EThekwini Municipality’s Community Services Committee has appointed a new Committee Whip as part of its April resolutions and strategic plans to fast-track service delivery initiatives.
The Community Services Committee serves as a vital bridge between residents and the Municipal council.
Its role includes enhancing, monitoring, and advocating for public services such as environmental health, parks, libraries, public safety, and community participation in budget and development decisions.
At its ordinary meeting held today, the Committee adopted the following key resolutions:
Election of New Committee Whip
The Committee elected Councillor Ntombikayise Sibhidla as the new Committee Whip.
This appointment forms part of the Committee’s commitment to strengthening service delivery through councillor-led initiatives.
Committee Chairperson Councillor Zama Sokhabase welcomed the appointment and extended best wishes to the new Whip.
She also acknowledged the significant contributions of the former and late Committee Whip, Councillor Cheryl Sisoka.
The Chairperson further welcomed Councillor Samantha Windvogel, who has joined the Community Services Committee as a member.
The Committee also noted the following reports and updates from various directorates within its jurisdiction.
Recreation and Parks Directorate
The Committee highlighted several key initiatives implemented in March 2026 aimed at awareness and community empowerment:
- Recycling awareness programmes in collaboration with the Waste Management Directorate
- Blitz outreach initiatives to promote departmental services and increase public awareness
- The “One City, One Book” programme to foster a culture of reading
- Operation Good Hope to deliver integrated services within communities
Mammal Citizen Science Research Project
The eThekwini Natural Resources Division, Durban Natural Science Museum, and Biodiversity Management Development have partnered with the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg Campus on a citizen science research project.
This initiative encourages residents to use a field app or web-based platform to record sightings of mammalian species, particularly vervet monkeys, in their neighbourhoods.
The data collected will support evidence-based conservation strategies by improving understanding of vervet monkey behaviour and movement patterns.
This approach aims to replace reactive interventions with informed, sustainable solutions that promote safe coexistence between residents and urban wildlife.
Primary Health Care Services Directorate
During the reporting period (Quarter 2), City Performance Review sessions were held with the City Manager in preparation for the Mayoral Lekgotla in March 2026.
Engagements also focused on aligning the capital budget with service delivery priorities.
The Food Security Division continues to support the establishment of vegetable gardens at clinics, Early Childhood Development centres, and households to promote nutrition, sustainable food production, and community resilience.
A notable achievement is the Isiphingo “Food for Health” Clinic Garden, which has been shortlisted for the Premier’s Excellence Awards under the category Most Effective Food Security and Agriculture Programme in KwaZulu-Natal.
Community and Social Development Directorate
Key initiatives included:
- A drug awareness campaign in Ward 90 at Isiphingo Secondary School
- A clean-up campaign in Ward 55 at Skhululiwe Primary School
Agro-Ecology Directorate
The Agro-Ecology Directorate continues to support:
- 12 aquaculture projects
- 500 community gardens
- Over 1 100 household gardens
On 21 March 2026, the City commemorated Human Rights Day in Ward 100, with participation from multiple directorates.
During the event, seven community gardens received 84 garden tools and 84 seed packs.
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