The Alfred Duma Local Municipality, led by the Mayor, Councillor ZJ Sibisi, held an engagement session with the local business sector on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, at the uMnambithi Town Hall. The session focused on the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Spatial Development Framework (SDF), and Budget for the 2025/26 financial year.
The objective of the meeting was to consult with local businesses and provide a platform for them to engage, raise issues, and participate in the drafting of the IDP and Budget for the 2025/26 financial year.
In attendance were the Honourable Speaker, Councillor BP Sithole; the Honourable Chief Whip, Councillor S Sithole; Executive Council Members, Councillor TP Dlamini and Councillor A Warrasally; local business owners; and municipal officials.
In his address, the Mayor outlined ongoing service delivery developments within the CBD, including the indoor sports complex in Ward 13, Tanjore Road in Ward 10, and Shepstone Road in Ward 22. Emphasising collaborative efforts, the Mayor called on businesses to work with the municipality to bring positive change for vulnerable communities.
The business sector raised several concerns that require the municipality’s attention. These included the need for improved service delivery, particularly in ratepayers’ wards; the inclusion of transportation associations in future meetings, as they are integral to the town’s trade sector; and the centralisation of informal traders to prevent them from operating directly in front of formal businesses.
