Date: 2025-05-21 16:52:06
EThekwini Municipality’s Executive Committee Decisions
ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 MAY 2025
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECISIONS
The City’s Executive Committee (EXCO) convened today, 20 May 2025, resulting in notable decisions. Approved reports will proceed to Full Council for final endorsement.
ETHEKWINI RAMPS UP EFFORTS TO STABILISE WATER SUPPLY AND INSOURCE PLUMBING SERVICES
EThekwini Municipality has made significant strides to address the ongoing water supply challenges and improving service delivery, as outlined in a progress report presented to the Executive Committee (EXCO) today.
In an ambitious bid to secure consistent water supply across the City, the eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit (EWS) confirmed the completion of several critical infrastructure projects.
These include the R3 billion Northern Aqueduct, new rising mains from Hazelmere to Grange and the recommissioning of the Grange-to-Mt. View pumping main. Over and above these, the Municipality has completed and commissioned new reservoirs in Emona and Burbreeze to support the oThongathi area.
Acting Director of the Water and Sanitation Unit, Sibusiso Vilane, said the Municipality acknowledges that despite these efforts, many regions still experience intermittent water supply due to high demand, power supply instability and ageing infrastructure.
“Areas such as oThongathi, Waterloo, and Northdene remain severely affected, with supply disruptions linked to fluctuating treatment outputs, rising main bursts and inadequate reservoir levels. The completion of large-scale projects marks progress, but balancing supply and demand remains a pressing issue. Extended outages are being tackled through pressure management, rationing and enhanced operations,” said Vilane.
To further improve service reliability, EWS has begun insourcing plumbers, a move expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce repair times and align with the Municipality’s revised plumbing policy.
“This shift is part of a broader institutional reorganisation, including the creation of a dedicated Non-Revenue Water Branch and the rollout of single point of management accountability. The insourcing roadmap involves hiring skilled technical personnel, investing in tools and vehicles and replacing the old, outsourced plumbing contract model with in-house expertise,” added Vilane.
By bringing plumbers in-house, the Municipality aims to build a more accountable, responsive and capable team to respond to the high volume of water-related service requests.
Long-term plans to strengthen water resilience include a commitment to replace ageing pipelines at a rate of two percent per year, improve rural water systems and leverage partnerships on major water augmentation projects such as the Upper and Lower uMkhomazi Water Projects, set to be completed by 2032 and 2026, respectively.
As the City battles climate variability and infrastructure strain, the dual strategy of modernising supply networks and investing in human capital through plumber insourcing reflects a more sustainable and service-oriented future.
SEVERAL PROGRAMMES TO ADVANCE STEM SUBJECTS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS
EXCO approved several reports outlining partnerships to hold roadshows and expos with high school learners to promote the studying of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and pursuing STEM-related careers.
They are as follows:
GRADE 12 STEM ROADSHOW PROGRAMME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ETHEKWINI MUNICIPAL ACADEMY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
EXCO approved the hosting of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Grade 12 Roadshow Programme. This is a three-year programme (2025 to 2027), in partnership with Municipal clusters, the Department of Education and higher education institutions.
The roadshows aim to assist learners to make informed career decisions based on their desires, capabilities and skills. The programme will also provide exceptional career guidance, confidently encouraging learners to pursue STEM-related careers. This initiative will contribute to transforming South African society to participate in the emerging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and foster innovation development.
GRADE 9, 10 AND 11 WOMEN IN SCIENCE EXPO: ADDRESSING SCARCE SKILLS IN STEM OUTREACH
EXCO approved the hosting of the Grade 9, 10, and 11 Women in Science Expo, a three-year programme (2025 to 2027). The programme aims to enhance the relationship between the Municipality and learners by engaging them in STEM programmes and showcasing bursary opportunities. This can attract passionate young individuals interested in STEM fields to work for eThekwini Municipality.
The rise of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in eThekwini and South Africa will bring a positive transformation to the operation of STEM industries.
The goal of the expo is to increase the involvement of women in the primarily male-dominated engineering and science fields, leading to a shift in the industry's landscape and benefiting the sector.
With increased representation, women will bring new perspectives, creativity and innovative ideas, making significant contributions to the City's scientific and technological advancements.
GRADE 9 STEM SUBJECT SELECTION ROADSHOW PROGRAMME
EXCO has also approved the hosting of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Grade 9 Subject Selection Roadshow Programme.
This is a three-year programme (2026 to 2028), aligned with the Department of Education's Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement to provide educational support to Grade 9 learners.
The roadshow will consist of a series of presentations, speakers, live science experiments, creative demonstrations and networking opportunities with academic institutions, including the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Central Applications Office, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, and other stakeholders.
The roadshows aim to empower learners to make informed decisions by selecting the correct subjects aligned with their future career aspirations, as well as share knowledge on aligning offered subjects with university-level courses.
The roadshows will also encourage learners by highlighting financial assistance offered by eThekwini Municipality through learnerships and bursary opportunities.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 MAY 2025
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECISIONS
The City’s Executive Committee (EXCO) convened today, 20 May 2025, resulting in notable decisions. Approved reports will proceed to Full Council for final endorsement.
ETHEKWINI RAMPS UP EFFORTS TO STABILISE WATER SUPPLY AND INSOURCE PLUMBING SERVICES
EThekwini Municipality has made significant strides to address the ongoing water supply challenges and improving service delivery, as outlined in a progress report presented to the Executive Committee (EXCO) today.
In an ambitious bid to secure consistent water supply across the City, the eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit (EWS) confirmed the completion of several critical infrastructure projects.
These include the R3 billion Northern Aqueduct, new rising mains from Hazelmere to Grange and the recommissioning of the Grange-to-Mt. View pumping main. Over and above these, the Municipality has completed and commissioned new reservoirs in Emona and Burbreeze to support the oThongathi area.
Acting Director of the Water and Sanitation Unit, Sibusiso Vilane, said the Municipality acknowledges that despite these efforts, many regions still experience intermittent water supply due to high demand, power supply instability and ageing infrastructure.
“Areas such as oThongathi, Waterloo, and Northdene remain severely affected, with supply disruptions linked to fluctuating treatment outputs, rising main bursts and inadequate reservoir levels. The completion of large-scale projects marks progress, but balancing supply and demand remains a pressing issue. Extended outages are being tackled through pressure management, rationing and enhanced operations,” said Vilane.
To further improve service reliability, EWS has begun insourcing plumbers, a move expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce repair times and align with the Municipality’s revised plumbing policy.
“This shift is part of a broader institutional reorganisation, including the creation of a dedicated Non-Revenue Water Branch and the rollout of single point of management accountability. The insourcing roadmap involves hiring skilled technical personnel, investing in tools and vehicles and replacing the old, outsourced plumbing contract model with in-house expertise,” added Vilane.
By bringing plumbers in-house, the Municipality aims to build a more accountable, responsive and capable team to respond to the high volume of water-related service requests.
Long-term plans to strengthen water resilience include a commitment to replace ageing pipelines at a rate of two percent per year, improve rural water systems and leverage partnerships on major water augmentation projects such as the Upper and Lower uMkhomazi Water Projects, set to be completed by 2032 and 2026, respectively.
As the City battles climate variability and infrastructure strain, the dual strategy of modernising supply networks and investing in human capital through plumber insourcing reflects a more sustainable and service-oriented future.
SEVERAL PROGRAMMES TO ADVANCE STEM SUBJECTS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS
EXCO approved several reports outlining partnerships to hold roadshows and expos with high school learners to promote the studying of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and pursuing STEM-related careers.
They are as follows:
GRADE 12 STEM ROADSHOW PROGRAMME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ETHEKWINI MUNICIPAL ACADEMY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
EXCO approved the hosting of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Grade 12 Roadshow Programme. This is a three-year programme (2025 to 2027), in partnership with Municipal clusters, the Department of Education and higher education institutions.
The roadshows aim to assist learners to make informed career decisions based on their desires, capabilities and skills. The programme will also provide exceptional career guidance, confidently encouraging learners to pursue STEM-related careers. This initiative will contribute to transforming South African society to participate in the emerging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and foster innovation development.
GRADE 9, 10 AND 11 WOMEN IN SCIENCE EXPO: ADDRESSING SCARCE SKILLS IN STEM OUTREACH
EXCO approved the hosting of the Grade 9, 10, and 11 Women in Science Expo, a three-year programme (2025 to 2027). The programme aims to enhance the relationship between the Municipality and learners by engaging them in STEM programmes and showcasing bursary opportunities. This can attract passionate young individuals interested in STEM fields to work for eThekwini Municipality.
The rise of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in eThekwini and South Africa will bring a positive transformation to the operation of STEM industries.
The goal of the expo is to increase the involvement of women in the primarily male-dominated engineering and science fields, leading to a shift in the industry's landscape and benefiting the sector.
With increased representation, women will bring new perspectives, creativity and innovative ideas, making significant contributions to the City's scientific and technological advancements.
GRADE 9 STEM SUBJECT SELECTION ROADSHOW PROGRAMME
EXCO has also approved the hosting of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Grade 9 Subject Selection Roadshow Programme.
This is a three-year programme (2026 to 2028), aligned with the Department of Education's Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement to provide educational support to Grade 9 learners.
The roadshow will consist of a series of presentations, speakers, live science experiments, creative demonstrations and networking opportunities with academic institutions, including the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Central Applications Office, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, and other stakeholders.
The roadshows aim to empower learners to make informed decisions by selecting the correct subjects aligned with their future career aspirations, as well as share knowledge on aligning offered subjects with university-level courses.
The roadshows will also encourage learners by highlighting financial assistance offered by eThekwini Municipality through learnerships and bursary opportunities.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit
Disability Right Awareness Month
