IMG 20250128 WA0148

Mayor Cyril Xaba Leads eThekwini’s First 2025 EXCO Meeting

GENERAL NEWS
1000635232
Mayor Cyril Xaba delivered a keynote address at eThekwini’s first EXCO meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, outlining a vision for a resilient and thriving city. (Photo credits: EThekwini Municipality Facebook page)

The Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Cllr Cyril Xaba, officially opened the first Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting of 2025 ,on Tuesday, delivering a speech filled with optimism, commitment, and strategic focus.

In his remarks, Mayor Xaba congratulated the Class of 2024 for their impressive National Senior Certificate results.

It gives us hope for the future because education is the foundation of a sustainable economy that creates jobs.

The eThekwini Mayoral Matric Excellence Awards, held on January 24, recognized the efforts of learners, educators, and parents in achieving academic success.

Mayor Xaba also celebrated the success of the city’s festive season, highlighting the collaborative efforts of municipal units that ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.

“Our bathing beaches remained open and safe for swimming throughout the season,” he noted, praising Metro Police, lifeguards, and the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit for their contributions.

Acknowledging the ongoing Homeless Outreach Campaign, the Mayor commended its role in giving vulnerable residents a second chance. With services such as ID applications, social grant processing, and health screenings, the campaign shows the city’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and care.

The Mayor addressed the issue of abandoned buildings, which he described as ‘stumbling blocks for investment.’ He shared plans for the upcoming Build KZN Better Conference on Property Management which will bring together stakeholders to discuss innovative ways to better the inner-city properties. Xaba stressed the importance of leveraging the city’s Land Release Strategy to enhance its economic profile and preserve assets for future generations.

Water challenges remain a significant concern for eThekwini, with some communities experiencing prolonged interruptions. Mayor Xaba described the situation as ‘utterly unacceptable’ and outlined a plan for addressing the issue. An urgent EXCO meeting has been scheduled to review supply interruptions, investigate causes, and implement solutions.

In partnership with MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma, the Mayor announced plans to tackle the city’s pothole problem. A campaign will be launched in the coming weeks, and the Roads Unit, under its new head, Gugu Ngubane, has been tasked with preparing for this initiative.

The Mayor closed his remarks by welcoming the Office of the Auditor-General and reaffirming his administration’s dedication to creating a “caring and liveable city.”

As the city embarks on 2025, eThekwini’s leadership appears ready to address pressing challenges while driving growth and development. With strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and a focus on innovation, the city aims to remain a beacon of progress and resilience.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *