Durban's R70 billion budget: Mayor says plans in place to bury potholes, sweep the street and keeps the lights on
Ethekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba stated that they are committed to address service delivery challenges that are plaguing the municipality.
Image: Thuli Dlamini / eThekwini Municipality
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba stated that they are committed to addressing service delivery challenges that are plaguing the municipality.
Xaba acknowledged systemic weaknesses that continue to frustrate residents while he presented the 2025/26 budget at a council meeting on Monday. Xaba said that the municipality will be rolling out a bold new approach to boost service delivery that hinges on real-time accountability, regional management and technology-driven innovation.
The total budget for 2025 and 2026 is R70.9 billion which is made up of an operating budget of R63.6 billion (or 89,7% of the total budget) and a capital budget of R7.3 billion (or 10,3% of the total budget).
Xaba said that the municipality will conduct unannounced site visits, artificial intelligence tools, and decentralised management will form the backbone of the municipality's renewed push for service excellence.
He said that the municipality is not happy with the response time after service delivery queries have been raised, particularly when dealing with a water leaks.
'To close the gaps, we are promoting 'transversal management' and tighter standard operating procedures between municipal units. Sometimes they take long to respond to a water leak because they don't have equipment to dig up that particular pipe. Another example is where the water department digs up a road to replace a water pipe, but the roads department does not come and fix the road timeously. This will help resolve such issues and we are already noticing the impact,' Xaba said.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
The main focus of the budget is the replacement and rehabilitation of infrastructure and the implementation of the trading services turnaround strategies to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
Xaba said this is not just a promise, but a commitment that has come to define the posture of the leadership and indeed the entire management of the city.
'We will bury potholes, sweep the street, cut the verges and keeps the lights on,' he said.
The budget was presented at 17 budget hearings across the City and to all stakeholders including business, the disability sector and traditional leaders from 22 April to 17 May.
Xaba said the municipality faces the following challenges: Infrastructure decay in key urban and township areas
Growing informal settlements and housing backlogs
High levels of unemployment and youth disillusionment
Financial constraints and revenue collection difficulties • Climate vulnerability and a need to accelerate resilience
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Durban mayor Cyril Xaba launches high-tech skills hub in Nagina
eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba opened the Human Capital Centre of Excellence in Nagina, near Mariannridge on Friday. Image: eThekwini Municipality / Facebook eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba has launched a state-of-the-art Human Capital Centre of Excellence, designed to uplift and empower the area's youth in Nagina, near Mariannridge. The centre, which officially opened on June 27, aims to tackle youth unemployment, bridge the digital divide, and offer a lifeline to one of the city's most socio-economically challenged communities. 'This centre will empower the youth with the skills and knowledge to shape their own destinies and contribute meaningfully to the City's growth. It is a hub of innovation and a launchpad for the leaders of tomorrow,' said Mayor Xaba. The centre includes a computer lab. Image: eThekwini Municipality / Facebook Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The facility includes a fully equipped computer lab with 15 computers, free Wi-Fi, and access to the City's e-Recruitment Portal, a vital gateway to employment opportunities and career development. Sixteen-year-old Precious Mtolo, one of the centre's first users, described the launch as a turning point for her peers and herself. 'We did not have the tools or access to computers and other youth-related services in this community. I finally feel like I have a chance to build a future right here in my own community,' she said. Mayor Xaba stressed the symbolic weight of launching such a facility in Nagina, saying it was 'not just opening a building, but the doors to a better future.' He added: 'This represents our unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, digital empowerment, and community transformation.' The centre will offer training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness programmes tailored to the needs of the modern economy. It forms part of a broader network of 30 Centres of Excellence across eThekwini, with plans underway to expand the initiative to all Sizakala Centres. While the focus was on hope and opportunity, the Mayor also urged community members to protect the centre. 'We must all take responsibility to safeguard the centre against vandalism and criminal activity,' he said.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Old Mutual says it pays an average of R59 million per working day in life insurance claims
Old Mutual has paid out more than R14.7 billion in claims. Insurance giant Old Mutual has revealed that it paid an average of R59 million per working day for life insurance and other life underwriting claims. The insurer published claim statistics for 2024 on Friday, showing that it has paid out more than R14.7 billion in claims, with a 95% payout ratio on underwritten claims. Breakdown of claims paid out is underwritten policies, corporate claims and non-underwritten policies. ALSO READ: Here is how much it cost Old Mutual to build its near-to-launch bank Old Mutual underwritten policies According to the insurer's stats, underwritten policies include life, disability and illness claims. For these, Old Mutual paid out more than R7.3 billion in 2024. Most of the money, R6.2 billion, went to death claims. Old Mutual reported a 98% claim payout for 2024. Illness claims cost the insurer R888 million, while disability claims cost R297 million. 'Causes of underwritten claims include: cancer, trauma, cardiovascular disorders, central nervous system disorders, respiratory system disorders and musculoskeletal disorders,' said Old Mutual. Since 2002, Old Mutual has paid out more R91 billion in underwritten claims. Reasons why some claims were not paid out are due to non-disclosure, fraud, suicide exclusion, among others. Old Mutual death claims The insurer reports that death claims increased in 2021, reaching R9.73 billion, an 88% rise from R5.16 billion in 2020, primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, claims went back to normal levels after that, as Old Mutual paid R5.8 billion in 2022 and R5.6 billion in 2023. 'Life insurance includes a terminal illness benefit that pays the full cover amount if the insured person is diagnosed with a terminal illness and has less than 12 months to live.' 44% of death claims are due to car accidents, followed by crime and violence, accounting for 28% of death claims. 17% of death claims are due to shooting accidents, 6% due to accidents (unspecified location), 3% burns and 2% drowning. Disability claims 'According to the World Stroke Organization, stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Globally, one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime,' said the insurer. According to the claim stats, 23% of the disability lump sum claims were due to musculoskeletal disorders, 21% central nervous system disorders, 15% cancer, 10% psychiatric disorders, 7% cardiovascular disorders, 5% connective tissue disorders, 5% sensory and communication, and 14% other. The stats show that cancer (50%) is the leading cause of illness claims, followed by cardiovascular disorders (25%), central nervous system disorders (13%), respiratory system disorders (3%), connective tissue disorders (2%), sensory and communication (2%), Musculoskeletal disorders (1%) and other (4%). NOW READ: Former Sanlam CEO to replace Iain Williamson as Old Mutual CEO after 32 years
IOL News
6 days ago
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality invests R113 million in Prospecton Canal upgrade amid flooding lawsuits
The eThekwini Municipality is anticipating to spend R113 million on the three-year Prospecton Canal project update situated in the south basin precinct. The Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) Prospecton plant and other businesses were severely impacted by floods. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers The eThekwini Municipality anticipates spending R113 million on the three-year Prospecton Canal project update situated in the south basin precinct. The project, which is in its second year, is spearheaded by the Coastal, Stormwater and Catchment Management (CSCM) department and was highlighted at the eThekwini Executive meeting (Exco) on Tuesday. Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba is expected to meet Toyota South Africa Motors Limited (TSAM) executives in the coming week after the municipality, Transnet, and the Department of Transport (DoT) were informed about a lawsuit instituted by insurance company Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. In court papers, it is stated that the three organisations failed in their duty to maintain infrastructure and should have known that neglecting such responsibilities could lead to flooding. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading During the April 2022 floods, the structural integrity of the Umlaas Canal and the diversion berm was compromised, leading to stormwater flowing into the Prospecton Industrial Area, where the Toyota plant is situated, causing extensive flooding and damage, as read in the court papers. The insurance company stated that Transnet owns the Umlaas Canal and is responsible for its management and maintenance, as well as the associated flood risk. The concrete-lined canal is intended to channel and divert the uMlazi River around the Prospecton Industrial Area. Together with the diversion berm, it forms an integral part of the flood control and prevention mechanism for the Prospecton Industrial Area. It said the DoT was responsible for the management and maintenance of the diversion berm, while the municipality owned, managed, and was responsible for the maintenance and control of the stormwater management system for the Prospecton Industrial Area. On Tuesday, Xaba said the events of the past two weeks, which have seen the municipality lose some court cases and the potential lawsuit arising from flood damage suffered in 2022 by TSAM, may have created doubts in the minds of residents. Xaba said this was raising questions about whether management is steering the municipality in the right direction. 'These are historical matters, some of them will continue to be with us for some time. I am planning to meet the Toyota management soon to understand the rationale behind this move. I am concerned that this case might open a floodgate. The city cannot afford this,' Xaba said.
