DA demands answers from Xaba after court orders reconnection in Public Works rates row

Staff Reporter

The Democratic Alliance in eThekwini has demanded an urgent meeting of the municipality’s executive committee, saying Mayor Cyril Xaba should explain his handling of a court fight over municipal services and unpaid rates of R500 million by the KZN Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

On Friday, the Pietermaritzburg High Court ordered eThekwini and Msunduzi Municipalities to immediately reconnect water and electricity to DPWI facilities, including transport offices and licensing centres, amid a dispute over unpaid municipal accounts.

The full matter is scheduled for March 26, 2026.

“This judgment exposes serious failures in leadership that have now placed a heavy and unnecessary financial burden on the residents of eThekwini,” said DA eThekwini caucus leader Thabani Mthethwa on Saturday.

“We warned the mayor repeatedly, but his arrogance clouded his judgement. His failure to act responsibly and transparently has now resulted in ratepayers being forced to pay the legal