Public outrage erupted at the Mayoral Imbizo last week as residents slammed KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) over failing services, rising rates and missing millions.

More than 600 residents from Ballito, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach and Chakas Rock turned up in the rain to voice frustrations after another year of power outages, infrastructure challenges and a proposed rates and tariff increases.

KDM officially proposed a maximum refuse increase of 7.3%, an electricity increase of 10.7% (subject to regulatory approval) and a 0% rate increase, although critics argue there is a hidden 9.33% rates increase by way of the rebate structure.

People packed into the Umhlali school hall. Some sat on the stage, others brought their own fold-up chairs. Those who could not fit, crowded outside the sides of the hall.

Tensions were high from the outset after it was announced that deputy mayor Sicelinjabulo Cele would chair the meeting in the absence of mayor Ali Ngidi, who was reportedly ill, and municipal manager Nhlanhla Mdakane, absent due to a family bereavement.

Both had attended a full council meeting earlier in the day. Although heckling interrupted early proceedings, Cele was commended by many for managing the meeting well under pressure.

The presentation of the draft municipal budget by chief financial officer Shamir Rajcoomar was met with scepticism, while a lengthy Q&A session failed to calm residents’ concerns.

Heated topics included a R173 000 private security bill for the mayor, persistent electricity blackouts, the awarding of a contract to a company now in business rescue and the R35.75-million stolen from KDM earlier this year, with R4.9-million still not fully recovered.

Spending on the KwaDukuza and Ballito taxi rank upgrades, costing more than R24-million, triggered shouts of “stealing” and “eating our money” from the audience, requiring Cele’s intervention to restore order.

While many residents and councillors criticised the mayor’s absence, others saw positive developments. Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) chairperson, Deon Viljoen, welcomed a commitment for Docrra to submit budget proposals directly to KDM officials.

“I’m chuffed with the outcome; we got an on-the-record commitment from KDM to work with us,” said Viljoen.

“The deputy mayor handled the meeting well under difficult circumstances. This progress was only possible because of the strong community turnout.”

It was noted that the mayor had allegedly previously refused to meet with Docrra.

“I’ve not received any apology from him, but that is not an issue. This is only a beginning, not the end.”

DA caucus leader and Ward 22 councillor Privi Makhan said it was extraordinary to see so many people wanting to actively participate in the budget process but was critical of the municipality’s leadership and the draft budget.

“The deputy mayor chaired the meeting really well, despite having been thrown in at the last minute by the ceremonial mayor. However, the presentations did not impress. The DA rejected the draft budget in council and proposed alternative interventions,” said Makhan.

Ward 30 councillor Jack Abrahams said residents were disappointed not to engage directly with the mayor and municipal manager.

iLembe Chamber of Commerce CEO, Cobus Oelofse, believed the meeting provided a valuable platform for community concerns but argued that combining business and community agendas diluted focus.

“The community is fed-up and came looking for answers, but combined meetings make it difficult for business to properly engage with district leadership,” he said.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.