Durban, 28 October 2024- Under the decisive leadership of City Manager Musa Mbhele, eThekwini Municipality is taking bold action against fraud and corruption while pushing forward with ambitious development projects that are set to transform the region. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Mbhele has made it clear that restoring integrity to the city’s governance is his top priority, even in the face of resistance from those unwilling to embrace change.
A number of transformative projects are currently underway in the municipality, including the R3 billion West Town mixed-use smart city development, the Oceans Mall, and the Lower Umgeni water catchment project, which aims to secure water delivery by 2026. These initiatives are part of a broader infrastructure development strategy, with R40 billion earmarked for investment over the next five years. The city’s development plans have already attracted significant private sector interest, with completed and ongoing projects valued at over R132 billion.
Despite these impressive advancements, Mbhele’s firm stance on rooting out corruption has not come without its challenges. His aggressive implementation of consequence management has resulted in the dismissal of several senior officials, including three deputy council managers and others involved in fraudulent activities such as diesel theft. Some individuals, unhappy with these efforts, have responded unlawfully by attempting to organize opposition and disrupt progress.
“We are committed to restoring the rule of law and ensuring that corruption has no place in this city,” Mbhele asserted. “The backlash only reinforces our resolve to enforce accountability across all levels of the municipality. We will not waver.”
The results of Mbhele’s campaign against corruption have been significant. The City Integrated Investigations Unit (CIIU) is actively working to recover more than R225 million from fraudulent activities, and 32 companies have been blacklisted from city contracts after being found guilty of corruption. These decisive actions underscore Mbhele’s commitment to protecting public resources and fostering transparency.
Beyond fighting corruption, Mbhele has also focused on improving service delivery. The municipality has seen improvements in water sustainability, beach cleanliness, and sewer infrastructure, all contributing to Durban’s renewed appeal as a top tourism destination. The city’s successful hosting of major events and rising visitor numbers further demonstrate the positive impact of these efforts.
However, challenges remain. eThekwini was recently placed under ratings review by GCR, driven by concerns over water management and governance issues. Despite this, Mbhele remains confident in the city’s financial health, citing a high collection rate and strong cash reserves.
“We have a clear plan, and we are making progress,” Mbhele affirmed. “Service delivery is improving, and we are proving that eThekwini is on the path to recovery.”
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba echoed these sentiments, commending Mbhele’s leadership and emphasizing the city’s success in implementing consequence management. Xaba highlighted the dramatic reduction in disciplinary cases—from 334 to just four—and praised the municipality’s continued record of unqualified audit opinions from the Auditor General.
As eThekwini moves forward with its vision of becoming the most livable city, Mbhele’s uncompromising stance on governance and commitment to transparency are key drivers of a future free from corruption. The city’s combined efforts to enhance service delivery and accountability are paving the way for a prosperous, sustainable future.