The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) eThekwini caucus has unanimously decided to boycott Tuesday’s KwaZulu-Natal State of the City Address (SoCA), expressing displeasure with Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda’s administration.

IFP Durban metro caucus chairperson Mdu Nkosi said, in recent months, the city had failed to execute its most basic functions adding that it had not been capable or able to deliver on its mandate to eThekwini residents.

Nkosi pointed out that his party had never disrupted the functioning of the council as it goes against the party’s 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,” he said.

He alleged that far too many issues had gone unresolved in the municipality, referencing the severe water shortages crippling communities and the city’s inability to collect and dispose of refuse across Durban.

He said the city had been “totally deaf” towards the millions of residents who were struggling to make ends meet in eThekwini.

“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,” he said.

He highlighted that the city’s “shameful abuse” in trying to hike water, electricity and sanitation/refuse removal tariffs, was a slap in the face to ratepayers, and it showcased just how “uncaring” the current administration was towards residents.