TWO CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE OPENED
SIPHELELE
BUTHELEZI AND
ROMITA
HANUMAN-PILLAY
THE Council of eThekwini Municipality has
officially adopted the Municipality’s 2026/27 Medium Term Revenue and
Expenditure Framework, with a total budget of R75.3 billion aimed at
accelerating service delivery, infrastructure renewal, and the implementation
of turnaround strategies for the City’s trading services.
The adopted budget comprises an operating
budget of approximately R69 billion and a capital budget of R6.3 billion. It
has been developed within an overall planning framework that aligns with the
City’s strategic objectives while prioritising sustainable service delivery and
financial stability.
Addressing Council during the adoption of
the budget on 28 May, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the budget
represents a practical and sustainable financial plan for the City.
‘’The 2026/27 budget is not an
aspirational document. It is a funded, credible, and sustainable plan assessed
as such by National Treasury. It prioritises the acceleration of repairs, the
upgrading of bulk infrastructure, and the full implementation of our trading
services turnaround strategies,’’ said Mayor Xaba.
He highlighted that the budget followed an
extensive public participation process after the draft budget was tabled in
March 2026.
Between 13 April and 11 May 2026, the City
hosted 12 public budget hearings, including dedicated engagements with business
stakeholders, disability organisations, and ratepayer associations, as well as
regional hearings covering all municipal wards.
‘’The hearings were well attended, with
most inputs reflecting the real challenges faced by communities. The process
was widely advertised through radio, print and social media, inviting public
participation and written submissions,’’ the Mayor said.
He noted that several public inputs were
incorporated into the final budget to provide relief to residents amid ongoing
economic pressures.
‘’As a result, we have made meaningful
adjustments to the draft budget. However, not all requests can be accommodated
due to the financial envelope. This budget therefore balances service delivery,
infrastructure renewal, job creation, affordability, and financial
sustainability,’’ said Mayor Xaba.
Following engagements with stakeholders
and national government, Council approved revised tariff increases for the
2026/27 financial year, including reductions to proposed increases for water,
sanitation, electricity, refuse removal, and property rates.
The revised tariff adjustments include:
·
Domestic water tariff increase
reduced from 15% to 12%;
·
Domestic sanitation tariff
increase reduced from 13% to 8%;
·
Business sanitation tariff
increase reduced from 14% to 9%;
·
Average property rates
increase reduced from 5% to 2%;
·
Refuse tariff increase reduced
from 13% to 9.5%; and
·
Electricity tariff reduced
from 10.5% to 9%
The Mayor said the revised tariffs are
intended to provide much-needed relief to residents and businesses.
‘’As a caring City, we certainly hope that
this brings some relief to ratepayers and consumers,’’ he said.
Council also approved amendments to the
City’s Indigent Support Policy to ensure more targeted assistance for
vulnerable households. The threshold for exemption from property rates for
indigent households has been increased from R350 000 to R400 000,
while pensioner rebate qualification thresholds have been increased from R2.5
million to R2.75 million.
The Mayor announced that the main sources
of funding for the operating budget are service charges, property rates, and
grants and levies. The adopted budget places significant emphasis on upgrading
ageing infrastructure, improving the reliability of water, sanitation, and
energy services, and driving spatial transformation.
Mayor
Xaba launches two centres of excellence to empower youth
RHULANI
BALOYI AND
SILINDILE
CELE
THE communities of Cragieburn and Illovo
in the south of Durban, particularly the youth, are stepping into renewed hope
and opportunity following the unveiling of two Human Resources Centres of
Excellence by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba on 3 June.
It was apt that the centres were opened
during Youth Month, as they will become hubs for young people to access digital
services. The centres signal more than a milestone; they mark the beginning of
a new chapter for communities impacted by limited access to opportunities.
With many young people facing barriers to
education, employment, and digital inclusion, the Cragieburn and Illovo Centres
stand as a lifeline to a better future.
Mayor Xaba said the facilities will assist
in equipping the youth with digital skills and tools needed to participate
effectively in an increasingly technology driven world.
‘’At a time when families are facing
economic challenges, the centres will provide a valuable service by offering
free access to technology and the internet within the community, reducing the
need for residents to travel long distances to access such resources,’’ said
Mayor Xaba.
The two new facilities form part of a
growing network of 34 Centres of Excellence that provide access to digital
tools, skills development programmes, entrepreneurship support, and career
pathways.
These state-of-the-art centres feature
modern computer labs, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to digital platforms,
offering young people a powerful gateway to skills development, innovation, and
real economic opportunities.
Anele Mgobhozi, a matric pupil from Umkomaas Secondary School, said the centre has restored a sense of hope. ‘’This will assist us when we apply to universities. Access to free internet and digital equipment will enable us to complete applications, conduct research and access important educational resources.’’
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