Durban residents now have a smarter, faster, and more transparent way to report service delivery issues, thanks to the new, upgraded version of CityMenderSA.
The civic technology platform, created by University of KwaZulu-Natal student Keyuren Maharaj, was first launched a few months ago and has already been making waves. The platform now returns in an improved version with powerful new features designed to make reporting issues like potholes, broken streetlights, water leaks, environmental hazards, and illegal dumping easier, faster, and more effective.
University of KwaZulu-Natal student Keyuren Maharaj, creator of CityMenderSA said: “ I started thinking about CityMenderSA when I saw how many residents were frustrated with reporting issues and never seeing results. At the same time, I realised municipalities also lacked good data to respond effectively. I wanted to build a bridge, a tool that combines transparency for residents with data insights for municipalities. That’s how the idea grew, from a simple map into a national platform. It’s a way of holding ourselves and our municipalities accountable, while building trust and collaboration.”
The upgraded platform now allows residents to send reports directly to municipal departments via automatically populated emails, ensuring that the right people are notified immediately. AI-powered tools automatically redact sensitive information in photos and flag duplicate reports, keeping the map safe, clean, and accurate. Users can also receive instant notifications when new issues are reported or updated nearby, helping communities stay informed and engaged.
The platform now supports a wider range of issues, including infrastructure, environmental, and health hazards. Civic groups like ratepayer associations and safety forums can manage updates, interact directly with local issues, and broadcast messages during emergencies. The system also analyses trends across suburbs, highlighting recurring problem areas such as repeated water leaks or illegal dumping, making it easier for municipalities and communities to prioritise resources effectively.
The upgraded version also introduces a nationwide Ambassador Program, recruiting young leaders across all 257 municipalities.
“Ambassadors help onboard residents, liaise with municipalities, and gain valuable civic-tech experience. It’s a way to build leadership while empowering communities to take charge of service delivery,” says Maharaj.
Looking to the future, CityMenderSA plans to use its data for innovative features.
“The data we get from the system will be used to help residents in creative ways, like our upcoming AI notifications regarding weather and emergencies. Our goal is simple: we want residents to have a voice, and we want municipalities to respond faster and more effectively,” explained Maharaj.
CityMenderSA is now live in its upgraded version at www.citymendersa.co.za. Residents are encouraged to explore the platform and start reporting issues. With its new improvements, CityMenderSA is redefining service delivery in Durban, making it easier for residents to be heard and ensuring that streets and suburbs are safer, cleaner, and better maintained, one report at a time.
