The Mobeni Heights Civic Association and the eThekwini Municipality have until June 30, 2025, to object to adjustments proposed by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB).

They are just some of the organisations carefully reviewing the MDB proposals, which are rolling out the ward delimitation process in preparation for the 2026 local government elections (LGE).

Thabo Manyoni, chairperson of the MDB Board, explained that the board delimits wards every five years preceding the LGE in compliance with the Municipal Structures Act.

On Thursday, the Mobeni Heights residents launched a “stop the split” campaign against ward boundary changes because the proposed demarcation would move Mobeni Heights and part of neighbouring Havenside into Lamontville.

Denzil Davan, Mobeni Heights Civic Association chairperson, said the association aims to rally residents to submit individual objections, adding that it has actively opposed the proposal on legal, procedural, and social grounds.

Key issues raised:

• Lack of public awareness: Most residents are unaware of the proposed change. The MDB has not widely disseminated public notices or explanatory material.
• The proposal violates Section 4(b) of the Municipal Structures Act, which requires the avoidance of unnecessary community fragmentation.
• Limited political support: Major political parties have remained silent, placing the burden of advocacy entirely on civil society.
• Legal criteria unmet: Objections highlight potential non-compliance with statutory voter parity limits, insufficient public participation, and unclear motivations for the shift.

Davan said the association is educating the public on legal grounds for objection, hosting information sessions and mobilising door-to-door efforts.

“This is not just about redrawing lines. It is about preserving our community, our identity, and our democratic voice.”  

At a recent eThekwini Executive Committee (Exco) meeting, the redetermination of boundaries to move part of Cato Ridge from eThekwini to the Mkhambathini Municipality was discussed.

Sipho Cele, the deputy city manager: Governance, explained that the municipality took the matter to court, intending to review the outcome.

He stated that the matter is still in court, and officials are busy with the papers.

According to Cele, the two municipalities recently met at Cato Ridge for a site visit in order to evaluate the borders and create a plan of action. Part of the land parcel to be transferred is on the plans of the dry port in Cato Ridge.

Among the concerns raised.

• The infrastructure that belongs to the municipality and that is servicing the community of eThekwini, Cato Ridge Library, Cato Ridge Fire Station, Metro Police offices, and Water and Sanitation pump station/valves.
• Cost of servicing and maintaining the infrastructure,
• Losing the new Fire station that is servicing the outer west region, including Hillcrest, Gillits, and Hammersdale.
• Losing these will affect the services being rendered to the community of eThekwini. 

Cele said the application for the decision of the MDB to be reviewed was justified because the impact of the decision would be negative on the economy of the area (for both municipalities).

He said both municipalities must call for the retention of the status quo.

Manyoni encouraged all members of the public to actively participate and air their views on the draft wards during the upcoming public consultation campaign.

He said that during July 2025, the MDB will publish the wards and invite members of the public to submit objections before the wards are finalised by October and handed over to the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in January 2026.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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