13 April 2026.



There was a big turnout of business leaders at this session to learn more about the Draft Budget and its possible impact, while also providing valuable input to the City.

The total Draft Budget for 2026/27 amounts to a capital allocation of R5.9 billion and an operating budget of R68.8 billion. It’s geared towards building a resilient and inclusive economy that supports business development and job creation.

‘’Your input is important and critical to us. It has been a challenging budget to balance, given the global and domestic economic climate. We have placed a strong focus on upgrading infrastructure, accelerating service delivery, and investing in catalytic projects, particularly those that create employment,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

This budget introduced a range of initiatives aimed at stimulating economic activity and enhancing the ease of doing business. Key focus areas include infrastructure improvement, support for small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs), and digital transformation to modernise Municipal services and improve efficiency.

In partnership with the private sector, several large-scale developments are underway and these include the Durban Film City, TradePort expansion initiatives, and various nodal developments. These projects represent a combined investment value of approximately R217 billion and are expected to significantly boost the Municipal rates base while also creating thousands of job opportunities.



After the presentation, stakeholders were invited to provide feedback. While many welcomed the budget, others raised concerns relating to tariff increases, road and stormwater infrastructure, tourism development, the Go! Durban project, and the inclusion of local SMMEs in procurement processes.

Mayor Xaba reaffirmed the City’s commitment to working closely with the business sector to unlock economic opportunities, improve on service delivery, and position eThekwini as a leading destination for investment.

There will be upcoming engagements with a variety of sectors in the next weeks. Keep your eyes on the City’s social media platforms for more information on hearings in your area of eThekwini.


Monday, April 13, 2026

2026/27 Draft Budget tabled for public consultation

 


2026/27 Draft Budget tabled 

for public consultation

ROMITA

HANUMAN-PILLAY

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba tabled the City’s R74.7 billion budget during a Full Council meeting on 31 March at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.



With an operating budget of R68.8 billion and a capital budget of R5.9 billion, it will now be released to all sectors for consultation and feedback and will thereafter be adopted in May, after considering all comments.

The Draft Budget is based on the principles of sustainability and realistic revenue projections and projects that are ready for rollout.

Mayor Xaba said: ‘’The 2026/27 Draft Budget highlights that eThekwini Municipality is able to endure a challenging economic environment and emerge stronger, more sustainable, and better positioned to serve communities. This budget balances fiscal discipline with targeted revenue growth, aiming to manage high debt while supporting vulnerable households, infrastructure and job creation.’’

As a caring Municipality, the provision of rates rebates and a basket of free basic services will be funded through equitable share. A significant chunk of the budget is prioritised for Trading Services Reforms, which aims to improve efficiency in water sanitation, and energy. A total of R1.1 billion will be spent on Trading Service Reform projects.

The capital budget for the 2026/27 financial year amounts to approximately R5.9 billion and will be spent on the upgrade and expansion of wastewater treatment works, replacement of water pipes, and water loss prevention.

The budget will be presented to residents, business, and civil society through a series of consultations that will be advertised on the City’s official platforms and in the media.

The proposed tariff increases are based on the increases submitted by bulk providers, Eskom (9 percent) and uMngeni-uThukela Water (13 percent), taking into account the affordability of residents and the sustainability of the Municipality.

Water

Residential – 15%

Business – 16%

Electricity

Residential – 10.5%

Business – 10.5%

Sanitation

Residential

Business

Property Rates – 5%

Refuse – 13%

To ensure alignment with ward priorities, the Municipality has started engagements with councillors. At these meetings, draft capital budget allocations are presented per ward, providing councillors with an opportunity to review proposed projects, identify any discrepancies or omissions, and submit corrections and additional inputs.





Saturday, March 21, 2026

Register for Durban Business Fair 2026

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 21, 2026

There is high demand for exhibition space at Durban Business Fair. Over 50 businesses have already booked exhibition space for the 28th Durban Business Fair.

Businesses engage with potential buyers at a previous edition of the Durban Business Fair. Photo: Supplied. 


There is strong demand for the City’s flagship platform that connects small businesses to markets, opportunities, and potential investors.

The theme for the 2026 Durban Business Fair is ‘’28 Years of Connecting SMMEs to Markets and Opportunities.’’ The Durban Business Fair will take place at Durban Exhibition Centre from 30 April to 2 May 2026.

The eThekwini Municipality is inviting local entrepreneurs and business owners to register to exhibit at the fair before the deadline date of 17 April 2026.

The Durban Business Fair is the perfect place to showcase products and services, access new markets, and build valuable business networks. The fair will also feature a series of empowerment sessions focusing on innovation, access to funding, and connecting businesses to international markets.

‘’Since 1998, more than 40 000 businesses have participated in the Durban Business Fair, with over 130 000 buyers and visitors attending and engaging with exhibitors. The initiative has helped create more than 21 000 sustainable jobs, thanks to an investment of over R400 million over the past 28 years to support small businesses through this platform,’’ said Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli.

Business owners are encouraged to register early as exhibition space is filling up fast.

You can download a registration form here: https://tinyurl.com/ye96s948

Forms can also be obtained here:

§  199 Anton Lembede Street (7th Floor), Durban

§  Sizakala Customer Centres

§  Online www.durban.gov.za (click the Business icon, select SMME Development, then the Durban Business Fair page)

§  Email zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za

 

‘’We are very excited to be exhibiting for the first time. We moved quickly to secure a spot as the Durban Business Fair comes highly recommended. We want to showcase our services, connect with new clients for design and construction projects, and position our company among like-minded businesses, potentially leading to subcontract work. We are looking forward to this exhibition,’’ said Anele Mabhoza, founder of Mabhoza Engineers in Hillcrest.

For more information about the Durban Business Fair call 031 311 4500


Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Enter the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 27, 2026

Durban Tourism has proudly announced that entries are officially open for the 5th Annual Durban Tourism Business Awards, a flagship competition that celebrates excellence, resilience, and innovation within the tourism and hospitality sector.

Enter the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards. Photo: Fred Felton. 


Businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector are invited to participate by submitting their applications or nominations for the 5th annual Durban Tourism Business Awards competition.

Entries opened on 23 January and close on 23 March 2026.

To begin the entry process, all tourism businesses within the eThekwini Municipality should follow this link: https://durbantourismawards.com

You will receive an automated email response confirming a successful online entry.

Those businesses that are selected will receive developmental prizes to assist them to elevate their businesses.

All of the category top winners will receive up to R50 000 in prize money.

Award Categories Include:

The Accommodation Awards, Excellence in Hotels and Non-Hotels

MESE Awards: Honouring Meetings, Exhibitions, Special Events, and world-class MESE Venues

Visitor Experiences Awards: Celebrating the destinations that create unforgettable memories for visitors

Tourist Guides Awards: Recognising Nature, Adventure, and Culture Guides

Tour Operators Awards: Awarding excellence for the in-bound travel package curation and execution

Rickshaw Pullers: Honouring the cultural heritage and service of our local operators

Crafters: Celebrating the artistry of local creators

Event owners and Promoter Destination Promotion and Leveraging Platform: Recognising high-impact events as vehicles that promote and profile the destination, while attracting national and international visitors for attendance.

Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year: Specifically recognising black-owned SMMEs who have achieved notable success since starting up

Green Tourism Awards: For leaders in sustainability and eco-friendly practices

Film Makers Award: Recognising film production that is shot in Durban and significantly showcases our destination through the lens of a visitor

Why should you enter?

Prestige: Be part of the business excellence recognition your businesses contribute in tourism growth

Exposure: Benefit from media coverage, marketing opportunities and development

Growth: Use the winner’s seal to build trust with global travellers

To ensure integrity the awards will have a thorough tabulation and audit of the competition process..

This will then be followed by a public voting phase to raise awareness of local tourism products.

An independent panel of judges will adjudicate the competition by visiting the nominated businesses to assess them.

Community Tourism Organisations (CTOs), tourism industry stakeholders and organised tourism business, and the public are encouraged to identify and motivate tourism businesses in their areas to enter the awards.

For more info email: info@durbantourismawards.com or call 031 322 4164. You can also visit www.durbantourismawards.com or www.durban.gov.za or follow @DBNTourism on Facebook, X, and Instagram.


Monday, January 12, 2026

City Opens Applications for 2026 Student Relief Fund

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 12, 2026

The eThekwini Municipality has called on students that are ambitious, deserving residents to take advantage of a great opportunity, the 2026 Student Relief Fund (EMSRF).

Photo: Pixabay. 


This initiative is aimed to help first-time undergraduate students who have been accepted into public higher education institutions, but lack the financial assistance.

The deadline for applications is Friday, 16 January 2026 to submit applications.

The Municipality is looking to break the cycle of poverty and unlock opportunities for a future workforce that will drive innovation and growth in the City.

This EMSRF is a lifeline for students who dream to study in higher education, but face the barriers of a lack of finances.

This fund covers registration fees and may offer limited support toward tuition, ensuring that financial issues do not stand in the way of academic success.

The fund excludes accommodation, books, meals, transport and other related costs.

Who Can Apply?

§  South African citizens permanently residing within eThekwini Municipality (proof of residence required)

§  Students admitted to a public university or TVET college for a full-time qualification recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training

§  Applicants enrolled at UNISA may be considered, if not currently employed

§  Household income must be below R200, 000 per year (proof required)

§  Applicants must meet academic requirements for their chosen programme

 

How to Apply:

Collect application forms from Sizakala Centres that have Human Resources Centre of Excellence offices, or from the EMA Offices, 4th Floor, Standard Bank Building, 26 Matthews Meyiwa Street.

Submit your completed forms along with:

§  Proof of admission or study from the public university or TVET college

§  Academic results

§  ID documents (student and parent/guardian)

§  Proof of income or affidavit

§  Proof of residence

§  Incomplete applicants will not be considered

 

Submit your applications to Human Resources Centre of Excellence, 21 Archie Gumede Street, Durban, 4001, or Sizakala Centres with HR Centre of Excellence offices.

Applicants who are underrepresented in terms of race, gender and disability will be given priority.

If you have not been contacted within 10 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

For more information on the Student Relief Fund, contact 031 311 3924 or 031 322 0413.


Friday, June 13, 2025

City's Special Debt Relief Programme

 

If you are a residential or business customer of eThekwini Municipality you can take advantage of the City’s Special Debt Relief Programme.



If you have accumulated debt up to January 2025 you can take advantage of this programme until 30 June 2025. For residential and business customers with outstanding debt as at 31 January 2025 you may qualify for a 50 percent write-off of the total arrears amount owed provided the remaining balance of the arrears amount as at 31 January 2025 is paid up in full.

Any charges that are accrued from January 2025 onward must be settled in full. If you are unable to make immediate payment you will be eligible for a 6 month payment plan, without any upfront deposit if you cannot pay it.

For those customers whose accounts were affected by major water leaks, subject to certain conditions, they may also benefit from this programme.

Customers that have already concluded payment arrangements may apply for the Special Debt Relief Programme, if they are eligible.

Visit you nearest Sizakala Centre to find out if you qualify or if you need assistance with the City’s Special Debt Relief Programme.

The eThekwini Municipality will also be at the Coast of Dreams, Durban Exhibition Centre on 14th and 15th June to assist customers with the Special Debt Relief Programme.

For more info visit: https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/residents/accounts_payments


Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Register for the North Regional Durban Business Fair

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 11, 2025

You still have time to register for the Regional Durban Business Fair. Registrations close on 14 March. The Fair takes place from 28 to 30 March at the Bridge City Shopping Centre in KwaMashu.



This exhibition offers a platform for businesses in the north and surrounding areas to showcase their products and services.

Businesses can obtain application forms and submit registrations by visiting:

Business Support Offices, Embassy Building, 7th Floor, 199 Anton Lembede Street, Durban (forms are also available at the security desk)

You can also get forms at any Sizakala Centre.

Forms are also available at The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 101 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Stamford Hill, Durban.

You can also email Zamani.Shezi@durban.gov.za to get an application form.

Businesses can also register online at http://bit.ly/NReg or download the registration form from eThekwini Municipality’s website: www.durban.gov.za under the Government tab, followed by clicking on Documents and then Public Notices.

The theme for this year’s fair is ‘Regional Fairs – Back to Promoting Township Businesses and Economies’.

Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said hosting the fair in KwaMashu, an area still recovering from previous unrest, provides a key opportunity to highlight local businesses and support economic recovery.

‘’This fair provides a vital platform for entrepreneurs to gain exposure, form partnerships, boost sales, and attract potential clients,’’ noted Councillor Ntuli.

Business development prizes will be on offer at the fair. At the end of the event, three businesses with standout stands will receive prizes to help support their growth.

For more information, call 031 311 4500 or email zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

EThekwini Presents South Regional Durban Business Fair

 

EThekwini Municipality encourages communities to support local businesses at the South Regional Durban Business Fair (DBF) from October 24 to 27 at KwaMnyandu Shopping Centre in uMlazi.



Themed “Regional Fairs - Back to Promoting Township Businesses and Economies,” this event is the first of several decentralised DBF programme scheduled throughout the 2024/25 financial year.

Approximately 130 ward-based businesses from various sectors will showcase their products and services during the three-day exhibition, engaging with thousands of potential buyers.

In addition to the exhibition, the South Regional DBF features several empowerment activities, including a two-day Business Indaba. On October 24, the Co-operative Development Indaba will host industry experts discussing how cooperatives can expand and diversify their offerings for local and international markets. Notable speakers include representatives from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation, and the Small Enterprise Development Agency, among others.

On October 25, the Contractor Development Indaba will feature leading organizations, financial institutions, and social entrepreneur DJ Sbu Leope. Representatives from Property Point, the National Builders Registration Council, and Ithala Bank will share insights and uncover growth opportunities.

On October 26, the Enterprise and Supplier Development Regional Seminar will enhance support for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises by unlocking public and private procurement opportunities and access to funding.

The Fair will also showcase "Flavours of Durban," where local chefs, including renowned Nompumelo ‘Mprudie’ Nkosi, will demonstrate their culinary skills.

From October 25 to 27, attendees can gain valuable knowledge from the “Business of Filmmaking” panel featuring veteran actress Baby Cele and industry producers. Young minds will thrive in the Kiddiepreneur corner with YouTuber Ibanathi Mpungose and various entrepreneurial demonstrations.

Additionally, the International Pavilion will provide insights into global relations, featuring delegates from Junior Chamber International and the Pan African Chamber of Commerce, who will announce the launch of their Durban branch.

Fashion showcases and access to key municipal service departments will also be included.

Entry is free. For inquiries, call 031 266 9938.


Saturday, October 19, 2024

Water curtailment implemented in the city

 



Water curtailment 

implemented in the city



UMNGENI-UTHUKELA WATER BOARD (UUW) will implement water curtailment throughout eThekwini Municipality effective from Thursday, 10 October. 
The announcement was made jointly by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba and uMngeni-uThukela Water Board. 
The curtailment is being implemented at the directive of the Department of Water and Sanitations (DWS) who issued a notice to UUW to reduce the volume of water abstracted from the Mgeni system to their licenced volumes of 470 million m3/
annum. 
This will mean a reduction on the current sales and abstraction volume of 8.4 
percent. 
Mayor Xaba said the City said the curtailment is aimed to enable continued water availability, including during periods of below-average rainfall. 
''The risk of not enforcing the abstraction limit is that, should a drought occur, there would not be sufficient water in the system for uMngeni-uThukela Water to continue providing the eThekwini Municipality with a reliable water supply,'' he said. 
The water curtailment is not water shedding where there is a schedule for water cuts at certain times.
However, the purpose of the water curtailment is to avoid water shedding by bringing down the total volume used in a controlled manner.
The curtailment will be implemented for a period of 12 months. 
''We urge residents to use water sparingly to assist in reducing the high consumption. As we have indicated in the previous media briefings, the demand for water in eThekwini far outstrips supply and we continue to plead with all stakeholders both our residential and business customers to work with us to address this challenge,'' he said. 
Some of the contributing factors to the high-water usage include rapid urbanisation, aging infrastructure which causes water leaks and illegal connections. 
In ensuring that residents are not adversely affected, the city will be implementing the following interventions:
  • Installation of restrictors in water metres to all consumers
  • Pressure reduction in the reticulation network
  • Metering all unmetered consumers
  • Improve turnaround time in repairing leaks and pipe bursts through deployment of ward-based plumbers 
  • Community education in water conservation 
  • Disconnection of illegal connections 
The average water consumption in eThekwini is very high as it is between 270 and 298 litres per capita (person), per day (l/c/d) compared to the international average of 173 l/c/d. 
During this process, the City's teams will be monitoring the system and manage excessive demand. 

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Application to host events during the festive season 


THE Municipality's Festive Season Management Committee (FESMAC) wishes to inform all event organisers, companies, and individuals who want to hold events/activities in the City during the festive season that the cut-off date for applications is Friday, 1 November at 16h00. 
The festive season period is from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2025. 
The applications are for events to be hosted in Durban Central, Southern, Western, and the Northern Regions.
The public is advised that no stage performances will be permitted on the coastal areas on these dates 16, 25, 26 and 31 December 2024, as well as 1 to 3 January 2025. 
Application forms to stage an event/programme must be obtained from and returned to the Events Management Office, The Platform, Lion Match Complex, Entrance No 1, 892 uMgeni Road, Durban, 4001 or emailed to Archel.Somaroo@durban.gov.za 
Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee that permission will be granted. 
The applicant will be notified whether the application has been successful or not. 
The Municipality reserves the right to cancel an event should it deem the event to be non-compliant.
For more information contact 031 311 4720. 

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