By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The eThekwini Municipality says it will conduct building audits across all municipal facilities to assess and improve accessibility, pledging upgrades that allow people with disabilities to access services “with dignity and ease”.
The municipality made the commitment during a session at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre over the weekend, held as part of city-wide public consultations on its draft annual report 2024/25.
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Engaging with the disability sector, the municipality said it remained focused on service delivery that “meaningfully responds” to the needs of residents living with disabilities.
It presented an overview of the sector’s achievements over the past year and identified areas for improvement.
“Concerns raised included infrastructure accessibility, employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and the need for enhanced communication equipment,” the municipality said.
It said the annual report will set out performance and guide plans aimed at organisational excellence and improved service delivery, with programmes to respond to community needs, promote social cohesion and support economic growth.
Councillor Thamsanqa Mthethwa, speaking on behalf of the municipality, said engagement with the disability sector is essential to ensure disability-specific needs are reflected in planning, budgeting and service delivery.
“Their inputs ensure disability-specific needs are addressed in planning, budgeting and service delivery, directly influencing quality of life, economic participation and social inclusion,” Mthethwa said.
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“These voices help shape an inclusive, accommodative and responsive city for all residents.”
Siyabonga Sosibo, secretary of the eThekwini Disability Forum, said the engagement provided an important platform for people with disabilities to be heard.
“We see improvements in areas that address our needs, although more must be done to ensure full representation in all municipal programmes,” Sosibo said.
“People with disabilities are capable and equal citizens, with the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives and the developmental affairs of the municipality.”
Public consultations remain open until 6 March 2026 for submissions of comments and inputs, the municipality said.
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