The eThekwini Municipality has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive, accessible, and people-centred city.
During a recent public consultation with the disability sector on the city’s Draft Annual Report 2024/25, the municipality underscored its focus on ensuring that service delivery responds meaningfully to the needs of residents lwith disabilities.
The session, held recently at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre, forms part of broader city-wide consultations on the draft report.
During the engagement, participants were presented with an overview of the sector’s achievements over the past financial year and identified key areas requiring improvement.
Among the concerns raised included infrastructure accessibility, employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and the need for improved communication equipment.
The municipality confirmed that building audits were underway across all municipal facilities to assess accessibility levels and implement necessary upgrades. The initiative aims to ensure that residents can access municipal services with dignity and ease.
Speaking on behalf of the eThekwini Speaker, Thamsanqa Mthethwa underscored the importance of the annual report in promoting accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery. He also emphasised the importance of engaging directly with the disability sector.
“People with disabilities play a critical role as residents of this municipality. Their inputs ensure that disability-specific needs are addressed in planning, budgeting and service delivery, directly influencing quality of life, economic participation, and social inclusion,” Mthethwa said.
He added that inclusive consultation processes help shape an inclusive, accommodative, and responsive city for all residents.
He encouraged people with disabilities to disclose their status when applying for employment or municipal services to enable the provision of appropriate support and assistive equipment.
Attendees commended the municipality’s efforts to include people with disabilities in programmes and decision-making processes, while stressing the need to accelerate progress towards full accessibility across services and infrastructure.
Secretary of the eThekwini Disability Forum, Siyabonga Sosibo, described the engagement as a positive step.
“We are happy about this engagement, which allows people with disabilities to have a voice. We have seen improvements in areas addressing our needs, although more work is required to ensure full representation in all municipal programmes,” he said.
Sosibo emphasised that people with disabilities are equal and capable citizens who have the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives and the municipality’s development agenda.
The Draft Annual Report outlines the municipality’s performance and sets out future plans aimed at strengthening organisational excellence and enhancing service delivery.
Through the consultation process, the city intends to develop programmes that respond to community needs, promote social cohesion and collectively drive economic growth.
Public consultations remain ongoing, with residents invited to submit comments and inputs by 6 March 2026. The municipality has encouraged broad public participation to help shape the future of the city and improve service delivery for all. – SAnews.gov.za
