ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

New housing project restores hope to Zwelibomvu residents

A renewed sense of hope swept through Zwelibomvu in Ward 100 as eThekwini Municipality, in partnership with national and provincial government, officially launched the Zwelibomvu Vumazonke Rural Housing Project on 30 April 2025.

The occasion was marked by the presence of Minister of Human Settlements

Thembisile Simelane, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma, and Chairperson of the City’s Community Services Committee, Councillor Zama Sokhabase, who officiated on behalf of eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba.

Councillor Sokhabase emphasised the transformative power of home ownership, calling housing a fundamental human right. “Owning a home is not just about securing shelter - it represents stability, security, and a legacy for future generations,” she said. “Launching this project during Freedom Month is a strong signal that we remain committed to changing the lives of the historically marginalised.”

The Zwelibomvu Vumazonke project will deliver a total of 448 housing units, with the first 200 homes already allocated to two appointed contractors for Phase 1. The land, owned by the Ingonyama Trust Board and administered by the Vumazonke Traditional Authority, has been approved for development. Community members expressed gratitude and joy at the announcement.

Importantly, the project carries wideranging socio-economic benefits. A 30 percent Contract Participation Goal ensures that local subcontractors benefit directly, while 15 percent is set aside to support Exempted Micro Enterprisesparticularly women- and youth-owned businesses. In addition, approximately 120 job opportunities will be created, with training offered in areas such as bricklaying, plumbing, and health and safety.

Councillor Sokhabase also acknowledged service delivery challenges in the area, including water supply and electricity disruptions, assuring residents that these issues are being prioritised.

Meanwhile, Minister Simelane, MEC Duma, and Councillor Sokhabase visited uMlazi H-Section, where heavy rains recently displaced several families. Minister Simelane has instructed the National Home Builders Registration Council to conduct structural and geotechnical assessments to determine the necessary interventions. “Based on what I’ve seen, relocation of these households would be the best solution,” said Minister Simelane. In the interim, 56 affected families will be moved to Temporary Emergency Accommodation.

As a long-term measure, land will be identified to resettle these families with permanent housing solutions.

The leadership also visited the Thubalethu Informal Settlement Project in Mthonjaneni, where R61 million has been allocated for bulk water infrastructure and an additional R19 million for internal water services - reaffirming government’s commitment to integrated human settlements.

Through housing, skills development, and economic inclusion, eThekwini is building stronger, more resilient and futureready communities.