What the R75.3 billion eThekwini budget means for residents

The eThekwini Municipality's budget for the 2026/27 financial year was approved by municipal councillors on Friday.

The eThekwini Municipality's R75.3 billion budget and tariff increases for 2026/27 were approved during a council meeting on Friday.

The tariff increases include electricity (9%), property rates (2%), water (domestic 12% and business 13%), sanitation (8% for domestic and 9% for business), and domestic refuse (9.5%) from July 1, 2026. Councillors also approved the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the budget focuses on the Trading Services Reforms initiated by the National Treasury for the next five years.

He said this will ensure trading services return to profitability and continuously fund non-revenue-generating municipal mandates.