EThekwini Municipality’s Executive Committee held a meeting today, 27 July which was chaired by Executive Committee member Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo in the absence of eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

 

Councillor Diane Hoorzuk was nominated as the Chairperson of the Finance, Security and Emergency Services Committee. The post has been vacant since the former chairperson resigned earlier this year.

 

A report on the City’s response to the civil unrest was tabled at the meeting. It detailed the damages and impact of the recent events together with the action and support from national government. The tabled report also outlined eThekwini Municipality’s relief and recovery measures for businesses and the public that suffered losses. Measures to support the re-starting of businesses, both formal and informal, was also included.

 

Some of the business re-start measures proposed are:

Access to business support and information.

Supporting SMME’s located in townships and informal traders.

Re-start of buildings destroyed will include rates relief during construction and rebate incentives post construction.

The provision of rental relief for SMME’s located in municipal properties that were damaged.

To engage with national government for budget allocation towards a public employment programme to respond to the unemployment resulting from the unrest.

Rebuild tourism and investment attractions.

Reprioritise catalytic projects.

 

The statutory process of filling the position of Deputy Mayor will take place at a Full Council meeting on Thursday, 29 July. The election process that will be observed by Council will be inline with the provisions contained in Schedule 3 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, No 117 of 1998.

 

A report proposing a rental discount for African traders at the Durban Fresh Produce Market (Bulk Market) was tabled at the meeting. The proposal, which is in support of the City’s transformation goals, is for a monthly rental discount for three consecutive years for all existing and new African traders. The rental will be gradually increased over the three-year period until the normal rate is implemented.

 

A fare increase of 50 cents is proposed to be implemented from 1 September. This annual fare increase is to prevent under recovery of fare income by the operator. This will increase the bus fare rate from R5.50 to R6.00.

 

The above reports were agreed upon at the Executive Committee meeting and are subject to approval at the Full Council meeting taking place on 29 July.

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For media enquiries contact the Municipality’s Spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220.