By Johnathan Paoli
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini has called for the resignation of City Manager Musa Mbhele, citing catastrophic failure to address escalating water losses that have now reached a staggering 58.08%.
The demand, issued by DA Councillor Mxolisi Khubisa, comes amid revelations that the municipality has lost billions of rands in non-revenue water over the past two years.
“This is not just a technical or financial failure, it is a failure of governance and leadership. He has clearly failed in his duties to provide one of the most basic services to the people of eThekwini. Under his leadership, water losses have worsened, infrastructure remains neglected, and residents continue to suffer,” Khubisa said.
According to internal municipal data, eThekwini has seen an alarming upward trend in water losses: 54% in 2020/21, 56.7% in 2022/23, and 57.8% in 2023/24.
The latest figure of 58.08% for the current financial year represents the highest yet, sparking outrage from residents and political opposition.
The DA’s call follows a damning report revealing that over R4.03 billion in water revenue was lost across two financial years.
With 468 million kilolitres of water vanishing annually, roughly 1,282 megalitres per day, the crisis is placing unbearable strain on city resources and ratepayers.
The party also expressed deep concern over the city’s continued reliance on water tankers and the chronic underinvestment in long-term infrastructure solutions.
Khubisa accused the government of throwing money at temporary fixes while ignoring the urgent need for infrastructure renewal, describing it as irresponsible and unsustainable.
The outcry coincides with the eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit (EWS) presenting a report to the Executive Committee, revealing that R800 million is spent annually on outsourced plumbing contracts, despite many positions within the department remaining vacant.
Of 110 plumber posts, 40 remain unfilled.
A mixed model of insourcing and outsourcing is now being proposed, but full implementation is only expected by June next year.
Acting EWS Head Sibusiso Vilane admitted that the existing policy framework, now over 20 years old, is overdue for reform.
He acknowledged quality issues with some plumbing contractors and outlined a roadmap to improve recruitment standards, training, and procurement processes.
Meanwhile, the city has undertaken several infrastructure projects, including the completion of the R3 billion Northern Aqueduct and reservoir upgrades in Emona, Burbreeze, Hazelmere and Grange.
Despite this, major areas like Tongaat still face intermittent supply, with the water system unable to meet demand due to frequent pipe bursts and other systemic failures.
Residents from communities such as Reservoir Hills, Clare Estate, Bonela, and Chesterville have expressed growing frustration over persistent outages and lack of communication.
In response to the mounting pressure, Mayor Cyril Xaba and the ANC-led coalition in council have committed to performance-based water management contracts and increased accountability.
Exco Whip Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala supported the insourcing plan, saying it would improve turnaround times and deliver better value for money.
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