Asimile Siyaqhuba - Five Years of Progress in Building A Smarter, Safer, and More Connected Transport Network

 

ETHEKWINI TRANSPORT AUTHORITY: FIVE YEARS OF PROGRESS IN BUILDING A SMARTER, SAFER, AND MORE CONNECTED TRANSPORT NETWORK

OVER the past five years, the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) has made significant strides in transforming the City’s transport landscape through strategic infrastructure investment, innovation, safety interventions, and progressive mobility planning. Highlighting these gains is the City’s Five-Year Service Delivery Milestones campaign being rolled out under the theme: Asimile Siyaqhuba: Resilience Through Adversity.

These milestones made by ETA reflect the City’s commitment to building an integrated, efficient, safe, and sustainable transport system that supports economic growth, urban regeneration, and improved quality of life for all residents.

ADVANCING TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

A key focus area has been the implementation of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), which seeks to create connected, accessible urban spaces centred around public transport corridors.

The pilot that is being implemented in Pinetown will reshape how people live, work, and move by encouraging mixed-use development, reducing travel distances, and improving access to public transport services.

This initiative has allowed the City to assess practical interventions, gather operational insights, and refine strategies that can be replicated across other strategic transport nodes in eThekwini.

SUPPORTING INNER CITY REGENERATION

Transport infrastructure continues to play a vital role in supporting the regeneration of Durban’s inner city. Strategic upgrades to road networks, pedestrian facilities, public transport systems, and traffic management have contributed to improving accessibility, supporting commercial activity, and creating a more functional urban environment.

REDESIGNING PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR THE FUTURE

Over the past five years, significant work has gone into redesigning public transport systems to improve efficiency, reliability, and user experience. This includes route planning improvements and operational integration efforts as part of the broader Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN), and the development of systems such as closed-circuit television cameras on buses aimed at creating a more seamless public transport network for commuters.

LAUNCH OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT CALL CENTRE

The establishment of the Public Transport Call Centre has strengthened communication between commuters and the City. Channels such as telephone, WhatsApp and email provide residents with improved access to transport information, service updates and customer support, enhancing responsiveness and service delivery. Phone: 087 121 9446 WhatsApp: 071 374 1862 Email: Info@godurban.co.za

ELECTRIFICATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT

 As part of its sustainability agenda, discussions and plans have reached an advanced stage for the City to shift toward the electrification of public transport. This milestone supports environmental objectives by reducing emissions, lowering operational costs over time, and positioning eThekwini to embrace cleaner mobility solutions.

SHEPSTONE ROAD CONVERSION

The successful conversion of Shepstone Road marks another important infrastructure milestone. This intervention has improved traffic flow, enhanced road safety, and strengthened network efficiency within and around the Point precinct.

SHAPING THE FUTURE THROUGH CIPT 2024–2029

The development of the Comprehensive Integrated Public Transport (CIPT) Plan 2024–2029 sets a clear strategic direction for the next phase of transport transformation. The plan outlines key priorities aimed at improving public transport accessibility, strengthening modal integration, and responding to evolving mobility needs across the City.

SAFER ROADS THROUGH GUARDRAIL AND SPEED HUMP IMPLEMENTATION

Road safety remains a core priority. The implementation of guardrails and speed humps across strategic locations has helped reduce risks for both motorists and pedestrians, contributing to safer road environments, particularly in high-risk areas. During the past two financial years, the City has implemented approximately 130 traffic calming projects across multiple wards, with an estimated investment of R12 million. The projects are aimed at reducing speeding, improving pedestrian protection, and enhancing safety in residential areas, school zones and other high-risk locations.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL INNOVATION

The City has continued to modernise traffic management through signal innovations designed to improve traffic flow and network responsiveness. Traffic vandalism has been a huge challenge within the City, and in the past three years approximately 6 000 traffic light repairs have been done costing the City R40 000. These advancements support smarter traffic control, reduced congestion, and more efficient movement across key intersections. These achievements represent more than infrastructure milestones. They reflect a broader vision of creating a transport system that is integrated, inclusive, resilient, and future ready.

As the City of Durban grows, evolves, and progresses, the focus from a transport perspective remains on innovation, safety, sustainability, and delivering solutions that meet these needs.

Asimile Siyaqhuba - Transformation of Informal Trade in the City

 

TRANSFORMATION OF INFORMAL TRADE IN THE CITY

THE City is rolling out the Five-Year Service Delivery Milestones campaign under the theme: Asimile Siyaqhuba: Resilience Through Adversity. This week the spotlight is on informal trade.

Over the past five years, eThekwini Municipality’s Informal Trade Division, within the Economic Development Directorate, has strengthened the bridge between the formal and informal economy. The division ensures that informal businesses operate in safe, affordable, and well-maintained environments that are appealing to customers. This includes identifying strategic sites, constructing new infrastructure or upgrading existing facilities, and issuing permits and lease agreements.

 The division also provides skills development and maintains spaces so traders can focus on income-generating activities that support families and create jobs. Infrastructure investment has been central to this progress. In the 2023/24 financial year, capital projects supported 636 traders and created 124 jobs across eThekwini. The refurbishment of the 126 Johannes Nkosi Building benefited 250 traders and generated 18 jobs.

Flood restoration at the Illovo Auto Hub and the eMahawini Business Support Centre assisted 51 traders and created 18 jobs. Upgrades at 64 Flower Road and uMlazi V Container Park collectively supported 84 traders and added 26 jobs. Expansion of trading infrastructure further widened opportunities.

 New business hives were constructed at Blue Lagoon and the Cornubia Traders Facility which were opened in 2025. The Folweni Traders Hub and Midway Mall Container Park provide facilities for 153 traders and created 50 jobs.

The Centrum Park Trading Hub, located near The Workshop, opened in 2024 and houses 500 traders. Opening the site has helped to address illegal trading in the Central Business District as the project enabled legal trading and improved compliance with Municipal regulations. Meanwhile, the Tara Road Building was refurbished for traders and flea market operations, benefiting 98 traders and generating 12 jobs. Upgrades at the Verulam Market benefited 507 traders and created 15 jobs, while the Phoenix Market supported 132 traders and generated 13 jobs.

 In the south, Ezimbuzini Market benefited 191 traders and created 10 jobs. Beyond infrastructure, the programme strengthened resilience. From July 2021 to December 2022, retail market traders affected by COVID-19 and socio-economic unrest received rental holidays worth R9.5 million across the south, west, and north regions. Together, these initiatives reflect a five-year milestone of inclusive growth.

Asimile Siyaqhuba - Five Years of Advancement Towards Providing Human Settlements

 

ASIMILE SIYAQHUBA – FIVE YEARS OF ADVANCEMENT TOWARDS PROVIDING HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

Significant gains have been made in the City to provide decent housing and upgrade living environments. To highlight these transformative efforts that have shaped service delivery during the 2021-2026 term of office, the City is rolling out the Five-Year Service Delivery Milestones campaign under the theme: Asimile Siyaqhuba: Resilience Through Adversity.

The spotlight is on housing delivery where significant progress has been achieved by the Human Settlements Directorate over the past five years. This reflects a strong commitment to expanding access to dignified housing, upgrading living environments, and improving the overall quality of life for residents.

During this period, the directorate issued 5 725 title deeds, enabling thousands of families to secure legal ownership and strengthen their generational wealth prospects. Over the same five-year period, the Municipality continued its programme of improving existing housing infrastructure. A total of 1 194 pre-1994 housing units were upgraded and refurbished to ensure safety, structural integrity, and improved living conditions for long-standing communities. The directorate further expanded access to affordable housing through the delivery of 10 359 rental and breaking new ground units, contributing substantially to meeting the demand for formal housing within the City.

In addition, the directorate delivered 669 units through the upgrading and refurbishment of community residential units and the construction of new family units within existing hostels, strengthening the Municipality’s commitment to upgrading high-density living environments.

Efforts to improve informal settlements also advanced significantly, with 40 777 households receiving incremental services such as roads, footpaths, and stormwater controls, ensuring safer, more accessible, and more resilient living conditions.

To further support vulnerable households, the Municipality allocated 11 702 new fully subsidised housing units over the past five years, assisting thousands of qualifying beneficiaries with secure access to formal shelter. Altogether, the Human Settlements Directorate successfully created 20 839 housing opportunities during this period, marking a substantial contribution to addressing housing needs across eThekwini. These achievements represent the Municipality’s continued dedication to delivering sustainable human settlements, strengthening community resilience, and enhancing the dignity of residents.

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.

Asimile Siyaqhuba - Five Years of Advancements Towards Quality Water Supply

 

ASIMILE SIYAQHUBA – FIVE YEARS OF ADVANCEMENTS TOWARDS QUALITY WATER SUPPLY

Save Water.

ENSURING an uninterrupted water supply for residents and businesses remains a top priority for the City. Through major infrastructure investments and strategic Council resolutions, the Water and Sanitation Services Directorate has worked tirelessly to keep taps running. Highlighting these transformative efforts that have shaped service delivery during the 2021–2026 term of office is eThekwini Municipality’s Five-Year Service Delivery Milestones campaign being held under the theme Asimile Siyaqhuba: Resilience Through Adversity.

ADAMS K5 AND K6 RESERVOIRS

 The Water Services Directorate successfully upgraded the Adams K5 and K6 Reservoirs in 2022 to improve bulk storage capacity for residents in the Adams Mission area, under Wards 67 and 96. The Adams K5 Reservoir was expanded from two to six megalitres (ML) by constructing an additional 4 ML compartment at the existing reservoir site. Similarly, the Adams K6 Reservoir was significantly upgraded, increasing its capacity from two to 10 ML.

SHONGWENI RESERVOIR

The City successfully commissioned the Shongweni Reservoir in 2023, significantly improving water storage capacity for communities supplied by the facility. The reservoir has a storage capacity of six ML.

MKHIZWANA WATER TREATMENT WORKS

The Mkhizwana Water Treatment Works was upgraded, increasing its design capacity from 1.5 to four ML/day.

NORTHERN WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS

The restoration of the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works is progressing well, with a noticeable improvement in the quality of treated effluent being discharged. Technical teams have stabilised operations, with the plant achieving more than 80 percent effluent quality compliance.

 UMBILO AND KWANDENGEZI WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS

There is steady progress on the repair and refurbishment of the Umbilo and KwaNdengezi Wastewater Treatment Works. These plants are among the sanitation infrastructure that sustained significant damage during previous floods, resulting in damage to mechanical, electrical, and civil components. The installation of stormwater pipelines to improve management at both the Umbilo and KwaNdengezi plants is also making significant progress.

NTUZUMA WATER PUMPSTATION

The Ntuzuma Water Pumpstation was recommissioned in December last year. This upgrade enhanced the mechanical and electrical components, increasing performance and reliability. The station now features 15 pumps, including standby units, high-efficiency technology, automated control systems, and real-time monitoring tools.

UMDLOTI WASTEWATER PUMPSTATION

 The Water and Sanitation Directorate has completed critical restoration works on the uMdloti Wastewater Pumpstation. The station was equipped with two new pumps.

Fixing water pipe at Lamontville. 

NORTHERN AQUEDUCT AUGMENTATION PIPELINE

To cater for growing demand in the north, the City commissioned two major infrastructure projects: the construction of a new Northern Aqueduct Augmentation Pipeline and a 600mm diameter water rising main from Hazelmere to the Grange Reservoir.

 CANELANDS PIPE AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

 The City refurbished the Canelands Pipe and Pedestrian Bridge, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery for communities in Verulam.

Durban Set for Spectacular Hollywoodbets Durban July

 

By Fred Felton | Jun. 25, 2026

There is much excitement ahead of the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, with the City ready to host one of Africa’s most prestigious sporting and lifestyle events.

The launch was filled with fashion. | Photo: Fiona Wainwright 

The official media launch for the event was held on 24 June at the Shongweni Club.

The eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba gave a keynote address at the launch and he assured residents, visitors, and stakeholders that the City is fully prepared to welcome the thousands of guests expected to descend on Durban for the annual spectacle.

The event blends world-class horse racing, cutting-edge fashion, entertainment and Durban’s renowned hospitality.

Mayor Xaba delivering the keynote address. | Photo: Fiona Wainwright. 

‘’The Durban July weekend transforms our City into a vibrant hub of economic activity, providing a substantial boost to hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, transport operators, retailers, tourism attractions, and informal traders. It remains one of the most important economic catalysts on Durban’s annual events calendar,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

For 2026 projections indicate that more than 40 000 visitors are expected to attend the event, with direct spending estimated at R230 million and a broader contribution of approximately R798 million to the local economy.

An estimated 1 105 jobs will be supported through the event’s value chain.

Nine emerging desigers will showcase their talent at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. | Photo: Fiona Wainwright. 

‘’Through the Durban Fashion Fair programme, we are nurturing the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs. Nine emerging designers who have completed a rigorous ten month mentorship programme will showcase their talent through the prestigious DFF Rising Stars Collection on the Celebration Stage at the Hollywoodbets Durban July,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

The Mayor also mentioned that the City’s extensive preparations included coordinated safety and security measures. Metro Police and Traffic Management officers will maintain high-visibility around the Greyville precinct during the event.

This year is the 130^th running of South Africa’s premier horse race, a huge milestone that shows the enduring legacy of this iconic event.

For the event this year there will be 29 independently operated hospitality venues and VIP marquees, supported by more than 9 000 event staff and an additional 1 000 security personnel.

‘’While every owner, trainer, jockey, breeder and groom dreams of winning the R10 million Hollywoodbets Durban July, the event simultaneously creates opportunities across multiple sectors, supporting thousands of livelihoods and showcasing Durban on a national and international stage,’’ said Head of Mayor Events, Broadcast and Marketing at Race Coast, Stephen Marshall.

Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager Devin Heffer also announced that the winner’s stake has doubled to R10 million, making the Hollywoodbets Durban July the richest horse race in Africa.

You can also expect to see many improvements including new grandstands, upgrades to the parade ring, roofing improvements, enhanced sound systems, fresh paintwork, and large digital screens. Heffer said the Hollywood Group and Race Coast had invested significantly in infrastructure upgrades and the venue.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘’Country Allure’’, and invites fashion fans, designers, and attendees to explore a sophisticated fusion of rural elegance, timeless charm, and contemporary style.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to embrace the spirit of Country Allure and be part of an unforgettable celebration of fashion, entertainment, horse racing, and Durban hospitality.

Win Tickets to East Coast Radio House + Garden Show

 

By Fred Felton | Jun. 23, 2026

No matter if you are looking for a painting, print, your children’s art framed or something to transform your house, the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show has a work of art just for your kind of lifestyle.

Artwork by Sarita Gous will be on display at the Show. | Photo: Supplied. 

This year you can expect to discover the fine art of framing, statement mirrors, and you can take a look at how recycling turns into reinvention.

From June 27 to July 5, the Durban Exhibition Centre will have a wide variety of artworks from emerging artists to established artists.

The Durban Art Gallery will be showcasing six artists at the Show. You can expect to see a wide variety of mediums and genres from paint to charcoal to lipstick, self-portraits and even abstracts.

Visit the Durban Art Gallery stand and connect with the works of Bandile Ncanana, Njabulo ‘Vezi’ Mngwengwe, Mlamuli Shozi, Ayanda Mkhize, Lindokuhle Mthembu and Nhlanhla Shozi.

The travelling artists Jodie and Ryan Loubser will also be at the Show this year. They move around the country, painting, exhibiting and selling works of art. ‘’It’s a good and busy life, and our studio changes constantly,’’ said Jodie Loubser.

Look out for Sarita Gous who has been painting for 15 years creating modern ocean and cloudscape oil paintings, inspired by nature, light, and atmosphere. She’s inspired by the feeling and energy of the sea and sky, and how they shift and move in subtle, powerful ways.

Natal Art Craft Industries (NACI) has been in Durban for over 60 years. They are well known for custom frames, laser cut mirrors, framed prints, glass art and more.

Lazarus Kufakunesu is known as the Patio Guru and is a legendary soapstone sculptor. He makes canvas paintings, steampunk art, fine art and patio furniture. ‘’No scrap belongs in the scrap yard,’’ noted Kufakunesu. Find his outdoor stand N8.

The good folks at East Coast Radio House + Garden Show have given us 5 x double tickets just for our readers.

If you would like to win double tickets to the show just answer this easy question:

Name one of the artists exhibiting at the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show?

Email your answer along with your name, email address and/or WhatsApp number to umhlangalife@gmail.com

Ts and Cs apply.

Competition closed. 

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show takes place from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Get your tickets online via http://quicket.co.za or http://housegardenshow.co.za or at the entrance on the day.