Hope Ntanzi|Published
eThekwini’s water crisis, persistent sewage problems, electricity disruptions and questions over municipal finances are among the issues facing mayoral candidates as they prepare to present their plans for the city at IOL’s 2026 Town Hall Debates on Wednesday.
The debate, scheduled to start at 10 am, will bring together eThekwini mayoral candidates to outline their priorities and plans for addressing the challenges facing the metro ahead of the November 4 local government elections.
The candidates will be addressing a metro where the delivery and maintenance of basic services remain central concerns.
Water shortages, burst pipes, sewage spills, refuse collection problems and deteriorating roads have placed pressure on communities, while infrastructure failures continue to raise questions about the municipality’s ability to maintain essential services.
The challenges extend beyond service interruptions. Billing disputes, faulty or estimated meter readings, and difficulties resolving municipal account queries have added to ratepayers’ frustrations.
Municipal Challenges and Political Dynamics in eThekwini
At the same time, the municipality faces pressure to improve revenue collection, manage outstanding debt, and ensure that public funds translate into functioning infrastructure and better services.
Electricity outages, infrastructure theft, and vandalism also pose challenges, while illegal dumping and poorly maintained public spaces affect neighbourhood conditions. Housing backlogs and the need to extend basic services to informal settlements add to the demands on the municipality.
Crime, unemployment and economic opportunities are also important considerations in a city that serves as KwaZulu-Natal’s economic hub. The next municipal administration will have to address these concerns while managing competing demands on the city’s budget.
The debate comes as political parties prepare to contest control of eThekwini, with the ANC facing a significant challenge from the MK Party following the latter’s strong performance in KwaZulu-Natal in the 2024 national and provincial elections.
The DA, IFP, EFF, and other parties will also be seeking to increase their support in the metro.
eThekwini Debate Highlights Service Delivery, Accountability, and Financial Management in IOL’s Town Hall Series
The election campaign will put competing approaches to service delivery, municipal accountability and financial management under scrutiny as parties seek to convince voters that they can improve the running of the city.
The eThekwini debate forms part of IOL’s four-day Town Hall Debates, running from October 19 to 22, featuring mayoral candidates from major metropolitan municipalities ahead of the local government elections.
The candidates will have a platform to explain their plans for eThekwini and outline what they would prioritise if elected to lead the metro.
IOL Politics