THE eThekwini Municipality is commencing public consultations on its Draft Annual Report for the 2024/25 financial year, inviting residents to comment and provide inputs that will help shape the future direction of the City.

The municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate said the consultation process provides a critical reflection on the City’s performance, service delivery, and the utilisation of public resources across eThekwini.

“Following recent Council approval, the Draft Annual Report is now open for public engagement, offering communities, stakeholders, and partners an opportunity to assess progress, raise concerns, and influence improvements in service delivery.

“The public has until 6 March 2026 to submit comments on the report.

“Consultation meetings will begin on 5 February with Amakhosi (Traditional leaders) at the Pinetown Civic Centre. This will be followed by engagements with People with Disabilities on 14 February at Amanzimtoti Community Hall, Ward Committees on 21 February at the Durban City Hall, and the broader public on 24 February at the Pinetown Civic Centre.

“The consultation date with the business sector will be confirmed.”

The Annual Report is a legislated public document outlining the municipality’s operations, financial position, achievements and challenges over the past year. It enables residents to verify performance and ensure Municipal priorities align with community needs.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba welcomed the approval of the Draft Annual Report and called on residents to actively participate in the consultation process.

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“The Draft Annual Report stakeholder engagements are important because they promote transparency and accountability, allow communities to raise concerns, and provide a meaningful opportunity for residents to influence planning and service delivery,” said Xaba.

The Marketing and Communications Directorate said the Draft Annual Report reflects a performance achievement of 86.7% for the 2024/25 financial year, signalling continued stabilisation despite service delivery pressures and budgetary constraints.

“Progress was recorded in essential services, public safety, emergency response, food security initiatives, disaster risk management, and access to health, social, sports, arts and cultural services.

“Economic development efforts focused on investment attraction, support for informal and industrial sectors, and catalytic projects aimed at economic growth and job creation.

“From a financial perspective, the Municipality achieved an unqualified audit outcome for the fifth consecutive year, retained its investment‑grade credit rating, and maintained strong revenue collection and capital expenditure performance.

“The Draft Annual Report is available on the Municipality’s website at www.durban.gov.za and can also be accessed electronically at Sizakala Centres and libraries.

“Copies may also be requested via email: noky.nyasulu@durban.gov.za or by calling 031 311 4208 for more information.”

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