The local government elections are just a week away and 18 parties plus one independent candidate are vying for your vote in KwaDukuza.

To help voters make an informed decision, the Courier invited a candidate from every party holding more than one seat on the current KwaDukuza council to answer five questions about their plans for the municipality. Three questions and the candidates’ responses appeared in last week’s edition and can be read here. The final two questions and responses follow.

The parties approached, listed by their current number of council seats, were the African National Congress (ANC, 28), Democratic Alliance (DA, 9), ActionSA (5), Independent Alliance (IA, 5), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF, 4) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP, 4).

The Courier also included the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), which did not contest the previous municipal elections but subsequently won a seat from the ANC in a by-election.

EFF mayoral candidate Thobisile Nkosi acknowledged receipt of the questions but had not responded at time of publication.

The Questions

If elected:

1. With enough budget to only address three infrastructural issues immediately, what would be your focus across KwaDukuza? List them in order of importance.

2. Do you believe that the public-private partnerships in place with Siza Water and Dolphin Coast Waste Management have been successful and would you like to see them expanded across the KwaDukuza and iLembe municipalities?

KwaDukuza mayor, Siduduzo Gumede, one of five ANC mayoral candidates:

1. Infrastructure priorities

The key focus of the ANC is social development but in infrastructure we will prioritise the following:

(1) Water infrastructure.

(2) Improving road infrastructure.

(3) Housing development.

2. Public-private partnerships

At a political level the ANC is very clear that, through its municipalities, it will be partnering with role-players in supporting its long term vision of building a sustainable city. Siza Water and Dolphin Coast Waste are not against that vision.

Ward 22 councillor, Privi Makhan, DA mayoral candidate:

1. Infrastructure priorities

My approach would be simple – get the basics right.

(1) Reliable electricity: Strengthen electricity infrastructure, reduce energy losses and explore partnerships with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to diversify supply and improve energy security.

(2) Roads and stormwater infrastructure: Prioritise road maintenance, pothole repairs and stormwater management.

(3) Complete stalled infrastructure projects: Conduct a comprehensive review of incomplete projects and reprioritise budget to unlock stalled projects.

2. Public-private partnerships

Public-private partnerships have an important role to play in improving service delivery. I believe KwaDukuza and the wider iLembe District should actively explore expanding successful partnerships that already offer reliable services and provide value for money.

If KwaDukuza is to achieve its ambition of becoming a city, we cannot rely on municipal resources alone.

PR councillor, Sipho Zungu, ActionSA mayoral candidate

1. Infrastructure priorities

(1) Electricity infrastructure: I would target the most urgent upgrades to improve reliability now and create capacity for industry, investment and jobs.

(2) Water infrastructure: Although iLembe holds the mandate, I would negotiate a formal, funded agreement that lets KwaDukuza support priority upgrades, with clear deadlines and maintenance obligations, using intergovernmental platforms to drive co-operation.

(3) Roads: I would prioritise repairing deteriorated roads and upgrading gravel routes where poor access block residents from reaching transport, jobs and essential services.

2. Public-private partnerships

I believe Siza Water and Dolphin Coast Waste Management have shown that well-managed public-private partnerships can add value, and I support expanding them where feasible. ActionSA has already called for Siza Water’s service area to extend into northern KwaDukuza.

But expansion must meet three equally important requirements. First, accurate records and fair billing. We must accelerate appropriate settlement formalisation and establish accurate property, household and service records so that those able to pay are billed correctly, while qualifying indigent households remain protected. This work should proceed alongside service expansion.

Second, due process. Procurement must be lawful and transparent, with capacity and value for money driving selection. Existing providers should receive no automatic guarantee of additional work.

Third, affordability. Tariffs, increases and the full cost to residents must be clear before commitments are made. The municipality must keep strong oversight, enforce standards and hold providers accountable, so partnerships deliver reliable services at a cost people can afford.

PR councillor, Commie Ntleko, IA mayoral candidate:

1. Infrastructure priorities

(1) The issue of sewage flowing in our streets and the flooding that affects some businesses in KwaDukuza town along Balcomb Street every time it rains. The sewer rectification plant by KwaDukuza’s entrance has not been working for over eight years and that would be my first project to start with.

(2) Get rid of potholes by ensuring that we capacitate the civils unit and ensure that all necessary tools are provided to the department to fix potholes so that they can be done internally to save money for other major projects.

(3) I would also make sure that street lights in crucial areas are added and that those in our communities are fully fixed and continuously serviced.

2. Public-private partnerships

Yes, this public private partnership of Siza Water has worked and showed that private partnerships can work and deliver accordingly when well managed like this one. I would like to see this partner go beyond the schedule given to them by iLembe municipality and be expanded to the entire iLembe municipality.

Dolphin Coast Waste’s service to KwaDukuza needs a proper eye in ensuring that this partnership is an honest partnership, not a certain individual’s agenda, but it is indeed a genuine partnership meant for a good which is service delivery.

Sibusiso Ngwane, IFP Ward 10 candidate.

1. Infrastructure priorities

(1) Rapid maintenance of dilapidated infrastructure.

(2) Electricity.

(3) Road repairs inclusive of stormwater drains.

2. Public-private partnerships

So far they have been effective, so those partnerships are crucial to the municipality.

Ward 28 Councillor, Doeshiee Govender, MK mayoral candidate

1. Infrastructure priorities

(1) The deterioration of the KwaDukuza CBD is a matter that requires immediate and decisive intervention. My vision is to restore the CBD into a clean, safe, modern and economically vibrant commercial centre that attracts investors supports businesses and creates employment.

This rehabilitation programme will focus on upgrading drainage infrastructure, resurfacing damaged roads, installing modern street lighting and restoring neglected pavements. A structured trading environment will be developed for informal traders through designated market facilities, ensuring that formal businesses and street vendors can operate fairly without compromising pedestrian accessibility or public safety.

(2) The provision of reliable municipal services must remain a fundamental responsibility of local government. My administration will prioritise the identification and repair of water leaks throughout KwaDukuza, from Ward 1 to Ward 30, in co-operation with the responsible water service authorities.

(3) Road rehabilitation and tarring programmes will be prioritised to ensure that communities have access to safe and properly maintained roads. Equal attention will be given to restoring dysfunctional streetlights, maintaining public infrastructure and addressing longstanding drainage problems.

Public safety will form an integral part of this programme. I intend to explore the establishment of dedicated, around-the-clock security patrols in every ward, including appropriately trained canine units where feasible, working alongside recognised law enforcement and community safety structures.

2. Public-private partnerships

Govender did not respond directly to the question on public private partnerships.