Latest news with #MusaMbhele
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Superyacht industry interest fuels Durban's blue economy ambitions
Durban has taken a step toward positioning itself as Africa's leading superyacht destination, Image: Supplied Durban has taken a step toward positioning itself as Africa's leading superyacht destination, following a site visit by Italy's Navigo International, organisers of the global Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE). The delegation spent five days assessing Durban's marine infrastructure and port facilities as part of its bid to host the first-ever African edition of the event in November 2026. "YARE is a globally recognised annual business conference for the superyacht industry, bringing together shipyards, service providers, and over 100 superyacht captains, alongside more than 300 top-tier global companies". According to the eThekwini Municipality, the hosting of the event is currently under consideration by the Council. Earlier this week, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government also signed an agreement with Navigo aimed at unlocking the province's estimated R100 billion ocean economy. The deal included plans for a superyacht manufacturing hub, marine skills training, port upgrades, and international marketing of KZN-built vessels Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'This event will provide a high-impact platform to showcase Durban as a global investment destination. It will elevate our profile in the luxury tourism and marine innovation sectors, and attract international events to our shores,' city manager Musa Mbhele said. This comes as the city works to revitalise the tourism economy, which has faced setbacks in recent years due to declining visitor numbers and beach closures linked to E. coli contamination. These issues have affected visitor numbers and the city's reputation as a tourism destination. General Manager of Navigo International, Pietro Angelini, expressed strong confidence in Durban's potential to become a major superyacht hub, not just for South Africa but for the wider Southern African region. "We have found a very good place to develop a yachting destination. For the southern part of Africa, but even for this southern part of the place, South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar," Angelini said. IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality defends its spending on grants amid financial scrutiny
eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele says the National Treasury's allocation of an additional R293 million for the municipality was indicative of the confidence in the City's abilities to effectively manage and spend grants. Image: Supplied The eThekwini Municipality has pushed back against a claim that it is failing to spend its municipal grants, saying the management of its finances ranks among the best in the country. It said under the administrative leadership of City Manager Musa Mbhele, eThekwini continues to be recognised as a top-performing metro in South Africa in terms of financial management. Recently, the City has come under pressure after members of the Finance Portfolio Committee said that at a recent committee meeting, it emerged that the City has not spent close to a billion rand in grants. These revelations have raised concerns within the business community, who view this as a significant issue given the challenges facing the city. But the City said its good financial performance was evidenced by National Treasury's allocation of an additional R293 million to the City for the 2024/25 financial year. Mbhele said this was a 'clear vote of confidence in the municipality's grant management and service delivery capabilities'. 'The city has demonstrated exceptional expenditure rates across key service delivery sectors. As of the 2024/25 financial year, capital budget spending stands at 88%, amounting to over R7 billion,' it said. It said the expenditure highlights include: Housing: 99.27% Water: 107.83% Sanitation: 83.20% Solid Waste: 76.35% Engineering: 94.60% Electricity: 97.25% Transport: 70.67% Metro Police: 67.98% Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading In terms of grant funding, the city has consistently achieved near or above 100% expenditure on major grants over the past five years. For the 2024/25 financial year, the expenditure rates are as follows: Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG): 106% Social Housing Grant: 99% Housing Hostel Refurbishments Grant: 140% Electricity Grant: 116% Transport Grant: 207% Water Grant: 92% Sanitation Grant: 95% Engineering Grant: 77% Mbhele said: ' The City administration has implemented robust oversight mechanisms, including special Executive Management Committee sessions and extended directorate engagements, to ensure that all projects are delivered on time and within budget. These efforts reflect a deep commitment to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of residents. 'We urge all stakeholders to engage constructively and not undermine the significant progress being made in the city. We remain committed to prudent, efficient, and transparent financial management and, more importantly, to the people of eThekwini who rely on quality infrastructure and reliable services,' said Mbhele. THE MERCURY
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality faces backlash over R1 billion in unspent grants
The Durban City Hall, the seat of the eThekwini Municipality. Ratepayers and opposition parties in eThekwini are alarmed over the failure to spend R1 billion in allocated grants. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives Ratepayers and opposition parties in the eThekwini Municipality are outraged over the revelation that the municipality has failed to spend R1 billion in allocated grants. This was disclosed in a recent meeting by the City's finance committee. Opposition parties stated that these funds were specifically allocated to address the City's urgent infrastructure and service delivery needs. One described the failure as an indication of a 'don't care attitude' by staff, while ratepayers expressed concerns about the competence of senior managers in the municipality. The Mercury has seen a portion of the report detailing the City's investments and other financial matters regarding the issue of grants. It stated that as of 31 May 2025, unutilised capital and operational grants stood at R1.032 billion. DA councillor Thabani Mthethwa described the revelations as alarming. 'The DA is calling for the dismissal of City Manager Musa Mbhele following the latest revelation that the municipality has failed to spend over R1 billion in conditional grant funding. These funds were allocated specifically to address the City's urgent infrastructure and service delivery needs,' he stated. The information emerged during a Finance Committee meeting held recently, where the DA highlighted significant underspending on key grants. Grants such as the Urban Settlements Development Grant and the Informal Settlements Upgrading Grant remain severely underutilised, despite continuous pleas from communities for better housing, functional roads, and access to basic services. 'This ongoing failure to spend allocated funding raises the serious risk that the municipality will be forced to return the money to the National Treasury. Such a scenario would only deepen the suffering of communities already affected by poor service delivery. The lack of progress is not due to a shortage of funds but a failure of leadership and implementation,' Mthethwa concluded. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ IFP councillor Jonathan Annipen echoed similar sentiments, stating that the failure to spend grants indicates a 'don't care attitude' by officials. 'The eThekwini Municipality relies on grants to carry out essential functions. The failure to spend these grants is an indication of poor planning by city officials. Remember that the grants are allocated for specific functions, and we know that as of May, more than a billion rand of these grants had not been spent,' he said. He further explained that the failure to spend the grants is compounded by other problems, including poor contract management, where projects undertaken are not completed on time, and slow supply chain processes. 'The municipality would have to apply for a rollover of these grants; however, if they do, the grants are brought back as a loan, meaning that these must be paid back. And who is going to pay those back? It is the same ratepayers, the same ratepayers who are paying the officials to manage the municipality, the officials that are failing to plan properly,' he added. The eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA) leader Ish Prahladh stated that the biggest issue is incompetent heads and staff. 'They have no forward planning, and just getting paid to sit in their offices is not going to improve service delivery. Most importantly, the workforce on the ground should be competent and forward service delivery issues to their respective offices and the respective heads.' The office of the mayor said they aimed to spend 95% of the grants.
IOL News
30-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini municipality strengthens international ties for smart urban development in Abu Dhabi
City Manager Musa Mbhele (third from right) spearheaded an initiative to engage with key governmental and business leaders from the United Arab Emirates. The eThekwini Municipality went on a dynamic mission in the United Arab Emirates, aimed at enhancing sustainable urban development and transforming Durban into a smart city. City Manager Musa Mbhele spearheaded this initiative with crucial discussions scheduled between 16 to 19 June 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The objective was to forge strategic relationships with key governmental and business leaders that would unlock economic opportunities for the region. Mbhele's delegation further embarked on a second round of talks following previous successful negotiations that laid the groundwork for collaboration on critical areas such as integrated mobility, urban planning, and digital governance. This multifaceted mission marks a significant step towards leveraging advanced infrastructure innovations from the UAE that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of eThekwini. Among the core mission objectives is the finalisation of agreements with the Integrated Transport Center (ITC) and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). These agreements are anticipated to usher in innovative transport solutions aligned with the aspirations of the eThekwini region, ensuring that mobility is not just efficient but also Technologies, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, is another significant player in this engagement. The delegation aims to explore technology-driven investment platforms that could lead to pioneering digital investment portals like the single window and the proposed 'Invest in KZN' prototype, which seeks to ease the investment process into KwaZulu-Natal, enhancing its appeal to international investors. Moreover, the visit aimed to tighten the knowledge exchange corridor established between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on cutting-edge logistics and sustainable infrastructure. This includes an emphasis on advanced technologies in customs clearance and risk analytics, powered by innovative platforms such as BorderVision, RiskLab, and 16 June, constructive discussions were initiated by Mbhele along with Mr Lungelo Buthelezi, Project Executive in the Chief Operations Office, and Ms Nelisiwe Zama, Acting Head of eThekwini Transport Authority, with senior leaders from Dubai's Department of Municipalities and Transport. These discussions revolved around the urgent need to create urban spaces where mobility is intelligently connected and seamlessly integrated. Mbhele articulated the vision behind these international engagements: 'As urban landscapes evolve, the integration of smart transport systems, thoughtful urban planning, and municipal coordination has become more crucial than ever. We are in the United Arab Emirates to leverage international best practices. By embracing innovation and strategic planning, we pave the way for a connected and resilient urban future for our city of Durban.'The eThekwini delegation also enjoyed the opportunity to meet key figures from Abu Dhabi's intelligent mobility and digital infrastructure sectors. Dr Emily Mogano, Vice President of Partnerships at the Sheikh Maktoum NEO Technologies Office, expressed enthusiasm for the growing collaboration and what it means for both regions involved. Minister Abdulla Al Hashmi, Director of Traffic Systems at the ITC, shared invaluable insights on Abu Dhabi's Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) sector, which includes advancements in smart mobility, traffic infrastructure optimisation, and safety measures driven by innovative technology. Al Hashmi underscored the UAE's readiness to partner with eThekwini to generate tailor-made solutions for Durban's urban landscape. This series of engagements reinforces eThekwini's commitment to proactive global cooperation and positions Durban as a prime candidate for international investment, mobility innovation, and smart governance. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality's legal challenges: Officials clarify the impact of recent court rulings
eThekwini Municipality's head of Legal, Malusi Mhlongo and municipal manager Musa Mbhele at a media briefing held on Thursday on recent court judgments against the City. Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers An official who issued an illegal instruction to offer a settlement to a service provider, which has subsequently resulted in the eThekwini Municipality having to pay R53 million, will be dealt with. This was said by senior municipal officials who were at a media briefing held yesterday by the City, which was aimed at dispelling concerns about the mismanagement of ratepayers' money through fruitless litigation. The officials also defended city manager Musa Mbhele. They asserted that he is being unfairly maligned when the cases predate his term, emphasising that he has acted with integrity and has the full authority and support of the council. The City's Head of Legal, Malusi Mhlongo, discussed various legal cases involving the municipality. One significant case was the dispute between the City and Daily Double Trading. Recently, the Constitutional Court concluded the matter by denying the City the right to appeal an earlier judgment that found in favour of the company. At issue in the court case was a settlement agreement that the municipality entered into years ago after being sued by the service provider. The City contends that the agreement was illegal because the official who authorised the settlement lacked the necessary authority. While the company initially claimed R30 million, the total has now escalated to R53 million, including accumulated interest. Mhlongo stated, 'We are in the process of complying with the order. As soon as the judgment from the Constitutional Court was issued, we instructed the representatives of the company to produce an invoice.' He added that action was initiated on the first day following the judgment, and the payment process is now underway. When questioned about the role of the city's lawyer who entered into this arrangement, Mhlongo clarified that it was a city official who provided an illegitimate instruction for the settlement agreement without the power to do so. 'With the records available, the identity of the person who gave the instruction has become known, but I am not at liberty to publish his or her name at the moment because it is a matter that is still under discussion,' he said. It was not immediately clear how long the City has known the identity of this person and the exact nature of the discussions that are taking place. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The City also dismissed any suggestion that it failed to put up its case in court, stating that it provided evidence through affidavits rather than via individuals who were summoned to testify. Mhlongo also addressed two other cases. He revealed that on Wednesday, another judgment went against the City concerning the rental of a marquee from a company called Bless Joe Trading. The City had been renting a marquee to accommodate displaced individuals at a cost of R208,000 per day, which was intended to last for only 14 days but ended up remaining for over a year. The owner of the marquee is now demanding close to R73 million from the City. Mhlongo clarified, 'The judgment stated that we must pay for a year at market-related prices. 'The R208,000 a day was unaffordable, so even if we have to pay R50,000 as a market-related price, that is still a saving compared to R208,000 per day. Therefore, the judgment is not for R73 million.' Additionally, Mhlongo mentioned another case involving a company where it was reported that R500 million was being claimed from the City. He stated that the claim they are aware of from the company is for approximately R41 million. Following the departure of Sipho Nzuza as city manager, the service provider approached the municipality, claiming to have conducted intelligence work on behalf of the municipality. However, the service provider could not provide a contract or evidence of the work performed, stating that it was too sensitive. Mhlongo said, 'We cannot just give money to a service provider when we do not know what work they have done; we could be implicated in having paid our friends, and we advised him to sue. That way, he can present his evidence in court, ensuring a transparent process.' He said the company did take the matter to court and they were now waiting for a court date, adding, in the meantime, they have been bombarded with letters from politicians and the media (about the matter). Mhlongo asserted that it is improper for critics to label court losses as wasteful expenditure. He stated, 'We are defending ratepayers' money, and such actions can never be construed as wasteful.' Mbhele expressed his commitment to defending the interests of ratepayers. He said a few court rulings against the City were being used to paint it in a negative light, adding that the municipality had won the majority of the cases brought against it. THE MERCURY
