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DA takes eThekwini municipality to court over sewage crisis
DA takes eThekwini municipality to court over sewage crisis

The Citizen

time23-07-2025

  • Politics
  • The Citizen

DA takes eThekwini municipality to court over sewage crisis

The DA is taking eThekwini municipality to court over years of sewage spills, failed service delivery and crumbling coastal infrastructure. The case will be heard in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26, with a public protest planned outside the courthouse. A years-long sewage crisis has plagued communities, damaging tourism, the environment and public health. The DA, which is fully funding the civil suit, is urging residents to join the protest and demand accountability for environmental degradation and the collapse of public amenities. Provincial leader Francois Rodgers MPL, provincial chairperson Dean Macpherson MP, and DA eThekwini caucus leader councillor Thabani Mthethwa will lead the demonstration. 'This case centres on the inability of the ANC-IFP-EFF-run municipality to implement a turnaround plan to fix infrastructure issues and comply with environmental directives from both national and provincial government,' said Macpherson. 'We will hold the failed ANC-IFP-EFF-run eThekwini municipality accountable for the terrible state of service delivery in the city.' Communities such as Umdloti, Tongaat, La Mercy, Mount Moreland, and Westbrook have endured years of sewage spills and infrastructure neglect. Umdloti and Westbrook have suffered the worst effects, with unsafe beaches impacting tourism, the environment and public health. DA Ward 58 councillor Geoff Pullen highlighted the environmental and economic toll. 'We have a sewerage crisis in eThekwini,' Pullen told the Courier. 'We have lost all our Blue Flag beaches due to E. coli contamination from poorly maintained sewer works.' In 2020/21, 12 eThekwini beaches, including Westbrook Beach, Umdloti Tidal Pool and Umdloti Main Beach, held Blue Flag status. Today, none remain. Pullen emphasised the blow to tourism caused by pollution. READ MORE: Sewage spill nightmare in Tongaat | North Coast Courier 'Just think how many tourism jobs we are losing because our sea is polluted. The DA is keen to get our sewerage works functioning properly,' he said. The office of eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba could not be reached for comment. However, in a July 8 blog post on the eThekwini Municipality's website titled Enhancing Service Delivery Remains a Goal, Xaba acknowledged the issue. 'We are also responsible for reticulating sewage without spillage and for treating and discharging sewage at an acceptable quality,' wrote the mayor. READ MORE: Sewage spill in Umdloti blamed on sand infiltration and budget constraints | North Coast Courier Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Msinga fire chief shot dead in suspected ambush
Msinga fire chief shot dead in suspected ambush

The Citizen

time22-07-2025

  • The Citizen

Msinga fire chief shot dead in suspected ambush

Msinga police have launched a manhunt following the murder of Msinga Municipality's fire chief, Khalesakhe Mchunu, who was shot dead in his vehicle last night. The 46-year-old was ambushed in the oFabeni area, where he lived. Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magawaza of SAPS Communications in Durban, told the Courier that initial reports suggest Mr Mchunu was on his way home when he came under fire. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. 'The motive for the attack is not yet known, and the matter is under active investigation,' said Lt Col Magawaza. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Information can be passed on to any police station. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Dundee's Nomcebo aims high in national teen pageant
Dundee's Nomcebo aims high in national teen pageant

The Citizen

time18-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Citizen

Dundee's Nomcebo aims high in national teen pageant

Seventeen-year-old Nomcebo Ntombela, a matric learner at Sarel Cilliers High School in Glencoe, is making waves in the modelling world as she prepares to compete in the Miss Teen Excellency South Africa pageant. Already crowned a provincial winner in the Miss Face of Schools South Africa competition, Nomcebo is calling on her community to support her journey to the national stage. She will represent KwaZulu-Natal in the finals, which highlight not only beauty, but leadership, confidence and purpose. 'I am excited to represent my province and show what young women from small towns can achieve,' she said. Unlike traditional pageants, Miss Teen Excellency South Africa focuses on inner beauty, self-assurance and a commitment to positive change among the youth. 'We believe that no matter your background, your dreams are valid,' said the organisers. 'The competition empowers young women with life skills, confidence and opportunities for leadership and service.' With a passion for cooking and youth development, Nomcebo is especially committed to ensuring young girls complete their education. She now seeks R3 500 in sponsorship to help her reach the next stage. 'I would appreciate any support from Courier readers, and I promise to give back to the community,' she said. Donations can be made to Nedbank account 1261321626, reference: K Ntombela. She can be contacted on 069 317 6885. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

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