URRA Newsletter September 2025 – uMhlanga Ratepayers’ & Residents’ Association

AGM 2025 RECAP: What URRA Has Done – and What’s Next

The 2025 URRA Annual General Meeting took place on 8 September at The Capital Pearls, with residents, business owners, and stakeholders in attendance. Chairperson Terri MacLarty opened the evening with thanks to all who’ve supported URRA’s mission to protect the interests of uMhlanga ratepayers.

💬 Key Updates from the Chair

⚫ Tariff Hikes Rejected: URRA continues to challenge unjustified increases in municipal rates, especially when services and infrastructure remain neglected.

⚫ Beach Closures & Sewage: A new trunk sewer line is being planned to address widespread leaks and environmental damage. URRA is part of a city-led oversight committee to monitor progress.

⚫ Tourism Concerns: Winter tourism numbers were low due to beach closures. The city was urged to prioritise lasting water quality solutions.

⚫ Traffic & Safety: URRA is pushing back on lawlessness, supercar racing, and noise. Efforts include:

⚫ Securing a Metro Police Satellite Station in the Village.

⚫ Lobbying for Prestondale Police Station upgrades — now underway.

⚫ Supporting community-led objections to reckless development (e.g., the proposed Taxi Depot and “Bingo Hall” at The Plaza).

🛑 Law and Order

At a Mayoral meeting on 15 August, URRA raised urgent concerns about the breakdown of law enforcement in uMhlanga. Mayor Xaba has committed to forming a regional task team of stakeholders including URRA, UIP, SAPS, CPF and others.

💧 Flooding & Infrastructure

URRA flagged that some properties are now uninsurable due to poor stormwater drainage. Both the City and URRA will compile reports, with the 2025–2026 municipal budget set to allocate funds to this issue.

📈 Development Without Infrastructure

Residents are fed up with unchecked large-scale development despite existing service failures. URRA highlighted the need for updated impact studies, public consultation, and better planning that considers the real cost to homeowners.

🧾 Treasurer’s Report

URRA Treasurer Brett Milton reported membership fees have increased from R80,000 in 2024 to R200,000 in 2025 — a major boost to the organisation’s financial strength. URRA’s only other income source was the successful December Festive Market. Expenses remain minimal.

🎙️ Guest Speakers

⚫ Cara Reilly (Westown): Spoke about inclusive planning and community consultation in large-scale developments.

⚫ Mark McCalgan (Snare Aware): Warned about illegal snaring in green spaces near construction sites. His team promotes wildlife education and conservation awareness.

🗑️ Monkey-Proof Bin Pilot

Vice Chair Duncan Heafield shared news of a bin pilot based on successful models in Plettenberg Bay, designed to reduce litter and animal-human conflict. Sample bins are viewable on Ocean View Drive, Ridge Road, and Burnham Drive.

❓ Questions & Feedback

Residents raised concerns — especially around noise and lawlessness in uMhlanga Village. URRA’s legal team was available on the night to assist with the Herrwood Drive matter.

✅ Join the Movement

Chair Terri MacLarty closed the meeting by urging attendees to spread the word, encourage complex signups, and get local businesses involved. “The more members we have, the stronger our voice,” she said.

To learn more, volunteer, or become a member:

📧 Email: admin@urra.co.za | chair@urra.co.za

🔗 Website: urra.co.za

URRA Calls for Urgent Law Enforcement Action in uMhlanga Following High-Level Mayoral Meeting

The uMhlanga Ratepayers and Residents Association (URRA) met with the Mayor of eThekwini and senior City officials on 7 October 2025 to address the escalating breakdown of law and order in the uMhlanga area.

The meeting was held at the request of URRA following ongoing community concern over increased noise disturbances, reckless driving, illegal taxis, and weak enforcement of municipal bylaws. It was attended by the Mayor, Deputy City Manager, Head of the eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA), Metro Police representatives, private security providers, Ward Councillor Bradley Singh, and stakeholder organisations including the Durban North CPF, Ridgeside Management Association, UIP, and others.

URRA tabled the growing frustration of residents and businesses over the lack of visible enforcement, particularly at night. Metro Police confirmed that enforcement capacity has not kept pace with large-scale developments in the area, such as The Oceans, and acknowledged the need for increased resources, including traffic control measures and additional personnel.

Stakeholders raised concerns about after-hours lawlessness, inadequate business compliance, non-functional or absent speed enforcement, and the absence of basic licensing checks. The issue of taxi congestion was also discussed at length, with the City noting that while a site in Cornubia has been secured for a taxi holding facility, it has not been accepted by the industry. Two alternative sites are under review.

The meeting also highlighted the inefficiencies in interdepartmental coordination, with calls for a more unified enforcement approach. Several stakeholders, including private security firms and the UIP, reiterated their willingness to support by-law enforcement but stressed that Metro Police must remain the lead agency for interventions involving public order.

The Deputy City Manager proposed a strategic workshop to align enforcement priorities, identify technology solutions such as automated traffic cameras, and streamline business licensing enforcement. The Mayor concluded by noting the importance of restoring law and order in key economic nodes like uMhlanga to support local investment and tourism.

URRA will continue to engage with City leadership and stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes of this meeting are translated into visible improvements on the ground.

Meet Duncan Heafield – URRA Deputy Chairperson

As URRA’s long-standing Deputy Chairperson, Duncan Heafield continues to play a vital role in strengthening community connections and driving member engagement.

With a background in publicity and communications, Duncan brings a sharp understanding of people, messaging, and motivation. He’s a natural networker and dynamic motivator who thrives on bringing residents together and amplifying their voice — both in person and online.

Duncan’s commitment to delivering results, coupled with his creative flair and energy, has made him a key asset to the URRA leadership team. Whether he’s building partnerships, shaping public messaging, or simply making sure members feel heard, Duncan is consistently working to make uMhlanga stronger, more connected, and better represented.

We’re proud to have his passion and experience helping lead the charge.

SAPS Contact Numbers for Reporting

At last week’s SAPS Imbizo, Warrant Officer Pam Nair provided key cellphone numbers for residents to report issues directly to SAPS. The community is strongly encouraged to use these lines to report reckless driving, illegal parking, noise disturbances, and any criminal activity. Timely reporting helps build case files, ensures quicker responses, and supports better law enforcement in uMhlanga. Save the numbers, share them with your neighbours, and don’t hesitate to report.

📞 079 696 3615 – Durban North SAPS Station – For reporting of crimes

📞 064 873 4758 – Umhlanga Satellite SAPS Station

📞 031 360 0000 – To report disturbances / noise / bylaw contraventions

Together, we can help reclaim law and order in our area.

Join the Ratepayer Movement – Strength in Numbers

The ratepayer movement brings together residents and business owners who care about good governance, reliable service delivery, and the long-term future of uMhlanga. By joining forces, we promote accountability, protect property values, and help keep our neighbourhood safe, functional, and well-managed.

💡 Membership Options

✅ Household Membership
For just R50/month, you can support URRA’s work to safeguard and uplift our area. If you live in a complex, check with your Body Corporate — many have already come on board.

✅ Corporate Membership
Business owners and stakeholders are invited to join as corporate members. It’s a practical way to invest in the future of uMhlanga — and show customers you care about the community too.

Your membership strengthens our collective voice and expands what we can achieve together. Let’s keep uMhlanga a place we’re all proud to call home.

📲 Sign up today at urra.co.za

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