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The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) eThekwini Caucus have unanimously decided to boycott tomorrow’s State of the City Address (SOCA) to be delivered by Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda. 

The IFP has never disrupted the functioning of the council as it goes against our values and it doesn’t serve the residents of Durban, however, our decision to not participate in the SOCA is to express our displeasure with the current administration. 

We will not participate in yet another whitewashed address which ignores the myriad of issues plaguing the city council. 

In recent months, the city has failed to execute even its most basic functions and it has not been capable nor able to deliver on its mandate to the residents of eThekwini. 

Far too many issues have gone unresolved, such as the severe water shortages crippling communities and the cities inability to collect and dispose of refuse across Durban. 

We will not idly stand by and listen to yet another address by the Mayor when there are no tangible results on the improvement of living conditions for millions who call eThekwini home. 

The cities shameful abuse in trying to hike water, electricity and sanitation/refuse removal tariffs, is a slap in the face of the ratepayers, and it showcases just how uncaring the current administration is towards residents. 

The city has been totally deaf towards millions who are struggling to make ends meet in eThekwini. 

Mayor Kaunda will have nothing to say in tomorrow’s SOCA besides singing from an election manifesto hymn sheet that no longer resonates with the realities on the ground. 


Issued by IFP Durban Metro Caucus Chairperson Mdu Nkosi