Ethekwini Municipality council meeting decisions
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Date: 2025-01-31 13:02:12

Ethekwini Municipality council meeting decisions

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 JANUARY 2025
 
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY COUNCIL MEETING DECISIONS
 
2024-2025 MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORT
Council received the Mid-Year Performance Assessment Report which reflected the Municipality’s service delivery performance for the first six months of the 2024/2025 financial year.
 
The report also reviewed the past year’s annual report and the performance of the two Municipal entities under the Municipality’s control.
 
EThekwini Municipality received an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) for the 2023/2024 financial year. However, findings on performance information will be addressed urgently.
 
The mid-year performance assessment shows that eThekwini Municipality achieved 68.07% as of 31 December 2024. The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre achieved 84.62%, and the Durban Marine Theme Park achieved 85.71% during the same period.
 
While the Municipality’s overall mid-year performance is above 60% compared to the last three financial years, a decrease compared to the 2023/2024 financial year was noted. Increased efforts will be directed toward achieving a 100% achievement rate.
 
The following key initiatives have been introduced to address challenges impacting the City’s overall performance:
1. Budget planning improvements: Engagements between the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) section, Finance, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, the Speaker's office, the Mayoral Parlour, and the Community Participation Unit have focused on aligning ward-based plans, the budget, IDP, and the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP).
2. Establishment of a Workforce Planning Committee (WPC): To improve the filling of vacant posts and to increase staff capacity, the WPC has been established to ensure critical positions are filled.
3. Mid-year Amendments: The Mid-year Amendment process allows the Municipality to amend planned targets based on the operational environment and budget adjustments. Amendments are in progress for Council approval after public consultation.
 
COUNCIL WELCOMES 2023/24 FINANCIAL REPORT
Council welcomed the tabling of the draft Annual Report, presenting the Municipality's performance against predetermined strategic and operational plans, including budget performance. The report complies with Section 127 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act No. 56 of 2003.
 
The report highlighted the following progress:
• The 2023/2024 financial year was a period of significant progress and resilience.
• Despite global economic uncertainties and local adversities, the Municipality pursued its core mandate of service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
• The Municipality achieved 87.56% performance across sectors, up from 77.03% the previous year.
• Spatial, natural, and built environment development yielded outstanding results, with a 100% achievement rate in Plan 1.
• 100% achievement was noted within the Economic Development and Planning Cluster.
• The Engineering Cluster addressed infrastructural needs.
• The City remains committed to improving water services and addressing infrastructural backlogs.
• The Human Settlements Unit continues to provide quality housing and address informal settlements.
 
DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT MODEL ONE PLAN REVIEW APPROVED
Council approved the review of the District Development Model (DDM) One Plan. The original plan was adopted in June 2021 and endorsed by the Provincial Executive Committee in February 2022.
 
EThekwini was a pilot municipality for the DDM, an integrated approach to service delivery. The review is required due to amendments to the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act of 2005 (Section 47(1)(b)) and the DDM Regulations of 15 April 2024. The Department of Cooperative Governance requires all municipalities to review their plans by 21 March 2025.
 
PILOT OF E-PARTICIPATION PLATFORM NOTED
Council noted the pilot of the E-Participation platform, developed by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and funded by the National Department of Science and Innovation.
 
The pilot, which will be implemented from February to March 2025, will be limited to Ward and PR Councillors and Ward Committees. Further testing with the public is planned during the IDP and budget consultation period in April/May 2025. The platform aims to increase public participation in policy decisions and governance.
 
ENDS
 
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communication Unit.