Mayor Xaba Visits Family of Celani Zungu After Fatal Adams Mission Tanker Incident
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has led a city delegation to Adams Mission to meet the family of Celani Zungu, who allegedly died after being run over by a municipal water tanker in the rural south of Durban.
The visit on Monday comes a day after the fatal incident, which occurred on Sunday and prompted police to open a culpable homicide case. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Zungu’s death are continuing.
Mayor Xaba was accompanied by Speaker of Council Thabani Nyawose as they paid their respects to the bereaved family. The delegation’s visit formed part of the municipality’s response to the tragedy, which has drawn widespread attention following reports that the vehicle involved was a municipal water tanker serving the area.
Condolences and Assurances
In a statement issued after the visit, the municipality confirmed that the mayor personally conveyed his condolences to the family.
"On behalf of the municipality, Mayor Xaba conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family," the municipality said.
The mayor also assured the family that they would not face the mourning period alone, pledging municipal support during the difficult days ahead.
The municipality stated that municipal officials, together with Ward Councillor Lihle Makhanya, would assist the family during the bereavement period.
"We were deeply saddened to learn of this tragic incident. We appeal for calm and urge the community to allow the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter," said Xaba.
The call for calm follows heightened emotions in the area after news of the incident spread.
Police Investigation Under Way
Police have confirmed that a culpable homicide case has been opened in connection with the incident. While details surrounding how the tanker allegedly ran over Zungu have not yet been made public, authorities are investigating the events that led to his death.
The municipality has indicated that it is cooperating with law enforcement agencies as investigations continue. No further information has been released regarding the driver of the vehicle or any potential administrative steps taken pending the outcome of the inquiry.
For the family of Celani Zungu, the focus remains on mourning a loved one as investigators work to establish the facts.
Water Tankers and Rural Supply Challenges
Adams Mission is one of several rural communities in eThekwini that rely on water tankers to supplement supply where demand exceeds available infrastructure capacity.
The municipality noted that the area depends on water tankers because existing water systems are unable to meet the growing demand. Tanker deliveries have become a routine feature in a number of southern Durban communities experiencing water constraints.
The fatal incident has inevitably raised questions about the safety and operation of such vehicles in residential areas.
Infrastructure Projects in Progress
As part of its broader efforts to address water shortages in the south of Durban, the municipality highlighted several major infrastructure projects currently under way.
Among them is the R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct upgrade, which is expected to be commissioned later this year. The project is intended to strengthen bulk water conveyance and improve reliability across affected areas.
In addition, the R11 billion Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Scheme is currently 50% complete.
According to the municipality, the Lower uMkhomazi project will include a storage dam, a water abstraction point on the uMkhomazi River and a water treatment plant.
"Once completed, it will produce 100 megalitres of water per day, with 70 megalitres allocated to eThekwini Municipality. This will significantly improve and stabilise water supply from Isipingo to uMkhomazi," the municipality said.
These projects are viewed as critical long‑term interventions aimed at reducing reliance on water tankers in rural and peri‑urban communities.
Balancing Grief and Development
While infrastructure development remains a priority for the city, Monday’s visit underscored the immediate human toll of Sunday’s tragedy.
Mayor Xaba’s presence, alongside Speaker Nyawose and local leadership, was intended to demonstrate solidarity with the grieving family and the broader Adams Mission community.
The municipality has not indicated whether any additional safety reviews of tanker operations will be undertaken as a result of the incident.
For now, police investigations continue as authorities seek clarity on what transpired. The outcome of the culpable homicide inquiry will determine whether any further legal or administrative action follows.
In the meantime, the city has reiterated its commitment both to supporting the Zungu family during their bereavement and to advancing infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening water security in the south of Durban.
As Adams Mission reflects on the events of Sunday, attention remains fixed on the dual processes unfolding: a criminal investigation into the fatal incident, and the municipality’s ongoing efforts to address the water supply challenges that have made tanker deliveries a necessity in the area.
