eThekwini

eThekwini Metro

THE eThekwini municipality, on the eastern seaboard in the province of KwaZulu Natal, encompasses sophisticated industrial sections, large and small-scale businesses, as well as large tracts of rural land.

The municipal area includes the city of Durban which is famous for being the busiest container port in Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism because of the city's warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches.

The city has established, and maintains, world-class infrastructure to support growth. Industrial development and modernisation have resulted in the development of a modern freeway system with fast access inland, a large rail network and an international airport. The Durban harbour is Africa’s premier port and a vital cog in the South African economic engine.

Dominant economic sectors include tourism, food and beverages, automobile and automobile components, non- ferrous metal, and pulp and paper. Major trading partners include Asia, North America and Europe.

FAST FACTS

>> Municipal website
>> eThekwini IDP

Population 2010:
3.409 million

Surface area covered:
2,297km²

Personnel:
534 municipal staff per 100,000 population;
200 councillors.

Size of economy GDP 2010:
R266 billion

GDP 2010 per person:
R77,893

The metropolitan area stretches from Umkomaas in the south, including some tribal area in Umbumbulu, to Tongaat in the north, moving inland to some tribal area in Ndwedwe, and ends at Cato Ridge in the west.

However, the eThekwini municipality also has to cater for areas that are very rural in character, with 50% of the area being used for subsistence farming and only 2% under urban settlement. These areas have little or very poorly maintained infrastructure.

The municipality’s service delivery sectors are divided into 7 Clusters, each with focused and clear roles and responsibilities. They provide organisational support, services and infrastructure to residents across eThekwini. Each is responsible for its own planning and budget in accordance with the overall plan.

As part of its strategy for the future, the eThekwini municipality plans to make Durban Africa’s most caring and liveable city. It aims to achieve this goal by meeting the basic needs of residents, strengthening the economy and building skills and technology.

Read more for an archive of news stories relating to eThekwini.