New eThekwini leadership holds first EXCO meeting

The meeting was held earlier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on the Durban beachfront and saw the appointment of chairpersons of various committees.

New Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has urged the chairs of the various committees to hit the ground running, saying there is much work to be done.

"Today marks the first day that we work as a collective to execute the tasks and responsibilities that have been placed on our shoulders in order to respond to service delivery needs," he said.

"I have no doubt that within an acceptable timeframe, we will deal with some of the issues contributing to poverty."

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Deputy mayor Belinda Scott will head up the Finance, Security and Emergency Services Committee which includes matters related to the metro police, fire services, safer cities and disaster management, among other things.

Thanduxolo Sabelo takes charge of Human Settlements in the municipality, while Sipho Kaunda will oversee Economic Development and Planning.

Nompumelelo Sithole and Ntokozo Sibiya are responsible for Governance and Human Resources and Community Services, respectively.

The mayor said EXCO must work together to achieve service delivery non-negotiables.

"I appeal to you all to work with us to achieve service delivery non-negotiables which include an improved refuse removal and collection service, addressing water and electricity cuts and supply, a proper billing system, problem buildings, improving the stormwater drainage system, crime and the enforcement of bylaws," he said.

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Kaunda also used the meeting the condemn the scourge of violence against women and children. He sent his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.

The mayor said a task team will be established to address gender-based violence in the city.

Kaunda was elected mayor at a full council sitting last week.

He took over the city's mayoral chain after Zandile Gumede was redeployed.

Gumede was axed as mayor by the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal. The ANC says all its party members serving on EXCO were given their marching orders due to performance.

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Gumede is due back in court early next year. She is facing corruption-related charges in connection with a 2016 waste removal tender.

She is out of R50,000 bail.