Mayor Xaba hands over upgraded Tshelimnyama bridge on Mandela Day
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Date: 2025-07-21 10:54:44

Mayor Xaba hands over upgraded Tshelimnyama bridge on Mandela Day

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
 
18 JULY 2025
 
MAYOR XABA HANDS OVER UPGRADED TSHELIMNYAMA BRIDGE ON MANDELA DAY
 
To much excitement from the community, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba officially opened the newly upgraded Tshelimnyama Bridge in Ward 15 today, 18 July, as part of the City’s Nelson Mandela Day activities. 
 
The low-level bridge on Umhlatuzana River has been a source of concern for residents due to its vulnerability to flooding, especially during the devastating storms of 2019 and 2022. 
 
These weather events highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure that could withstand extreme weather conditions. 
 
The new bridge, valued at R20 million, now offers a safer movement for both vehicles and pedestrians.
 
The structure, which is 20 meters long, was designed with climate resilience in mind, taking into account the growing impact of climate change. 
 
Speaking at the handover event, Mayor Xaba said the bridge is a symbol of progress, resilience and hope. 
 
“It gives me great pleasure to spend my 67 minutes here in Tshelimnyama, officially handing over this newly constructed bridge. 
 
I am happy that this is your bridge, built for you, with your input, and with your future in mind. The community of Tshelimnyama will now sleep peacefuly whenever there are heavy rains. Let us protect this bridge and ensure it serves generations to come,” said Mayor Xaba. 
 
The bridge construction began in January 2024 and generated employment for about 20 residents who were trained in various construction skills, such as bricklaying and concrete work. 
 
The Mayor praised the local community and stakeholders, including the taxi industry, for their full cooperation throughout the project.
 
The Tshelimnyama Bridge project forms part of the City’s broader infrastructure improvement programme aimed at creating a more inclusive, connected, and climate-resilient city.
 
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.