Residents are advised that our internet connectivity and telephone services are currently unavailable due to lightning damage sustained over the weekend. Our teams are working diligently to resolve the issue and restore full functionality as soon as possible.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding while the matter is being attended to.
UPDATED NOTICE: UNPLANNED WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTION IN MANDENI AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Mandeni residents are advised that the water supply interruption is still ongoing due to damaged pumps at the Sundumbili Water Treatment Works.
The technicians carrying out works confirmed in the evening, yesterday, that the two pumps that were sent for assessment were diagnosed as uneconomical to repair, and spare parts are no longer available as the models have been discontinued.
New replacement parts have been procured and are expected to arrive on Monday.
We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while we continue to work hard to restore water supply to its normal state. We appeal to communities to use water sparingly.
Today, Mayor Cllr Thobani Shandu tabled the 2025/2026 Mid‑Year Budget and Performance Assessment, accompanied by key insights from the 2024/2025 Annual Report. Together, these reports reflect a municipality that is consolidating financial stability, strengthening oversight, and improving delivery across core service areas.
The 2024/2025 Annual Report indicates that the Municipality achieved 76% of its annual targets, with high performance in Good Governance (93%) and Cross‑Cutting Interventions (85%). However, challenges remain in Financial Viability (46%) and Municipal Transformation (56%), driven by policy delays, critical vacancies, ICT backlogs, and limited organisational development progress. Basic Service Delivery achieved 78%, although major water‑related obligations, such as old mains replacement, Inyoni Bulk Water delays, EPWP delivery, and telemetry under‑implementation, signal infrastructure and planning gaps requiring urgent intervention.
Our entity, Enterprise iLembe, achieved 71% performance, improving from 69% the previous year. LED and tourism outcomes were particularly strong: 372 SMMEs, cooperatives and youth trained, multiple agriculture market linkages secured, five tourism exhibitions hosted, and several catalytic projects advanced. Financially, the entity remains stable with R53.1m in revenue, R46.5m in expenditure, a R6.6m surplus, and a strong liquidity position (216 days’ cash). Key challenges include tourism setbacks due to E. coli‑related beach contamination, under‑performance in job creation (8/50), and investment mobilisation (R5m/ R100m target).
The Auditor‑General issued Unqualified Audit Opinions for both the Municipality and Enterprise iLembe, confirming credible, compliant financial reporting and reinforcing institutional accountability.
Mid‑year financial performance for 2025/2026 remains robust:
• Revenue: R980.7m (vs R794.3m budget)
• Expenditure: R553.0m (vs R786.9m projection)
• Interim surplus: R427.7m
• Capital spending: R152.336m
• Cash coverage: 108 days
• Water quality: 95.80%
Key infrastructure milestones include Macambini 5C (100%), Macambini 5D (91%), Ndulinde 4D (86%), Sundumbili Pump Station (70% vs 20%), UMvoti WW Refurbishment (49%), and major progress on sewer mains replacement.
As the Municipality prepares for the February 2026 Adjustment Budget, the focus will be on:
• Accelerating water and sanitation infrastructure
• Strengthening revenue collection and reducing NRW (currently 41%)
• Filling critical vacancies and improving SCM turnaround times
• Reinforcing audit action plans
• Enhancing project monitoring and internal controls
iLembe District Municipality remains committed to transparent governance, sustainable financial management, and reliable service delivery, ensuring a stronger, more resilient future for all communities.
iLembe District Municipality Cllr Sicelo Sithole, Officials from iLembe District Municipality Youth & Sports Department, Department of Health, Department of Social Services, Dr Gumede from the Dr Gumede Foundation, Youth Civil Society groups and members of the Arts Industry Mvelo Mabuza, Phumlani Mayeze and Faith Mgobhozi who are popular actors on one of the country’s popular TV programs.
The Future of the District is in the hands of the youth of the District and this school visit was an engagement to encourage learners to take their education seriously and to assist in the fight against social ills therefore driving progress for a better future and a better iLembe district.
The Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Cllr. Thobani Shandu, is incredibly proud to announce that iLembe District Municipality was awarded Best Performing District for achieving a Positive Outcome in both Financial and Non-Financial Performance at the KZN Municipal Excellence Awards last night hosted by KZNCOGTA.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and community service.
Shandu also celebrate the remarkable achievements of: Ndwedwe Local Municipality for winning Best Managed Road Infrastructure Project and
Enterprise iLembe for being named Best District Development Agency for a consecutive year.
These accolades reflect the hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit of teams within the District and the commitment to a building brighter future for our communities, together!
“I am immensely proud of our teams for their outstanding achievements at the KZN Municipal Excellence Awards. Your dedication and hard work have not only brought honour to iLembe District but have also set a benchmark for excellence in service delivery. Let us continue to strive for greatness and work together to create a prosperous and sustainable future for all. Congratulations to everyone involved!” said Mayor Cllr. Thobani Shandu
This morning, the Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Cllr. Thobani Shandu, tabled the 2025/2026 Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF). The budget, characterised by a deeper commitment to sustainable growth, community development, and improved service delivery, was endorsed by the Council for Public Participation.
Key Highlights (Proposals):
R1.859 billion budget with a net operational surplus of R8.7 million, with a focus on providing safe and reliable water and sanitation infrastructure.
R106.1 million budget for repairs and maintenance.
Persons/Households earning R5000,00 or less are eligible for 10,000 litres of free water monthly and no sewer charges for households valued at R130,000 and below.
13.5% tariff increase for water provision (the increment is the same as that of UUW with no additions by the IDM) and 30% sanitation charge against consumers’ monthly consumption.
R44.9 million allocation to Enterprise iLembe for the realisation of Economic Development Initiatives.
Major projects like the resuscitation of Mvoti Water Treatment Works, upgrades of Ntwashini and Siyaphambili Reservoirs, KwaDukuza Bulk Sewer Mains Replacements and Upgrades, construction of Macambini and Ndulinde Water Supply Schemes, construction of KwaDukuza Southern Regional Bulk Sewer Reticulation, and many more.
Continued rollout to insourcing municipal fleet to save taxes and improve services.
“We are dedicated to ensuring our budget reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. This is a roadmap to a better future for all residents of iLembe District. Together, we are building a sustainable and prosperous future for iLembe District.” said Mayor Cllr. Thobani Shandu.
Read budget document here: https://tinyurl.com/2rataxwu and stay alert for the Schedule of Budget and IDP Roadshows on how you can participate and have your say.
UPDATED NOTICE: UNPLANNED WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTION IN MANDENI AND SURROUNDING AREAS
