By Lebone Rodah Mosima
eThekwini Municipality on Wednesday issued a final call for residents to submit public comments on its Draft Annual Report 2024/25 ahead of the Friday, March 6 deadline, saying the input will shape how the city improves performance and pursues long-term sustainability.
“Public input will help chart a sustainable and accountable path forward for the City,” the municipality said.
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It said the consultation was “a critical opportunity for communities to shape the Municipality’s performance direction and contribute meaningfully to its pursuit of service excellence”.
Council Speaker Thabani Nyawose urged residents to submit their views before the deadline so the final report reflects community priorities.
“The Annual Report is our commitment to honesty, accountability, and improved service delivery, but its true strength lies in the voices of our residents,” he said.
Nyawose said community participation “drives transparency, strengthens financial sustainability, and ensures that Municipal decisions serve the people of eThekwini”.
“I encourage every resident to speak up and contribute toward building a successful Municipality that is built with its people,” he said.
The municipality said it had held extensive public consultations across all regions over the past several weeks, providing platforms for residents to engage with the draft report.
It said the engagements enabled residents to reflect on the city’s performance in the past financial year, “interrogate service delivery challenges, and propose practical solutions to strengthen Municipal programmes”.
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“The feedback received to date highlights the vital role communities play in holding the Municipality accountable and guiding continuous improvement.”
The municipality said the draft annual report was “one of local government’s most important accountability tools”, as it outlines how public resources have been managed, progress on key development commitments and the effectiveness of service delivery across departments.
Public participation ensures municipal oversight is shaped not only by legislative structures but also by “the lived experiences and insights of residents”.
“Each comment submitted helps refine Municipal priorities and informs decisions aimed at strengthening performance, responsiveness, and overall service delivery,” the municipality said.
The report is available online at https://www.durban.gov.za/uploads/0000/8/2026/02/02/2024-2025-draft-annual-report-tabled-29-jan-2026-2.pdf and at Sizakala centres and municipal libraries across Durban.
Copies may also be requested by email from Noky.Nyasulu@durban.gov.za or by calling 031 311 4208.
