Date: 2024-11-27 10:06:55
EThekwini Municipality’s executive committee meeting
ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26 NOVEMBER 2024
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
The eThekwini Municipality Executive Committee (EXCO) convened on Tuesday, 26 November resulting in notable decisions. Approved reports will proceed to Full Council for final endorsement on Monday, 2 December.
CITY WRITES OFF OVER R80 MILLION IN DEBTS OF DECEASED ESTATES
EThekwini Municipality has written off over R80.3 million owed by deceased and insolvent estates with a property value of up to a maximum of R1 million and that are over 24 months.
This follows an unprecedented decision adopted by Council on 29 August to provide relief to beneficiaries of deceased and insolvent estates.
This move is in line with the Municipal Financial Management Act and the eThekwini Municipality Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy.
The debt owed by the deceased estates, where the executors were not appointed, was estimated at over R944 million, impacting households located in various parts of the Municipality.
The Executive Committee today, 26 November noted that 2 800 applications for deceased estate write offs have been received since September.
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the City has written off approximately 977 applications to the value of R80 322 733. 70 million in debt for deceased estates, while 335 applications worth R33 852 886.20 million are still pending. Eighty-eight applications worth just over R8.7 million were rejected for various reasons, leaving 561 applications still to be processed.
The public is reminded that applications to write off deceased estates debts are still open, and applications can be made at the various Sizakala Customer Centres and revenue offices.
The write off will take place under the following conditions:
• The deceased and insolvent estate must be for a residential household, not business;
• Debt involved to be older than 24 months;
• Availability of surviving beneficiary with a legal title to represent the estate to avoid re-emergence of debt.
In instances where the next of kin is a minor or indigent, the Indigent Policy will be applied.
Mayor Xaba has again urged beneficiaries or the next of kin of deceased estates to take advantage of this opportunity by approaching the Municipality to make payment arrangements.
13 DURBAN BEACHES OPEN AHEAD OF FESTIVE SEASON
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has called for the weekly assessment of beach water quality to ensure that residents and visitors are kept abreast of the results during the festive season.
This comes after the latest beach water quality results revealed that 13 Durban beaches are open while 10 beaches are temporarily closed as investigations to trace the source of pollution are currently underway.
Open beaches for tourists and residents to enjoy include the popular uShaka Beach, uMhlanga Main Beach, Winkelspruit Beach, Toti Main Beach, Pipeline Beach, Point Beach, and uMdloti Beach. There are also over 30 pools open in various parts of the City for the public to enjoy.
Mayor Xaba said during EXCO today: “As we move into the festive season, we should be testing the beach water quality more often to ensure that our beaches are safe for visitors to enjoy. We have had challenges in the past, but the City has made significant efforts to ensure that our beaches are in pristine condition. We are hoping for a bumper festive season this December. Visitors must be assured that aside from beaches, there are many other attractions throughout the City.”
Tomorrow, 27 November Mayor Xaba will unveil the state of readiness to host millions of visitors expected to descend on the City during the festive season. The programme will include activations along the beach promenade and the inspection of recreational facilities.
For regular updates of beach water quality results visit http://www.durban.gov.za
EXCO NOTES WITH CONCERN IRREGULAR EXPENDITURE AMOUNTING TO R461 MILLION
The Executive Committee has raised concern over the reported irregular expenditure amounting to R461.6 million for the quarter ending 30 September 2024.
The background provided was that the reports have been reviewed and analysed by the Internal Control Unit, noted by the Bid Adjudication Committee, and would be referred to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee for recommendation for either write-off or recovery based on the outcomes of the investigation conducted.
The committee further noted that the root cause of the irregular expenditure includes non-compliance to supply chain management processes. However, the Municipality is currently in the process of implementing an automated supply chain management system which will ensure timeous compliance and smooth execution through the procurement processes.
It was noted that depending on the outcome of the processes, detailed in terms of Section 32 of the Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act No. 56 of 2003, further action many arise. This includes disciplinary action, recovery of monies, and criminal charges being instituted where applicable.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit
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