Date: 2026-02-06 12:12:27

Collaboration Takes Centre Stage As Annual Report Consultations Get Underway

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLLABORATION TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS ANNUAL REPORT CONSULTATIONS GETS UNDERWAY 

Service delivery, accountability and partnership took centre stage as eThekwini Municipality’s public consultations on the Draft Annual Report for the 2024/25 financial year commenced, starting with an engagement with traditional leaders yesterday, 5 February. 

The engagement, attended by traditional leaders from across eThekwini, set a strong and energising tone for the City’s public participation programme following Council’s approval of the Draft Annual Report. 

It reinforced the Municipality’s commitment to inclusive governance and meaningful collaboration.

A collaborative approach between traditional keaders, ward councillors and Municipal officials emerged as the most effective pathway to accelerate service delivery, strengthen accountability and ensure communities experience real, measurable change.

Chairperson of the Governance and Human Resources Committee, Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, highlighted the critical role played by traditional leaders in advancing local government objectives.

“Traditional leadership is a key stakeholder in promoting social and economic development. Their involvement strengthens communication with communities and ensures that Municipal programmes respond meaningfully to real needs on the ground,” he said.

Traditional leaders were taken through a detailed presentation on the Municipality’s performance during the 2024/25 financial year, creating space for honest reflection on achievements and areas requiring improvement.

While commending the Municipality for its tireless efforts in delivering essential services, traditional leaders identified opportunities to strengthen sustainability, equity, efficiency and long-term impact within communities.

The engagement also served as a platform to identify service delivery gaps and jointly address challenges facing communities.

Participants further explored how an integrated approach involving key community structures can unlock social, economic and developmental progress, particularly in rural areas.

Chairperson of traditional leaders in eThekwini, Inkosi Simingaye Mlaba, welcomed the engagement, describing it as a clear demonstration of the Municipality’s recognition of traditional leadership as a critical partner in development.

“This engagement demonstrates that the Municipality understands the role traditional leaders play in service delivery. Strengthening collaboration between traditional leaders, ward councillors and the Municipality is essential if we are to improve the City’s performance,” he said.

The Draft Annual Report reflects an overall performance achievement of 86.7 percent for the 2024/25 financial year, underscoring continued organisational stabilisation despite ongoing budgetary pressures.

Public engagements are ongoing, and residents are encouraged to submit comments by 6 March 2026.

The Draft Annual Report is available on the Municipality’s website at www.durban.gov.za and can also be accessed electronically at Sizakala Centres and libraries. 

Copies may be requested via email from Noky.Nyasulu@durban.gov.za or by calling 031 311 4208 for more information.

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.