Mayor Kaunda, his ANC and the EFF must take responsibility for rates boycott

10 August 2023

The DA in eThekwini notes and welcomes Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda’s sudden commitment to meet with the Westville Ratepayer’s Association later today. This after residents threatened to boycott the payment of rates due to the city’s failure to ensure efficient service delivery.

While we appreciate the Mayor’s overnight realisation that he needs to address this long outstanding issue, it is also undeniable that this ANC-run government’s consistent failures are the reason behind the threat to boycott payments.

The Mayor, his ANC and its partners in government - the EFF, NFP, DLC and others - must take full accountability for the total collapse of KZN’s only Metro. It is a broken city.

Challenges ranging from the deteriorating state of the city’s infrastructure, including roads, electricity, water and sanitation are the leading cause for a loss of confidence in the city’s commitment to resolving these issues.

The situation has been compounded by an insufficient response to the complaints from many residents, whose appeals for help have fallen on deaf ears.

Kaunda must use tonight’s meeting with ratepayers to provide concrete solutions. It cannot degenerate into another talk shop with more empty promises.

The Mayor must outline how his government plans to give much-needed value to ratepayers. This must include an account of changes that will be implemented when it comes to collapsing roads, electricity, water and sanitation and keeping our city clean.

Last week, the DA Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) reiterated its commitment to standing in solidarity with ratepayers. We also reaffirmed our decision to support all efforts within the boundaries of the law.

DA councillors across the Metro will continue to be accessible to residents. We remain committed to fighting for better service delivery for all.

Issued by Thabani Mthethwa, DA Leader in eThekwini, 10 August 2023