Executive Committee Meeting Decisions
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Date: 2025-03-25 16:15:23

Executive Committee Meeting Decisions

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 MARCH 2025
 
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING DECISIONS
 
The City’s Executive Committee (EXCO) convened today, 25 March, resulting in notable decisions. Approved reports will proceed to Full Council on 31 March for final endorsement.
 
*R2 MILLION ADDITIONAL FUNDS ALLOCATED TO ADDRESS WATER CHALLENGES IN THE NORTH*
To address persistent water challenges affecting various areas in the northern parts of the City, particularly Verulam and surrounding areas, the Executive Committee has approved the transfer of R2 million within the water and sanitation capital budget in the 2024/25 financial year.
 
The funds will be transferred from the Pinkney Park project to the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir Pipeline project.
 
The Pinkney Park project has been delayed by the Bid Evaluation Committee due to insufficient funding in the current approved 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years. 
 
Meanwhile, the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir Pipeline project is an ongoing project that urgently requires an additional R2 million in funding to complete the project in the current financial year.
 
Work has stopped on site due to funding having been exhausted for the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir Pipeline project.
 
The additional allocation to complete the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir Pipeline project will ensure much needed relief to the communities in the northern parts of the City who have been experiencing water shortages. 
 
The water challenges have been further worsened by the recurring flood disasters that have battered the City in recent years.
 
*ADDITIONAL R3 MILLION FOR OTHONGATHI CREMATORIUM FURNACE REPLACEMENT APPROVED*
 
The Executive Committee has approved an additional R3 million for the urgent replacement of the furnace at the oThongathi Crematorium.
 
This follows the initial allocation of R5 million in the City’s adjustment budget, bringing the total investment to R8 million.
 
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the decision by EXCO emphasises the City’s commitment to ensuring that residents of the northern region have access to cremation services.
 
“We are pleased that EXCO has responded swiftly to this urgent matter. The failure of the furnace has left many families without access to cremation services in the area. This funding will allow us to expedite the process and restore this essential service,” said Mayor Xaba.
 
The existing cremator, which has been in use for many years, suffered repeated breakdowns before completely failing on 24 January 2025. Technical assessments confirmed that the furnace had reached the end of its lifespan, necessitating full replacement.
 
To fast-track the project, the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Unit has identified savings within its capital budget to cover the R3 million shortfall. 
 
The Municipality will now proceed with appointing a service provider to manufacture, construct, and install the new furnace. The contractor, who must be South African-based, will also provide maintenance support for 12-months under warranty, with a potential extension for two years.
 
Mayor Xaba reiterated the City’s commitment to delivering dignified and efficient services. 
 
“We understand the cultural and religious significance of cremation for many communities. The urgent reprioritisation of funds demonstrates our dedication to ensuring that all residents have access to essential municipal services,” said Mayor Xaba.
 
The City will continue to provide updates to residents as the project progresses, with the aim of restoring full operations at the crematorium within the current financial year.
 
*WORLD TRADE CENTRE TO BE ESTABLISHED THROUGH DURBAN ICC*
 
The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) is in the process of establishing a World Trade Centre (WTC) to enhance the City’s competitive advantage as a trade and investment destination.
 
The Executive Committee recommended Council approval for the establishment of the World Trade Centre through the acquisition of the World Trade Centre license by Durban ICC from the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA).
 
The acquisition of the license will enable the City to join the prestigious network of over 300 WTC’s in 100 countries and benefit from its resources and opportunities.
 
The project supports the City’s Economic Development Strategy “Shape Durban”, which aims to position the City as a gateway to Africa and a global player in trade and investment.
 
Facilities with a WTC license inevitably create a trade hub and a business destination that offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities to facilitate and enhance local and international trade activities.
 
The immediate acquisition of the WTC license will allow ICC to establish and operate the World Trade Centre. This will include the ICC branding itself as the World Trade Centre Durban and become the only World Trade Centre in South Africa. Through the license, ICC can attract a detailed list of companies, government and non-governmental organisations involved in global trade to invest in and be located inside the WTC Durban.
 
The cost of acquiring the license is three hundred thousand US Dollars. This value has been calculated using an average exchange rate of R18.60 to convert USD to Rand. 
 
However, the actual disbursement to the Durban ICC will be based on the actual amount paid at the time of transition. It is expected that the actual value paid will be either more or less than the approved amount due to exchange rate movements.
 
Savings of R3 580 000 (three million five hundred and eighty thousand rand) will be reprioritised from the capital budget of R6 000 000 (six million rand) allocated for the HVAC chiller replacement, as approved for disbursement to the ICC per Council resolution dated 2024/08/02. 
 
The remaining balance of R2 000 000 (two million rand) will be met with savings from the Economic Development and Planning Unit relating to Grant-in-Aid and hire charges.
 
One of the much-needed outcomes of this initiative is the creation of jobs and skills development opportunities for the local workforce, both directly and indirectly. 
 
Furthermore, the project will leverage the City's assets and capabilities, such as its port, airport, manufacturing sector, tourism sector, ICT infrastructure, and human capital, to enhance its productivity and competitiveness in the global market.
 
*PUBLIC URGED TO PROVIDE INPUT ON FIRST DRAFT OF CITY’S 2025/26 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN*
 
The Executive Committee has supported the public participation process on the Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2025/26 financial year.
 
Public participation is a critical component of the IDP process, offering residents, stakeholders, and community-based organisations the opportunity to help shape the development priorities and future planning of the Municipality.
 
In accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Systems Act No. 32 of 2000, all municipal councils are mandated to adopt an IDP within a specific period following the start of their elected term.
 
The IDP serves as the strategic blueprint that guides development and resource allocation across the Municipality, ensuring alignment with community needs, legislative frameworks, and long-term sustainability.
 
As part of this legislative obligation, the Municipality has commenced the process of reviewing the IDP for the 2025/26 financial year.
 
The Executive Committee today noted the preparation of the draft IDP, which will be made available for public consultation and input during April and early May 2025.
 
Following the public participation period, all inputs will be carefully considered, and the draft document will be revised accordingly. The final IDP will then be submitted to Full Council for adoption by the end of May 2025.
 
The IDP is more than a statutory requirement; it is a powerful tool for inclusive, people-centred planning. It reflects the Municipality’s commitment to transparent governance, integrated service delivery, and sustainable development that improves the quality of life for all residents.
 
Residents are encouraged to engage with the draft IDP, make their voices heard, and contribute to shaping a better future for our communities.
 
*CITY ENDORSES DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT MODEL - ONE PLAN MODEL*
                                                                                                                          
The eThekwini Municipality has officially endorsed the District Development Model (DDM) One Plan, marking a significant milestone in the city’s pursuit of integrated, inclusive, and sustainable development.
 
The One Plan serves as a consolidated framework for all spheres of government to work collaboratively in aligning budgets, programmes, and delivery mechanisms within the municipal space.
 
Its purpose is to streamline planning and implementation while ensuring that developmental priorities are people-centred and spatially targeted.
 
This endorsement aligns strongly with eThekwini’s long-term vision of becoming a "Smart Coastal City Port Region"— a globally connected, resilient, and liveable city that leverages its coastal location, port infrastructure, and technological innovation to drive inclusive growth.
 
The DDM approach promotes coordinated service delivery, investment attraction, economic development, and social transformation by breaking down institutional silos and placing communities at the centre of development.
 
As part of the roll-out, eThekwini will continue to work closely with its social partners, private sector stakeholders, and all spheres of government to ensure the successful implementation of the One Plan.
 
This endorsement reaffirms the municipality’s commitment to building a well-governed, smart, and sustainable coastal port city that meets the needs of its residents today, while laying the foundation for the generations of tomorrow.
 
ENDS
 
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality Communications Unit.