Meeting Calls for Unity Among eThekwini Ratepayers

Why the Gathering Matters

On Thursday, community leaders, ratepayer associations, and civic groups came together to discuss ongoing service‑delivery challenges in eThekwini. The meeting highlighted that many residents repeat the same complaints year after year, creating a feeling of talking to a broken record.

Voices from the Floor

Sevan Moodley’s Perspective

• Chatsworth Ratepayers and Residents Association representative Sevan Moodley noted that similar issues surface every budget cycle.
• He urged everyone to set aside differences and speak with a single, strong voice.
• Moodley also called for a review of municipal departments to remove “dead wood”—staff who are underperforming or incompetent.

Cyril Xaba’s Update

• Emphasized that ratepayer associations are vital partners in the municipality’s engagement process.
• Shared that progress has been made in tackling service‑delivery problems across several areas.
• Outlined the draft 2026/2027 budget focus: water and sanitation, electricity, and road infrastructure, which are seen as keys to improving services, boosting the economy, and creating jobs.

Common Concerns Raised

• Water supply interruptions in certain districts.
• Proposed tariff hikes:
  • Residential water: 15%
  • Business water: 16%
  • Electricity: 10.5%
  • Property tax: 5%
  • Sewage disposal: 13%
  • Garbage disposal: 13%
• Issues with the billing system, land invasions, and the fairness of means‑tested policies.

Alternative Ideas and Protests

Asad Gaffar’s Proposal

• Chairman of the eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement presented a fully funded, zero‑percent‑increase budget that aligns with the five‑year Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
• Stressed that unity has been suggested before but often ignored.

Ish Prahadh’s Agreement

• Chairman of the eThekwini Residents and Ratepayers Association (ERRA) echoed the need for ratepayers to unite and consolidate their challenges to improve every suburb.

Calls for Direct Action

Tackling Illegal Connections

• Moodley warned about dangerous illegal water and electricity cables that run across shack roofs, cut through roads, or dangle between poles.
• Advocated for regular checks in informal settlements to ensure those using services are contributing fairly.

Improving Municipal Accountability

• Requested the closure of reference numbers for burst water pipes only after repairs are completed.
• Highlighted that few people actually pay for municipal services, placing an unfair burden on those who do.

Conclusion

The meeting made it clear: eThekwini’s ratepayers and civic groups must join forces, speak with one voice, and hold the municipality accountable. By addressing tariff concerns, cracking down on illegal connections, and demanding better performance from municipal staff, the community can push for real improvements in water, electricity, roads, and overall service delivery. Unity isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the pathway to a fairer, more functional city for everyone.