eThekwini Approves Bold Waste Turnaround Strategy to Boost Service Delivery

The eThekwini Municipality has taken a significant step toward improving the quality and efficiency of waste management in the city by approving the Cleansing and Solid Waste Turnaround Strategy. The plan was formally adopted during a special council meeting held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, marking a critical milestone in the city's broader reform agenda for trading services.

This strategic shift is aligned with the National Treasury’s Metro Trading Services Reform Framework, which guides South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities in restructuring key service delivery functions to enhance sustainability, accountability, and responsiveness.

From Unit to Directorate: A Structural Overhaul

A key aspect of the newly approved strategy is the transformation of the existing Waste Management Unit into the Cleansing and Solid Waste Business Directorate. This change establishes a single point of accountability—a move designed to streamline leadership and decision-making.

The restructured directorate will be headed by an Executive Director vested with both the authority and responsibility to drive performance improvements. The goal is to move from a fragmented operational model to a centralized, accountable structure that can better manage service delivery challenges and respond to community needs.

Foundational Documents Supporting the Strategy

The turnaround strategy is underpinned by three critical planning documents that together form the backbone of the city's reform effort:

1. Institutional and Governance Roadmap (A1): This document sets out the governance and management improvements required to professionalize waste services and strengthen oversight within the directorate.

2. Business and Investments Plan (A2): A forward-looking business development plan that outlines investment priorities, operational efficiencies, and funding models to ensure the long-term sustainability of the waste management service.

3. Performance Improvement Action Plan (A3): Although still in development and due in April 2026, this plan will detail the performance benchmarks and improvement actions required to access the Urban Settlements Development Grant (USDG)—an incentive-based grant expected to be disbursed during the 2026/27 financial year.

The A3 component is considered critical for unlocking future funding and serves as a precondition for financial support under the Urban Settlements Development Grant.

Part of a Larger Reform Effort

This waste management strategy represents the third major turnaround plan approved by the eThekwini Council under the National Treasury’s broader Trading Services Reform Programme. It follows the successful adoption of similar strategies for the Water and Sanitation and Energy sectors.

According to the council, municipalities like eThekwini are required to develop robust strategies to address structural deficiencies, investment gaps, and operational inefficiencies across key public services. These turnaround plans are expected to lay the foundation for improved urban management and service delivery across the board.

Commitment to Service Excellence and Urban Sustainability

The adoption of the Cleansing and Solid Waste Turnaround Strategy comes at a critical time, as eThekwini continues to face increasing demands for improved waste collection, recycling, landfill management, and public area cleansing amid rapid urban growth.

The council expressed confidence that the strategic reforms will not only stabilize service delivery but also promote sustainability, attract investment, and restore public confidence in municipal waste services.

With the new directorate now poised to take charge, residents can expect a more professional, coordinated, and transparent approach to waste management—one that is aligned with global best practices and tailored to the unique needs of the city’s diverse communities.