KDM Fails to Meet Statutory Budget Public Participation Requirements.

[Dolphin Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, 9 May 2025] – The ‘25/’26 Mayoral IDP/Budget Imbizos for the Shayamoya and Nkobongo communities, scheduled for this morning (9 May 2025) and Saturday, 10 May 2025, have been cancelled, with no official public notice being given.

On Tuesday, 6 May 2025, a DOCRRA delegation met with representatives from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) as well as leadership from KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) to kick off an audit of KDM’s compliance with their license to distribute electricity.
The meeting took the form of a mediation to address the many concerns and requests for information that have come from DOCRRA since the outset of the crisis in December 2024. We are pleased to report back to the community.

We were absolutely blown away by the overwhelming support of the community at the imbizo!!!

It was abundantly clear that our community is not happy with the proposed rates increases and about the mismanagement of electricity losses that have put us in such a precarious financial situation.

In response to ongoing electrical infrastructure challenges that have significantly impacted homeowners, businesses, and the broader economy in the KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) region, a coordinated initiative involving leading North Coast estates has resulted in the formation of the Residential Estate Electrical Task Team. Emerging from initial engagements by Zimbali Estate alongside the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA), the iLembe Business Chamber, and other stakeholders, the task team is a dedicated body committed to addressing infrastructure concerns and working towards long-term service reliability.

As a recognized stakeholder for the south of KwaDukuza, DOCRRA was again invited to participate in the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) proceedings following our written submissions and questions on the ‘23/’24 annual report.

The DOCRRA Finance Subcommittee, chaired by Brian Botes, has been hard at work analysing the draft KDM budget for the coming financial year and we will be submitting a written objection to the rates increase, as well as other comments and suggestions, as we do every year.

The North Coast community, and KwaDukuza residents at large, are witnessing the unfolding of unprecedented strides in co-governance between private and public sectors, as well as civil society, in the fight to solve this crisis. The appropriate municipal oversight bodies (NERSA and COGTA) have heard our call for intervention and are taking decisive action to hold our elected and appointed leaders to account.

Following a thorough analysis of the KwaDukuza Municipality’s Annual Report and Annual Financial Statements, DOCRRA presents its People’s Score Card (PSC) assessment.

With our main holiday season of the year gradually picking up pace, more people are going to be exploring further along the beaches, with greater chances of coming across wildlife in trouble.

Coinciding with “turtle season” – annual migrations of certain species to our northern shores to nest, along with the other turtle species that occur along our coastline throughout the year, the scene is set for more interactions and events between humans and turtles than usual.

In brief, here’s what you should do if you come across a turtle on the beach

KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) has failed to meet its statutory obligation for community participation in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process.

Dear Madam Speaker Cllr Dolly Govender and Mr. Nhlanhla Mdakane, Municipal Manager:

We are compelled to express our deep disappointment and frustration through this open letter due to the municipality’s persistent unresponsiveness and disregard for community needs. As you have acknowledged, there exists a legal and moral obligation to engage, consult, and solicit feedback from the KwaDukuza community, as stipulated in the Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act.

Coinciding with International Food Week, the Dolphin Coast Outreach (DCO) proudly marks its fourth anniversary, boasting remarkable growth and a profound impact on neighbouring communities. Founded on a simple yet powerful premise, DCO has evolved into a thriving volunteer initiative, serving approximately 10,000 nutritious soup portions monthly. Volunteers from up and down the Dolphin Coast cook up delicious, homemade soup which is paired with a starch to provide a nutritious and healthy meal. This impressive feat is augmented by the organization’s support of nine local soup kitchens.

Refusal by SAPS members to assist complainants to open criminal dockets.

In light of the apparent occurrences of difficulty in registering cases with the police all members and citizens should be aware of the following National instruction with regard to SAPS members opening cases or registering a criminal offence.

We will be submitting the following petition to KwaDukuza Municipality to demand bylaw enforcement and put an end to the chaos taking place at the informal settlement in the western area of Ballito near Umhlali Country Club.
We need YOUR SUPPORT to make our voices heard.

A shocking investigation by DOCRRA has uncovered a pervasive culture of abuse of power among councillors in township wards, where public municipal resources and facilities are captured for their own political and personal gain.

Our recent Community Conversations event highlighted the pressing issue of taxi vigilantism and residents’ frustration with this issue. Despite media coverage and promises of investigation, there has been a concerning lack of progress and accountability. No taxi association has the right to police the mode of transportation being used by citizens. DOCRRA is committed to addressing this situation and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

KwaDukuza Municipality CFO, Shamir Rajcoomar, was suspended in July 2023 due to R37,000 in banking fees accumulated over a change of bank accounts. While this is a costly oversight to the average citizen, it is undoubtedly small change when it comes to a municipal budget. While the mistake must be addressed, we’d like to put this event into perspective.

The election is over and the results have been announced, but South Africa (and KZN in particular) is far from breathing a sigh of relief. The voice of the electorate has been resoundingly clear, but exactly what that means both nationally and provincially has most of us still biting our nails in uncertainty.

Over the past several weeks, the DOCRRA finance subcommittee has been hard at work analysing and compiling written comments and questions on the 2024/2025 KDM budget, which were officially submitted at the end of last week.

DOCRRA has again played a leading role in evaluating and providing oversight at the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC). The main purpose of the MPAC is to exercise oversight over the executive functionaries of council and to ensure good governance in the municipality.

The DOCRRA Finance Subcommittee have just completed their analysis of the KDM 2023 Annual Report in preparation for the upcoming Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) meetings, where DOCRRA will be attending as a registered stakeholder and raising our concerns.

We understand your frustration over the planned electricity interruption at the end of this week, as it affects everyone in a big way! However, for once, this interruption is actually for our good, in the long term.

The 2024 National and Provincial Election is fast approaching – are you ready to have your say?
Although the exact date has not been announced yet, the upcoming 2024 elections will be upon us before we know it – and time is running out to register if you haven’t done so already. Predicted to be set between May and August of 2024, once the election date is announced, registration will CLOSE which is why registering now is more important than ever.

As the year draws to a close, and the pace of work and life slow down, we take time to reflect on the growth and achievement that has occurred over the past twelve months.

The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA), and the leadership from the civic structure in Ward 8, are delighted to announce that we are collaborating to address ongoing concerns from the residents.

The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA), and the leadership from the civic structure in Ward 8, are delighted to announce that we are collaborating to address ongoing concerns from the residents.

International Food Week started on Monday the 16th October 2023 and prompted DOCCRA to take stock of its Dolphin Cost Outreach (DCO) program.
Although still primarily a nutritious home cooked soup program, the initiative has expanded substantially.

The KDM Council has approved a debt relief scheme for ratepayers who have accumulated arrears in their rates and services accounts. The scheme provides relief from administration and interest charges accumulating of the outstanding debt.

Following the record attendance of our AGM last month, DOCRRA wishes to thank the Dolphin Coast community for their interest and support of our mission. It was wonderful to see the Pavilion Room at Simbithi Country Club so packed that there was standing room only.

DOCRRA remains well led, DOCRRA is in excellent hands, DOCRRA goes from strength to strength.

Following a detailed study by various members of the DOCRRA committee, we have provided questions, suggestions and observations to KDM.

Following the surprise addition to some 600 households’ KDM bills this month, DOCRRA initiated research into why these households have been allocated a double, backdated charge for refuse removal.

Following the surprise addition to some 600 households’ KDM bills this month, DOCRRA initiated research into why these households have been allocated a double, backdated charge for refuse removal.

Following the surprise addition to some 600 households’ KDM bills this month, DOCRRA initiated research into why these households have been allocated a double, backdated charge for refuse removal.

The continuing effects of load shedding on traffic and congestion, particularly at the large intersections in Ballito, have been an ongoing concern and priority item for the DOCRRA team. The team has had numerous meetings with KDM Metro to discuss pointsmen solutions.

On Thursday, 23 February, DOCRRA Co-Chairman and Finance Subcommittee Chairman, Brian Botes, attended the second meeting of the KDM Council for 2023. At this meeting, the Mayor presented the adjusted budget for 2022/23 which contains updated projections on both income and expenditure for the current financial year.

As was done previously, DOCRRA will group their comments under the Good, Bad and Ugly categories. Read further.

On Thursday, 26 January, the mid-term financial report was tabled before the KwaDukuza Council and subsequently analysed by DOCRRA Vice Chairman and Finance Subcommittee Chairman, Brian Botes.

The Dolphin Coast has again proven itself one of the top coastal destinations in South Africa this festive season thanks to the hard work, planning and diligence of the KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM), SAPS, various private security companies and civil society organisations.

DOCRRA is pleased to be able to provide feedback to the community from our quarterly meeting with the executives at the KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM). The meeting took place on 17 November 2022, as scheduled, and was attended by a delegation of DOCRRA executive committee members as well as the executive directors of nearly all business units, the Speaker, the Municipal Manager and other leadership members.

KwaDukuza Municipality has not responded to the legal letter submitted by DOCRRA, on the nonprocedural sale of Butterfly Park at Townsend Park. To make your voice heard.

Take action now – Save Townsend Park.

As the festive season approaches, and the Dolphin Coast sees an influx of tourists and visitors, there comes the risk of an uptick in criminal activity. 

While we are extremely grateful for the extra spenders boosting our local economy, the festive season is challenging for us locals, right? It may be a good time to go and explore the many inland and less popular attractions we have. We are spoilt for choice.
Here are some tips.

As published on social media on 18 November, DOCRRA has met and consulted within our executive committee, as well as with Mr. Jonathan De Wet of De Wet, Leitch, Hands Inc, who has very generously provided his services to the community.
DOCRRA plans to challenge both the validity of the advertisement placed in the North Coast Courier on 11 November 2022 which proposed the sale of a portion of Townsend Park (ERF 517), as well as the resolutions taken by the KwaDukuza Council in February 2019, namely that a portion of the Park be sold to the Zululand Islamic Society and that it be sold for a market value of R3.6 million.

UPDATE, 21 November 2022:
Since the publication of this blog, DOCRRA have consulted with our legal team. Click here for more information..

We have good news to share this September and hope that it will set the tone for improved service delivery moving forward. The DOCRRA team have been out and about to monitor the status of road maintenance, verges and streetlights.

On Friday, 5 August DOCRRA, as a part of the KZN Alliance of Ratepayers Associations, attended an online webinar given by the National Treasury on municipal budgeting.