Ednick Msweli appointed as eThekwini's new executive director to enhance service delivery

The eThekwini Municipality is expected to announce changes to its management structures in the coming weeks to achieve its new vision for resilient, efficient infrastructure delivery

In a move described as a decisive step to accelerate service-delivery improvements, the municipality has appointed Ednick Msweli as the executive director for the Technical Services Department.

Msweli is a civil engineer registered as a professional engineering technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa. He previously served as the head of Water and Sanitation Services.

Municipal Directorates that are part of the Technical Services Department include Water and Sanitation Services, Waste Management, Energy Management, Engineering Services, Human Settlements, eThekwini Transport Authority, and Road Infrastructure Management.

Msweli views this appointment as an opportunity to contribute to the city’s long-term vision.

“I look forward to working with the management team and staff from the directorates in Technical Services and inspiring them to prioritise the residents and deliver on their service-delivery needs,” he said.

He brings over 31 years of experience, most of which has been in the water and sanitation sector. Msweli’s previous roles include serving as director of Water and Sanitation Services, deputy head at eThekwini Water and Sanitation, and general manager for Operations at uMgeni Water.

Msweli said his immediate focus will be on enhancing waste management, addressing water and electricity losses, and improving the maintenance of roads.

“The department has the responsibility to deliver infrastructure and services that ratepayers are entitled to and pay for. My focus will be on making sure we deliver value for money for our ratepayers,” he added.

IFP councillor Mdu Nkosi, who chairs the Trading Services portfolio in eThekwini Municipality, stated that City Manager Musa Mbhele is driving the filling of key vacancies, as repeatedly flagged by the Auditor-General of South Africa.

Nkosi urged Msweli to implement consequence management for employees who fail to meet their required targets, referencing Msweli's recent appointment and others expected to follow.

“Permanent appointments are crucial because when you are acting in a position, the person is not sure whether they must have a long-term or short-term plan. This will allow him to plan and bring about change. The National Treasury wants to ensure that services are rendered and each cent must be accounted for.” 

Nkosi stressed that the directors reporting to Msweli must ensure satisfactory service delivery, particularly regarding the consistent supply of water to customers, and eliminate complaints.

“We must only rely on water tankers in an emergency. People must be connected, and the culture of payment is something we must lead with. These directors must render the service to ensure customers are happy,” he said. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za