Political parties debate eThekwini's R1.75 billion waste management strategy

Political parties in the eThekwini Municipality had mixed views on the Cleansing and Solid Waste (CSW) unit Turnaround Strategy, on Tuesday. 

The CSW unit updated the eThekwini Municipality Executive Committee (EXCO) on its strategy which is expected to cost approximately R1.75 billion over 10 years, with funding mobilised through reprioritisation, cost optimisation, and leveraging national reform-linked grants. 

The CSW reported that mounting financial deficits, declining infrastructure reliability, and growing service delivery backlogs have rendered the current solid waste business model unsustainable. 

The municipality stated that the turnaround strategy for the CSW was developed in alignment with the National Treasury's Metro Trading Services Reform (MTSR) framework. The deadline for the submission is 31 July 2025 with a special council meeting scheduled for Monday. 

The strategy identifies a clear trajectory for reform under the three-phase national model: stabilise, recover, and transform. 

The municipality has found that the current waste service value chain is highly linear, with over 98% of waste landfilled and minimal diversion. 

According to the municipality, the strategy introduces seven strategic focus areas (SFAs), each aligned with specific goals and causes of underperformance. One of them is the Single Point of Accountability (SPoMA) which will establish a dedicated, ringfenced utility structure for CSW with clear leadership and delegated authority.

Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, ANC Exco member, stated that the ANC caucus supported the strategy including the institutional and governance roadmap and the business and investment plan. 

“We recognise that this strategy is a key step towards transforming the unit into a more efficient, financially sustainable, and environmentally responsible service – all under clear and accountable leadership,” he said.

Madlala said that the ANC appreciates that the strategy aligns with the Treasury's MTSR, which aims to professionalise and strengthen municipal trading services.

“We note and support the development of the Performance Improvement Action Plan due in April 2026, which will help unlock much-needed funding through the Urban Settlements Development Grant. The ANC believes regular progress updates are essential. We support the decision to keep this matter as a standing item on the Committee’s agenda to help address any gaps and monitor progress,” Madlala said. 

Madlala encouraged the CSW to continue working towards cleaner communities and improved service delivery.

Andre Beetge, DA Exco member, said the DA supports the strategy that aligns with the prescriptive guidelines of National Treasury, by implication forcing compliance on the metro.

“We, however, remain in amused speculation on the political will to implement. This against the backdrop of recent Auditor General and Internal Audit reports, wherein the city's water and sanitation strategy was acknowledged, yet with implementation and outcome reporting being extremely vague and questionable,” Beetge said. 

He added that a strategy doesn't keep the streets clean, the gutters clear, the oceans uncontaminated, the landfills operational, or the compactors available.

“It is competent people willing to do what needs to be done without corruption, political interference or personal hindrance,” Beetge said. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za