The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has announced plans to increase the number of its wards from 111 to 112, with the change set to take effect after the 2026/27 local government elections.
In a statement on Wednesday, the municipality said the additional ward will be created in the northern region to better accommodate population shifts and improve service delivery.
The development follows confirmation by the Municipal Demarcation Board that it had finalised most ward boundaries required by the Electoral Commission of South Africa. At the time, eThekwini and the neighbouring uMkhambathini Local Municipality were among the few areas where outstanding adjustments were still being processed.
The Electoral Commission has indicated that the remaining boundary matters in four KwaZulu-Natal municipalities will not disrupt the upcoming elections.
As part of the changes, the Mophela area will fall under eThekwini’s Ward 5, while a portion of Ward 105 will be transferred to uMkhambathini. These boundary adjustments will also take effect after the 2026 polls.
Executive Director in the Office of the City Manager, Sipho Cele, said the two municipalities would work together to ensure a smooth transition, including the transfer of certain assets such as a cemetery currently managed by eThekwini.
Officials say the reconfiguration is aimed at streamlining governance and aligning municipal services with community needs.