eThekwini Municipality has tabled a R74.7 billion draft budget for the 2026/27 financial year, with proposed tariff increases that have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and ratepayer groups across Durban.
Why it matters: the proposed hikes land at a time when KwaZulu-Natal households are already under pressure from rising fuel prices and food inflation, and the metro’s unemployment rate exceeds 30%.
What is proposed
Mayor Cyril Xaba presented the budget to the full council, allocating R68.8 billion to operational spending and R5.9 billion to capital projects. The city proposes increases of 10.5% for electricity, 15% for water, 13% for sanitation and refuse removal, and 5% for property rates.
The municipality said the increases are necessary to maintain ageing infrastructure and expand service delivery to underserved areas.
The case against
The DA rejected the proposed tariffs, calling them “an assault on ratepayers.” Party caucus leader Nicole Graham said the hikes will push vulnerable households deeper into debt at a time when many residents cannot afford their current bills.
Ratepayer associations have warned that the combination of national fuel price increases and municipal tariff hikes will make Durban unaffordable for working-class and lower-middle-income families.
The case for
The municipality argues that below-inflation increases in previous years left a backlog of maintenance and infrastructure investment. Officials pointed to the capital budget as evidence of commitment to long-term service improvements, including water and sanitation upgrades.
eThekwini has also proposed a fixed monthly charge for domestic water users to address water losses and fund adjustments for qualifying households with undetected leaks.
What happens next
The draft budget is open for public consultation until late April. The council is expected to adopt the final budget in May, with new tariffs taking effect from 1 July 2026. Residents can submit written comments through the municipality’s public participation process.