City Tables Draft 2026-27 Budget And IDP To Traditional Leaders

EThekwini Municipality today, 07 May 2026, engaged traditional leaders during the tabling of the proposed R74.7 billion budget for 2026-27 and Integrated Development Plan (IDP), aimed at ensuring inclusive governance and community-centred development.

Addressing Amakhosi, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba said the Municipality remains committed to accelerating service delivery and improving the quality of life for residents, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.

Mayor Xaba highlighted that the Draft Budget prioritises critical infrastructure development projects, including the provision of water infrastructure, housing development, and the upgrading of gravel roads to asphalt roads.

He said some of the projects tabled were addressing the devastating impact caused by floods, particularly on bridges and roads.

“The Municipality is focused on investing in infrastructure that responds directly to the needs of communities.

Through this Draft Budget and IDP, we are prioritising sustainable development that will improve access to basic services and stimulate economic growth in all regions of eThekwini,” said Mayor Xaba.

The presentation of the draft 2026/27 Budget and Integrated Development Plan comprehensively covered development priorities of all areas under traditional authority in eThekwini.

The Mayor further emphasised the importance of working closely with traditional leadership structures to ensure that development reaches communities effectively and equitably.

Some of the key highlighted areas of development under traditional authority include:

– Ward 1 KwaXimba phase 2 housing project allocated R1.7 million and upgrade of two roads with an allocation of R6.6 million

– Ward 2 KwaNgcolosi phase 2 housing project for 600 homes allocated R2.6 million, upgrade of gravel road to blacktop, with an allocation of R4.5 million

– Ward 7 Emalangeni phase 2 for two housing projects, each allocated R1 million and R3 million

– Ward 9 Lower Molweni road and bridge construction allocated R40 million

– Ward 99 Umnini, road upgrade project allocated R4 million

– War 100 Mfume water pipeline upgrade allocated R4 million

Traditional leaders welcomed the planned developments and expressed appreciation for the Municipality’s continued engagement with Amakhosi on matters affecting their communities.

Amakhosi particularly welcomed the proposed infrastructure upgrades in their respective areas and urged the Municipality to fast-track water provision projects to address ongoing challenges experienced by residents.

The engagement forms part of the Municipality’s broader public participation process on the Draft 2026/27 Budget and IDP, which seeks to encourage community input and strengthen cooperative governance.