Business leaders have expressed concern about KwaDukuza municipality failing to address long-standing infrastructure and service delivery issues, warning that the delays are threatening investor confidence and economic growth.

This comes after the municipality hosted a budget-focused imbizo at the iLembe Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday – four months after the 2025/26 budget had already been implemented.

“The Chamber noted that there is little value in engaging retrospectively on a municipal budget that was approved and implemented more than four months ago. Izimbizo should rather be used to focus on the provisions of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), and the upcoming adjustment budget and 2026/27 budget – areas where business community input can still meaningfully and constructively influence outcomes,” said Chamber CEO Cobus Oelofse.

Key concerns raised include low capital investment, underfunded infrastructure and a severe shortfall in maintenance spending.

KwaDukuza spends just 2.6% of its property, plant and equipment budget on repairs, far below the national benchmark of 8%.

The electricity business unit was also flagged as a risk to financial and service delivery stability.

Oelofse called for urgent action ahead of the upcoming adjustment budget, with clear priorities including road resurfacing, stormwater repairs, electrical infrastructure upgrades and support for industrial development.

The Chamber is pushing for funds to be allocated for the acquisition of land to be incorporated as part of a road servitude, forming Section 3 of the planned South-North link road parallel to the N2, to provide an alternative access route through the Ballito Business Park and urgent resurfacing of Douglas Crowe Road and other critical economic arteries, which are essential to business functionality and investor confidence.

He also renewed the Chamber’s called for a cap on property tariff increases following the 2026 valuation roll review.

Municipal manager Nhlanhla Mdakane proposed forming a joint task team to track progress and ensure accountability.

“It is important that such meetings do not turn into talk shows. When we meet again, we should be able to share real progress on these matters,” said Mdakane.

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