A 5 Year focus: Achievements and Milestones of eThekwini Metro Municipality

Posted: 20 October 2021

The Minister of the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, officially proclaimed the 1st of November 2021 as the day when South Africans will take to the polls to elect councils for all district, metropolitan and local municipalities in each of the country's nine provinces (Local Government Elections).

In response to this, SALGA is rolling out a Local Government Transition Campaign, which includes the following objectives:

As the 4th term of the local government administration draws to an end, some of the milestones that have been achieved by eThekwini Metro Municipality include the following:

Health Services
The Health Council introduced an Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance Programme in response to deficiencies in the quality of primary health care services. To meet the goal, the City’s Health Unit refurbished clinics and build new ones where necessary to meet the National Core Standards (NCS) for health facilities. In its endeavour to provide premium healthcare, between 2016 and 2020 the Municipality completed upgrades to 6 clinics. Among the facilities that were upgraded is the Savannah Park Clinic where refurbishments were completed in 2020. The clinic expanded from three rooms to an 18-room structure that also features a covered waiting area. Savana Park Clinic services two wards and attends to about 7 000 patients a month.

Other health facilities in the City were upgraded through the collaboration the National Department of Health in partnership with U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. They include Hambanathi, New Germany, Shallcross, Adams Mission, Lovu and La Lucia clinics.

Testimonial: A regular patient at Savannah Park Clinic, Zanele Mbuthu issued a stern warning to criminals and promised that the community will protect the clinic against vandalism. “It is our duty as the community to protect this clinic against any form of criminality. We endured suffering for a long time when the clinic was too small and we cannot go back there,” said Mbuthu. Mbuthu thanked government for service delivery and complimented staff of the clinic. “The service is great. Despite servicing two wards, which means that the clinic attends to large number of patients, their level of care is always good,” she said.

Promoting economic growth and job creation
Since 2018 a total of R96.1 million has been invested by the Municipality, Provincial Government and other stakeholders to support and open markets for previously disadvantaged farmers and over 1400 permanent jobs have been created. Within this four-year period over 40 Agri-SMMEs that have received support. Approximately R39.1 million investment is from eThekwini Municipality. This has been through a myriad of infrastructure support programmes, including youth nurseries, fencing and irrigation for over 40 SMMEs and 2 100 hectares supported. Other programmes are the poultry farm support to retrenched Rainbow Chicken employees, tunnel farm rentals, vertical farm facilities, access to market programmes as well as training and mentorship.

Testimonial: Sinqoba NgoKuhle Co-operative is a group of women who are based in Umzinyathi. They received support with fencing, irrigation, farmer development, market access opportunities as well as a storage container. The project produces different crops, including green beans, spinach, beetroot and onions. They have successfully sold 120 bags of butternut to Checkout retailer and half a hector of maize to Food Lovers and to Spar. “Our crops were often stolen, or animals would just come in and eat them. The Municipality came in and fenced the whole area, provided tanks for irrigation and a container that we use as an office. We can now sleep better knowing our crops are secure,” said Sindiswa Zuma, Chairperson of Sinqoba NgoKuhle.

Boosting township economy
Approximately R88million is spent annually to market the City, targeting domestic, African, and international markets. The budget is also spent on public relations, information services, research, and product quality. Durban has achieved several major accolades in recent years, including a proud moment when the City took the
KZN Business Award in the Tourism Category in 2015. Other awards include:
• Africa’s Leading City Destination 2020 • Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2020 • Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination 2020 • Africa’s Leading City Destination 2019 • Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2019 • Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination 2019 • Africa’s Leading Cruise Port • Africa’s Leading City Destination 2018 • Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination 2018
• Africa’s Leading City Destination 2017 • World’s Leading City Destination 2020
• World’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2020 • World’s Leading City Destination 2019 • World’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2019 • World’s Leading City Destination 2018 • World’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2018 • World’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2017

Tourism
2017 − Durban was recognised not only as South Africa’s friendliest city, but four
of its hotels were ranked among the top 10 favourite hotels in the country by the globally influential Roper City Brand Index who ranked Durban ahead of Johannesburg and Cape Town as the friendliest metropolis.
2017 – The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA’s) latest ranking of business tourism destinations worldwide, rated Durban as being one of Africa’s top two cities for meetings and events. Durban jumped a massive 60 places to rank 97th in the world.
2017 − The African Business Review stated that Durban is becoming South Africa Brightest Beacon.
2017 − New York Magazine tips Durban as SA’s secret jewel and praises “spectacular beaches”, uShaka Marine World, and the I Heart Market, which is held in the worldclass Moses Mabhida stadium, mentioning the restaurants and hotels in the north of Durban.
2018 − Durban wins WWF One Planet City Challenge award; King Shaka International Airport was rated the best Regional Airport in Africa; Durban received the accolade
of the World Whale Heritage Site at the Whaling Station in the Bluff, South of Durban.
2019 − Durban was ranked 88th in Mercers Survey on cities with the best quality of life in the world, Johannesburg was 95th and Cape Town was rated 96th.
2020 - The Oyster Box hotel in Durban won the accolade of South Africa’s leading hotel • The Durban International Convention Centre was voted as Africa’s best international conference centre at the World Mice awards. “Africa’s Best Convention Centre 2020” and “South Africa’s Best Convention Centre 2020”.

Parks, Recreation and Culture
In the past five years, the City has spent over R120 million to support community-initiated programmes in the creative arts and wellbeing through delivery of signature programmes underpinned by the massive infrastructure which is the vertebrae of the City.

Gospel Icon Discovery
Over the past five years the eThekwini Gospel Music Development Programme has provided a platform for many upcoming artists. Since its inception in 2013, the GID competition targeted the Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK) area to discover talent in remote and disadvantaged communities.

Libraries
The Municipality has 97 libraries and two mobile libraries. Free Wi-Fi has been rolled out at City libraries to ensure that residents have access to information.

Metro Police
Metro Police has recruited 600 new officers between 2018 and 2020 which increases its capacity to fight crime. In addition, the recruitment drive created employment opportunities for the youth. In addition to crime fighting, Metro Police is also making strides in Diversity and Inclusion. In 2018 it appointed 24 female captains and twelve female superintendents. To improve capability for handling incidents of violent protests, three armoured were purchased in 2019. In the same year, Metro Police fleet took ownership of 40 new motorbikes.

Top Catalytic Projects facilitated and implemented during 2016 to 2021 period:
The Municipality is working on a number of these projects that have the potential to make a regional impact.

Private sector investment value
• Completed projects: R21.2 billion • Ongoing implementation: R132.4 billion
City investment value
• Completed projects: R260 million • Ongoing implementation: R5.9 billion
Jobs created during construction
• Completed projects: 17 450 • Ongoing implementation: 121 820
Jobs created after construction (Direct and Indirect)
• Completed projects: 26 000 • Ongoing implementation: 143 300
Flagship projects include:
• Point Waterfront Development • The Pearls of Umhlanga • Umhlanga Arch • Avoca Nodal Development • Cornubia • Park Square • Suncoast Casino • Midway Crossing • BMW • Dube trade port

Human Settlements
15 799 free homes have been provided for eThekwini residents in the term under review. Over the past five years, the Municipality has acquired more than 13 500 hectares of land for housing development projects.

A total of 15 799 qualifying beneficiaries received free homes under the Breaking New Ground Programme. For the gap market, which comprises low middle-income earners, 1 893 housing opportunities for both ownership and rental were facilitated. Moreover, in addressing construction problems in houses built before 1994, 3 053 housing units were upgraded or rebuilt. Included in the Unit’s scope of work is the upgrading and refurbishing of Community Residential Units (CRUs) (former hostels) in the eThekwini Municipality area. To this end, 290 family units were constructed inside the CRU precincts. Ownership of flats wea also transferred to more than 8 000 occupants.

The Municipality also provides incremental services to 581 informal settlements across the Municipality. These services include water, communal ablutions facilities, basic road access, footpaths as well as prepaid electricity connection. The total number of housing opportunities created during this period is 21 035.

Testimonial: A family of eight, who have been living in a crammed mud house, were among the first to take occupation of their new home. Lungi Mthembu and her seven children were the first to benefit from a Reconstruction and Development Programme Housing project, planned to benefit 150 local families. “It was heart-breaking to see people living in such inhumane conditions. Inspectors declared the mud house unsafe for occupation and we started building the family this new house,” said Councillor Biyela. Mthembu described her fear living in an unsafe house. “We were victims of numerous break-ins. Words cannot begin to describe how happy I am as I don’t have to go to bed stressed about criminals or that the house will collapse on us,” she said. “To have a shower, running water in the kitchen and a proper structure is amazing. Our dignity is indeed restored,” she said.

Transport and Road Infrastructure
Over the past five years eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) has fulfilled their directive through various projects, including but not limited to, the implementation of the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) also known as GO! Durban programme, strategic and integrated road safety programmes, and innovative transport solutions. ETA has invested over R2 billion in public transport infrastructure development in the first phase, with over R600 million awarded to subcontractors
from local communities. During phase one of the project, 22 500 jobs were created.
The successful completion of the Bhejane Interchange and C9 Cornubia Bridge are an indication of what can be achieved by fostering PPP relations. These bridges act as key connectors to economic hubs and job opportunities for communities. The Municipality acknowledges the team of engineers who received an award for the Bhejane Interchange project.

The municipality has built 110km of roads in rural and township communities. 22 500 jobs were created.

Testimonial: Commuter Mbuso Manqele described the new buses as convenient and easily accessible. “I use the Municipal buses as my everyday transport for work and for running errands. These new buses are convenient for commuters. Chairs are comfortable, and because the steps can be lowered electronically, the elderly and the disabled can board the bus with ease” he said.

#LGtransition www.durban.gov.za

Electricity
Thekwini’s electricity supply over the past five years saw a steady increase
in the number of customers it supplies. It had just over 700 000 customers
before 2016 but the municipality has since gained over 50 000 new customers, expanding the city’s reach to close to 800 000 customers. The Unit’s Contact Centre introduced a 24hr WhatsApp line to give customers an additional interactive platform when reporting faults.

More than 100 000 customers benefit from the city’s Free Basic Electricity programme. In addition to the municipality awarding indigent customers with 65kWh free basic electricity per month (which is 15kWh more than the amount awarded by national government) FBE beneficiaries also get to purchase electricity at just
R1,36 instead of the normal tariff cost of R2,09.

The municipality has electrified 740 000 households in peri-urban & rural areas.

Testimonial: Nomthandazo Mzobe of ward 108 in Mzinyathi lives with her four grandchildren. She said the installation of electricity has changed their lives, adding that she is fortunate to receive some free electricity from the Municipality. “I might be living in a semi-rural area, but I am happy that I have electricity.” said Mzobe. She said access to electricity is crucial as it has significantly improved their living conditions and has promoted development in the area. “Our safety has also improved as we can now see clearly in the streets, even at night,” she said. She encouraged those who have not yet been connected with electricity to be patient as their turn is also coming.

Testimonial: “I cannot imagine life without electricity,” said Thembinkosi Jali of Dube Village in Inanda. This third year Human Resources student at the Durban University of Technology, lives with his father. “Whenever we buy electricity, we receive free electricity from the Municipality, which goes a long way in our electricity usage. We receive about 65 kw of free electricity monthly,” he said. “Anyone can legally receive free electricity. All you need to do is visit any Sizakala Centre to enquire about it,” said Jali. He urged residents to refrain from illegal electricity connections because it destroys electricity infrastructure and poses a safety risk.

Water and Sanitation
About one million eThekwini residents are supplied with clean water by the Municipality daily. Water is provided to 573941 formal households and 387161 informal and rural households, totalling 961122. According to the Stats SA figures there are a total of 1159272 households in eThekwini Municipality.
The Municipality operates 27 wastewater treatment plants and 300 pump stations
and treats over 500 million litres per day. The backlog has changed from 159 618
in 2015/16 to 198150 in May 2021. A total of 1600 ablution facilities across in 78 wards were built, complete with shower facilities and toilets. A total of 1650 permanent employment opportunities were created after construction of these ablution facilities.

The municipality has increased access to piped water from 95% to 99%

Cleansing and Solid waste
The municipality’s Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) operations include 32 operational centres, seven transfer stations, two landfill sites, 22 recycling plants, three landfill gas projects and two Leachate Plants. These assets enable CSW to provide a full range of services to 3.4 million residential, industrial and commercial customers. In its efforts to empower communities in the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality, the city through CSW has created over 3000 job opportunities through the engagement of communitybased contractors. The in-sourcing of Umlazi waste management services also created 375 permanent job opportunities.

The municipality has increased access to basic sanitation services from 85,06% to 89.09%

Greenest Municipality Competition (GMC) Hammarsdale Eco Centre
The City has won the Greenest Municipality Competition for 4 consecutive years. The winnings for the competition were used to employ 170 EPWP staff who worked at the Buyback Centres located in KwaMashu, North Coast, Clermont and Westmead.

A group consisting of 100 people known as Emvelo-wise were direct beneficiaries of the GMC awards. Their main goal was stream cleaning in the Folweni Township. Other beneficiaries are the five Recyclers who have been empowered by collecting recyclables in the Drop Off Centre at Nyathi Road, Seadoone, Bluff, Montclair and Mount Edgecombe.

CSW also embarks on a number of educations programme to foster clean living environments and recycling. These programmes are run with the private sector, with schools and with other community formations.

Service delivery 2016-2021: Water and Sanitation

Service delivery 2016-2021: Electricity

Service delivery 2016-2021: Cleansing and Solid Waste

Service delivery 2016-2021: Human Settlements