During his time in the position he was widely reported to be a controversial figure amongst Durbanites[1] and was the target of popular protest in the city.
[2] Deployed to the position in 2002 by the ruling African National Congress he remained in office till 2011.
[3] He oversaw the municipality's successful preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and was involved in controversy regarding street renamings, the loss of the city's Blue Flag beach status,[4] illegally banning protests,[5] banning posters,[6] serious human rights abuses in the city's housing program,[7] the failed privatisation of the city's bus system[8] allegations of spin-doctoring,[9] the unprofitable uShaka Marine World,[10] threats to withdraw advertising from newspapers employing journalists critical of the municipality,[11] lack of action against environmental destruction,[12] favoritism toward ANC-aligned individuals and businesses[13] - including S'bu and Shauwn Mpisane [now Shauwn Mkhize], the latter a convicted fraudster[14] - unlawful and at times violent violations of the basic rights of street traders[15] and shack dwellers[16][17] and corruption.
[22] Sutcliffe formerly held the position of chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board and was a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature.
Born in Addington Hospital, in Durban, he has a PhD in geography from Ohio State University.