THE long drawn out saga of Chinatown and Navy areas is nearing resolution as both areas are expected to be incorporated to ward 68.

However, provincial co-ordinator for the Municipal Demarcation Board, Mthobisi Manzini, said the final window for objections closes on October 16.

“Those that are objecting to the proposal will have to submit their objections before October 16. And those that are not objecting to the proposal should still submit their views to the board,” said Manzini.

This outcome follows months of dedicated advocacy by the Merebank Demarcation Steering Committee, a collective of community organisations and leaders who united to ensure fair representation for all Merebank residents.

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After having consulted the Independent Electoral Commission, the KZN Municipal Demarcation Board has delimited the municipality into 112 wards in terms of Schedule 1 of the Act.

To read more on ward delimitation, click here. 

The recent meeting was triggered by the residents’ call to be re-incorporated to Ward 68, a ward they previously belonged to before it was split into two.

The public raised concerns about the poor governance and service delivery which, according to them, move at a snail’s pace.

The committee was established after an initial public meeting at the Merebank Community Centre, where residents gave a clear and unanimous mandate to move Chinatown, Navy, and Amritsar Place from Ward 75 to Ward 68.

Further community consultations were held at the Parasakthie Temple Hall and the City of Love Church, where updates and feedback were shared at each stage of the process.

Earlier this year, the KZN Demarcation Board also hosted a public meeting at the Durban Botanical Gardens, giving residents another platform to make their voices heard.

The Ganges Secondary School voting station is now officially part of Ward 68, as reflected in the Provincial Gazette.

The committee also extended appreciation to the Municipal Demarcation Board for engaging constructively with the community throughout the process.

Chairperson of the Chinatown and Navy Civic Association, Navin Singh, said the finalisation of the demarcation marks a significant milestone for Merebank’s ongoing development and representation.

Community meeting to be held in Merebank

A feedback community meeting will be at the City of Love Church on 96 Rawalpindi Road, Merebank on October 16, starting at 18:00.

How to send your objections to the board?

• Send objections in writing by email to, registry@demarcation.org.za
• Or by Fax: 086 524 8643

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