Durban, July 10, 2024 — Cyril Xaba has been officially announced as the new Mayor of eThekwini Municipality. The announcement was made at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on Wednesday.
Xaba succeeds Mxolisi Kaunda, who was removed from the mayoral position on June 12 and subsequently redeployed to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) following the African National Congress’ (ANC) poor performance in the May 29 elections.
The former Member of Parliament (MP) was a leading contender for the role, competing against notable figures such as former South African Police Service (SAPS) Minister Bheki Cele and former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
Addressing the council, Xaba said he will carry on from the work of his predecessors.
“Working collectively, we will review areas that have not performed well and implement new approaches, in the process enhance transparency and improve accountability, to ensure effective and efficient service delivery,” said Xaba.
Xaba tabled out his priorities, which include:
* Improving water and sanitation infrastructure as well as ensuring uninterrupted water supply;
* A safe and clean city;
* Inner-city rejuvenation;
* Strengthening good governance and fighting corruption;
* Attracting investment and promoting an inclusive economy that creates jobs.
“In our effort to promote clean and accountable administration, we commit to continue to work with all institutions that are charged with a responsibility of enforcing good governance such as the Auditor-General, Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs,” he added.
Born in KwaZulu-Natal in 1967, the 57-year-old Xaba holds a Master’s Degree in Law (LLM) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Durban. He has an extensive background in leadership, having served in various capacities within the Congress of South African Students (Cosas), Natal Students Congress, University of Natal Black Students Society, ANC Youth League, ANC Regional Executive Committee, and ANC Provincial Executive Committee.
Xaba’s appointment marks a new chapter for eThekwini Municipality as he steps into the role amid expectations of strong leadership and positive change for the region.
Article written by:
Thabile Duma
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
