Philani Mavundla, the former deputy mayor of eThekwini metro, has announced his intention to contest for the mayoral position ahead of the 2026 municipal polls. Mavundla, who previously held the deputy mayoral position via the Abantu Batho Congress (ABC), aims to address the city's pressing issues, including crumbling infrastructure and poor service delivery. His party played a crucial role in ensuring the ANC retained control of the only metro in KwaZulu-Natal during the 2021 municipal elections.
During his tenure as deputy mayor, Mavundla made headlines by forfeiting his monthly salary to channel it into key service delivery priorities. He now claims to have unfinished business with eThekwini citizens, citing the city's poor state, with issues such as endless potholes and crumbling infrastructure. Mavundla attributes the city's problems to a lack of leadership and political will, rather than a lack of funds. He has promised to make eThekwini metro work for its citizens if elected.
Mavundla's plans include reducing non-revenue water by at least 20% in the first year, which would unlock R480 million for repairs. He claims that over five years, this would translate to more than R10 billion returned to pipe repairs and reservoirs, without imposing an unfair water levy on ratepayers. The eThekwini metro has faced severe water woes, with residents struggling to access running water and the city relying on tankers to supply residents.
The city's water issues are attributed to aging infrastructure, water leaks, and sabotage. The problem has been used by political parties as a campaign tool leading up to the November 4 elections. Mavundla's ABC party recorded a strong showing in the previous elections, gaining several councillors in KZN and other provinces. The party is represented in 25 of the 257 municipal councils nationwide.
Mavundla has also outlined plans to address the city's energy needs. He aims to harness waste-to-energy, turn municipal and commercial rooftops into solar power generators, and provide solar support to registered indigent households. Additionally, he plans to build a local household gas economy, with a gas refill station in every ward, and appliance and cylinder manufacturing based in eThekwini.
The ABC has faced internal divisions and skirmishes, leading to the formation of a splinter party, the Abantu Bethu Congress Democracy (ABCD). The new party will contest several councils in KZN. Mavundla is a strong ally of former ANC president Jacob Zuma, now the leader of the MK Party. However, negotiations between the ABC and MK Party reportedly broke down over a mayoral candidate for eThekwini.
With his ambitious plans to address the city's pressing issues, Mavundla is poised to make a strong bid for the mayoral position. His return to politics has significant implications for the eThekwini metro, and his success will depend on his ability to deliver on his promises. The 2026 municipal polls will determine the future of the city, and Mavundla's plans will likely be closely watched by residents and political observers alike.
Key points
- Mavundla aims to reduce non-revenue water by at least 20% in the first year.
- The eThekwini metro faces severe water woes, with residents struggling to access running water.
- Mavundla's plans include harnessing waste-to-energy and building a local household gas economy.
