Zululand mayor praises traditional leaders’ role in service delivery

The involvement of traditional leadership in Zululand District Municipality (ZDM) affairs plays a pivotal role in achieving service delivery.

This was shared by ZDM Mayor Michael Khumalo during his budget presentation to the Zululand Traditional Leadership at Ulundi’s’ Zululand council chamber last Thursday.

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He said amaKhosi and their traditional council ensured his municipality rendered quality services for the district’s communities.

“We have made a big achievement in quality water provision and sanitation services, as mandated by the Constitution,” said Khumalo, who was presenting the IDP/budget for 2025/26.

The budget of R1.731-billion increased by R59-million compared with the previous financial year, as a result of grants from National Treasury.

“A big chunk of our budget is allocated for water and sanitation provision, which is our core mandate.

“We have set aside R913-million for water provision, and R720-million is for municipal operational costs such as salaries, day-to-day costs, EPWP [Extended Public

Works Programme] wages, and other community programmes,” said Khumalo.

He urged amaKhosi to encourage the community to pay for government services such as water provision.

“Water tariffs will be increased by 4.3%. Paying enables us to provide efficient services, and maintain and repair our infrastructure when the need arises.

“There will be no water tariff increase for the indigent people, they will still receive 6kl clean running water free every month.

“Those who have not registered for this benefit have to approach their ward councillors to apply,” he said.

Water budgets for the five municipalities under Zululand District:

• R154 719 079 for Ulundi
• R1 283 405 269 for Nongoma
• R742 873 464 for Pongola
• R405 686 623 for Edumbe
• R76 736 565 for Abaqulusi

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