EThekwini Can Be Saved - It Is Time for Change
What (#IFPKZN)IFP Mayoral Candidate Mkhuleko Hlengwa Has Planned for eThekwini
Opinion piece by MKHULEKO HLENGWA
For too long, the people of eThekwini have witnessed their city’s steady
decline.
Too often, the eThekwini municipality makes the news for the wrong
reasons: sewage pollution affecting rivers and beaches, repeated water
interruptions, unreliable refuse collection, ageing infrastructure, substantial
water losses, delayed projects and serious service-delivery challenges in
communities such as Inanda, KwaMashu and Lindelani.
These challenges are far from theoretical - they directly impact people’s
physical wellbeing, dignity, livelihoods and their sense of hope for what lies
ahead.
The sewage crisis affecting areas like Merebank and Reservoir Hills, along
with many other parts of the city, is particularly concerning. Wastewater
pollution has contributed to environmental damage, repeated beach
closures and risks to public health, while also threatening the tourism
economy on which many businesses and workers depend. When
infrastructure fails, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate
breakdown.
This cannot become the new normal.
EThekwini is the economic heart of KwaZulu-Natal - a city with limitless
opportunity, home to a major port, a world-renowned tourism industry,
businesses, workers and millions of residents. Yet too many people are
experiencing a city that is falling short of what it should be.
Leadership And Service
EThekwini municipality must exist to serve its people. It must keep streets
clean, maintain infrastructure, provide reliable basic services, manage
public money responsibly and create an environment where communities
and businesses can prosper.
When these responsibilities repeatedly fail, residents deserve more than
excuses. They deserve accountable leadership - leadership that listens,
acts and accepts responsibility.
The next chapter of eThekwini's story must be built on competence,
integrity, accountability and humility.
This is where the Inkatha Freedom Party’s (IFP) values matter. Our politics
is rooted in the belief that development is ultimately about people.
Government must never become distant from the people it serves.
Leadership must be grounded in Ubuntu - the understanding that our
wellbeing is connected and that public office is a responsibility, not a
privilege.
A sewage spill is not merely an operational failure. It affects people's health
and dignity. An uncollected bin in uMlazi, KwaMashu, KwaSanti,
KwaNdengezi, Inanda, Chesterville, and in other surrounding areas affects
an entire community. An unreliable water supply affects families,
businesses and livelihoods.
Every Rand Must Serve the People
Good governance also means protecting public money.
Residents and businesses contribute through rates, taxes and service
charges. Every rand entrusted to municipality must be treated with respect.
Concerns raised through the Auditor-General's findings must be taken
seriously, while financial management and accountability must remain
central to local government.
More than R4,4 billion in reported irregular expenditure in eThekwini during
the 2024/25 financial year, coupled with delayed projects and infrastructure
challenges, raises serious questions about whether public resources are
being effectively converted into the services and development residents
need.
EThekwini needs greater transparency, discipline and consequence - a
government prepared to confront problems honestly, tell residents the truth
and measure whether its promises are actually being delivered.
We Will Not Promise Miracles
The IFP will not pretend that years of accumulated problems can disappear
overnight.
Turning eThekwini around will require planning, investment, capable
administration and cooperation between government, business and civil
society. But difficult problems are not an excuse for weak leadership.
What residents can demand is seriousness: seriousness about service
delivery, public safety, infrastructure, economic growth and public finances.
EThekwini has not lost its potential. It just needs renewed direction and a
government that puts people at the centre of development.
We can build a city where streets are cleaner, services are more reliable,
infrastructure is properly maintained and businesses have greater
confidence to invest and create jobs.
We can restore pride in Durban. We can rebuild trust in local government.
And we can put people first.
On 4 November 2026, our Local Government Election (LGE) day, residents
will have a powerful opportunity to make their voices heard, demand
accountability, and choose a new direction for the city.
The IFP is ready to bring seriousness, accountability, Ubuntu and people-
centred leadership to local government.
It is time for change.
By Hon. Mkhuleko Hlengwa, MP, IFP’s National Spokesperson
Mayoral Candidate for the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
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