eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

eThekwini Municipality Guide – 2024 Facts And Statistics

Nestled in the picturesque province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality stands as a testament to the country’s diversity and natural beauty.

With a rich history dating back to the 1820s and a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere, eThekwini, often referred to as Durban, is a destination that offers something for every traveler.

From its bustling port to its sun-kissed beaches and cultural treasures, eThekwini has rightfully earned its reputation as one of South Africa’s most enticing metropolitan areas.

eThekwini Municipality Geography and Landscape

eThekwini Municipality Guide

eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

eThekwini is not just your typical South African city; it’s a geographical wonder.

Unlike many other cities in the country, eThekwini’s land area is sprawling and hilly, featuring a unique topography marked by gorges and ravines.

While most coastal cities boast expansive plains, eThekwini’s coastal region is characterized by its dramatic landscapes, making it a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The Vibrant City

As the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and the third-largest in South Africa, eThekwini is a vibrant and sophisticated metropolis.

Its dynamic atmosphere is a testament to its diverse population, making it a true melting pot of cultures.

This cosmopolitan blend is reflected in the city’s thriving arts scene, delicious cuisine, and a wide range of cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year.

The Busy Port

One of eThekwini’s most iconic features is its bustling port, which is renowned as one of Africa’s best-managed and busiest.

This port serves as a vital economic hub, facilitating trade and commerce not only within South Africa but also on a global scale.

The significance of this port is highlighted by the fact that it has hosted numerous international conferences at the world-class International Convention Centre in Durban.

Historical Significance

eThekwini’s history is rich and storied, dating back to the 1820s when ivory hunters first set foot in the region.

This early interaction between European hunters and the local Zulu monarchs led to significant historical events, with the province boasting the largest number of battlefields in South Africa.

Today, visitors can explore these battlefields, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s complex past.

eThekwini Tourism

eThekwini is a major tourism hotspot, and for a good reason. With a warm, subtropical climate and extensive, pristine beaches, it’s a paradise for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts.

Durban Tourism ranks as the leading domestic destination in South Africa, with an estimated 9.95 million visitors in the 2010/11 financial year.

The tourism industry contributes significantly to the region’s GDP, estimated at 8% per annum.

Visitors can indulge in a wide range of activities, from enjoying fine hotels and vibrant nightspots to exploring shopping malls, ethnic attractions, traditional villages, craft markets, sparkling dams, and big-game parks.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, eThekwini has it all.

What You May Not Know About The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

eThekwini, with its unique geography, vibrant city life, historic significance, and world-class tourism offerings, stands as a testament to the diverse and captivating nature of South Africa.

This metropolitan municipality, located in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a taste of South Africa’s beauty, culture, and history.

From its bustling port to its pristine beaches and rich heritage, eThekwini invites you to explore its many treasures and experience the warmth and hospitality of this remarkable region.

Here is the catch.

Beyond its natural beauty and cultural richness, eThekwini boasts a robust and diversified economy that serves as a significant driver of the South African economy.

Covering a vast area of 2,556 square kilometers, this metropolitan municipality is a powerhouse when it comes to economic sectors.

Diverse Economic Landscape

eThekwini’s economy is a tapestry of various sectors, each contributing to its prosperity and growth.

Here is a breakdown of the main economic sectors in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality:

  1. Finance (22%): The financial sector in eThekwini is a thriving one, contributing significantly to the city’s economic well-being. With a presence of major financial institutions and banks, the city plays a vital role in South Africa’s financial services industry.
  2. Manufacturing (22%): Manufacturing is another pillar of the local economy. eThekwini’s manufacturing sector encompasses a wide range of industries, including automotive, chemicals, textiles, and food processing. This diversity ensures a steady stream of job opportunities and economic stability.
  3. Community Services (18%): The provision of community services, including healthcare, education, and social services, is a vital part of eThekwini’s economy. The municipality places a strong emphasis on enhancing the quality of life for its residents, which in turn boosts the economy.
  4. Trade (16%): Trade and commerce are central to eThekwini’s economic landscape. The city’s strategic location along major trade routes, coupled with its bustling port, makes it a hub for trade, both domestically and internationally.
  5. Transport (16%): As home to one of Africa’s busiest ports, eThekwini is a key player in the transport and logistics sector. Efficient transportation of goods and people contributes significantly to the economy, connecting it with global markets.
  6. Construction (3%): The construction sector in eThekwini is marked by steady growth. Infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and buildings, plays a vital role in stimulating economic activity.
  7. Electricity (2%): Ensuring a stable and reliable supply of electricity is paramount for eThekwini’s continued economic growth. The electricity sector supports various industries, from manufacturing to services.

eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Contact Details

For those looking to engage with eThekwini, whether as residents, businesses, or tourists, it’s important to know how to reach out.

The municipal office, located at City Hall, 263 Dr Pixley Ka Seme (West) Street, Durban, serves as a central point of contact for administrative matters.

Additionally, you can contact eThekwini through their telephone number: 031 311 1111.

For more detailed information and updates, be sure to visit their official website at www.durban.gov.za.

Here, you can find valuable resources, stay informed about municipal developments, and explore various services offered by eThekwini.

Office Contact Details

Postal Address PO Box 1014, Durban, 4000
Office Location Address City Hall, 263 Dr Pixley Ka Seme (West) Street, Durban
Phone Number 031 311 1111
Web www.durban.gov.za

Resident Queries

Accounts 031 324 5000
Revline@durban.gov.za
eThekwini Municipality Electricity Contact Number Faults 0801 313 111
Cable theft 031 311 9611
Refuse & Waste 031 311 8824
Roads 080 1313 013
Service Delivery 0800 331 011
Sizakala@durban.gov.za
Water 080 13 13 013
073 148 3477 (WhatsApp)

Demographic Information

2016 2011
Population 3 702 231 3 476 686
Age Structure
Population under 15 29.5% 25.3%
Population 15 to 64 64.8% 69.9%
Population over 65 5.7% 4.8%
Dependency Ratio
Per 100 (15-64) 54.4 43.0
Sex Ratio
Males per 100 females 96.2 95.5
Population Growth
Per annum 1.43% n/a
Labor Market
Unemployment rate (official) n/a n/a
Youth unemployment rate (official) 15-34 n/a n/a
Education (aged 20 +)
No schooling 4.7% 4.2%
Matric 43.1% 36.9%
Higher education 10.9% 11.8%
Household Dynamics
Households 1 125 767 963 011
Average household size 3.3 3.4
Female headed households 42.1% 40.1%
Formal dwellings 81.5% 78.8%
Housing owned 74.0% 54.6%
Household Services
Flush toilet connected to sewerage 69.3% 63.0%
Weekly refuse removal 78.1% 85.6%
Piped water inside dwelling 60.8% 59.8%
Electricity for lighting 95.7% 89.6%

Employment Statistics

2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16
Employment
Employment Costs (R’000) 11 181 308 10 475 362 10 081 933 8 860 255 8 251 752
Remuneration of councilors (R’000) 130 833 126 495 119 344 110 934 105 334
Total Employee Positions 28 014 29 710 28 060 27 972 25 081
Total Vacant Employee Positions 2 855 3 054 3 794 4 283 2 930
Total Vacancy Percentage 10.19% 10.28% 13.52% 15.31% 11.68%
Managerial Positions – S56 9 8 8 8 113
Vacant Managerial Positions – S56 0 2 2 4 0
Managerial Positions – by organogram 837 803 756 512 345
Vacant Managerial Positions – by organogram 122 114 126 81 0
Community And Social Service Positions 0 4 215 5 018 4 885 4 827

eThekwini Municipality Service Delivery Statistics In South Africa

2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16
Water
Does the municipality provide? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Is the service outsourced/commercialized? No No No No No
Number of households and non-domestic customers to which provided 925 788 920 363 960 304 918 719 901 820
Number of domestic households/delivery points 905 402 899 976 940 042 898 457 881 558
Inside the yard 660 620 655 894 702 710 665 400 664 401
Less than 200m from yard 244 782 244 082 237 332 233 057 217 157
More than 200m from yard 0 0 0 0 0
Domestic households with access to free basic service 584 435 579 127 568 365 541 317 524 418
Electricity
Does the municipality provide? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Is the service outsourced/commercialized? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Number of households and non-domestic customers to which provided 781 960 764 499 748 485 745 433 732 746
Domestic households with access to free basic service 216 529 191 033 174 687 193 114 193 114
Sewerage and Sanitation
Does the municipality provide? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Is the service outsourced/commercialized? No No No No No
Number of households and non-domestic customers to which provided 870 087 866 873 855 863 824 441 806 554
Number of households using:
Flush toilet – public sewerage 479 944 478 649 474 993 449 661 449 661
Flush toilet – septic tank 107 525 107 525 107 525 107 525 107 525
Ventilated pit latrine 35 000 35 000 35 000 35 000 35 000
Bucket system 0 0 0 0 0
Other 227 232 225 313 218 083 211 993 194 106
Domestic households with access to free basic service 442 291 439 077 294 675 396 769 378 882
Solid Waste Services
Does the municipality provide? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Is the service outsourced/commercialized? No No No No No
Number of households and non-domestic customers to which provided 1 189 540 1 131 000 1 131 000 1 046 307 945 910
Domestic households with access to free basic service 602 939 602 939 391 283 627 411 598 486

Cities And Towns In eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

Below are the list of towns and cities in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality:

  1. Amalanga
  2. Amanzimtoti
  3. Amaotana
  4. Berea
  5. Blackburn
  6. Bluff
  7. Cato Ridge
  8. Cele/Vumengazi
  9. Chatsworth
  10. Cibane
  11. Clermont
  12. Clifton Canyon
  13. Craigieburn
  14. Dassenhoek
  15. Desainager
  16. Durban
  17. Durban International Airport
  18. Durban North
  19. Durban South
  20. Emalangeni
  21. Embo/Nksa Isimahla
  22. Emona
  23. Ethekwini
  24. Everton
  25. Ezembeni
  26. Folweni
  27. Gcumisa
  28. Genazzano
  29. Gillitts
  30. Glenashley
  31. Golokodo-Ensimbini
  32. Hambanathi
  33. Hammarsdale
  34. Hillcrest
  35. Ilanga
  36. Ilfracombe
  37. Illovo North
  38. Illovo South
  39. Inanda
  40. Inchanga
  41. Iqadi
  42. Isipingo
  43. Isipingo Beach
  44. Kingsburgh
  45. Klaarwater
  46. Kloof
  47. KwaDabeka
  48. KwaMashu
  49. KwaNdengezi
  50. La Mercy
  51. Lotus Park
  52. Luganda
  53. Luthuli/Umnini Trust
  54. Magabeni
  55. Malagazi
  56. Mangangeni/Vumazonke
  57. Maphephetha
  58. Mariannhill
  59. Mawotana
  60. Mawothi
  61. Molweni
  62. Mount Edgecombe
  63. Mount Moreland
  64. Mpolo
  65. Mpumalanga
  66. New Germany
  67. Newlands East
  68. Newlands West
  69. Ngcolosi
  70. Ngqungqulu
  71. Ntuzuma
  72. Oceans
  73. Outer West Durban
  74. Phoenix
  75. Pinetown
  76. Prospecton
  77. Qadi
  78. Qiniselani Manyuswa
  79. Queensburgh
  80. Redcliffe
  81. Roseneath
  82. Sapref
  83. Shallcross
  84. Sobonakhona
  85. Thoyana
  86. Tongaat
  87. Tongaat Beach
  88. Tshelimnyama
  89. UmgogintwiniUmbumbulu
  90. Umdloti
  91. Umgababa
  92. Umhlanga
  93. Umkomaas
  94. Umlazi
  95. Verulam
  96. Waterfall
  97. Westbrook
  98. Westville
  99. Ximba

In conclusion, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality is more than just a picturesque destination; it’s a thriving economic hub that offers opportunities for growth, development, and exploration.

From its diverse economic sectors to its commitment to community services, eThekwini is a place where progress and tradition harmoniously coexist.

Whether you’re considering a visit, a move, or a business venture, eThekwini invites you to be a part of its dynamic and prosperous future.

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