Tourism Month 2026 Launched as Durban Takes Centre Stage

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 16, 2026

Tourism Month 2026 was officially launched by Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, in Durban on Thursday, 13 August. The theme for Tourism Month is ‘’Growing South Africa’s Tourism Sector in the Digital Era’’, beginning on 1 September and driving towards World Tourism Day on 27 September.

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Dignitaries and Surprise guest Sho Madjozi at the launch of Tourism Month 2026 in Durban. | Photo: Supplied. 

Durban continues to attract visitors, delegates and investment while showcasing the best of the country to local and international markets. Durban is South Africa’s premier coastal destination and a leading host of major events, conferences and meeting place for business events.

The timing of this launch is significant as the city hosts the 46^th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government from 16 to 17 August, at which South Africa takes Chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community for the 2026/27 term.

The Minister’s visit shows Durban’s position as a destination that can bring business, tourism, investment and cultural experiences together successfully.

Durban has also been confirmed as the host city for Africa’s Travel Indaba from 2026 to 2030.

The city is currently hosting a programme of regional and business engagements, providing opportunities to showcase its world-class conference and events infrastructure, but also the diverse experiences in Durban.

The eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cllr Cyril Xaba and delegates from SADC explored Max's Lifestyle Village. | Photo: Supplied. 

Delegates from SADC have also explored the city’s heritage at the historic KwaMuhle Museum, experienced uMlazi, where they were welcomed at Max’s Lifestyle Village for an authentic township experience.

Recent milestones for Durban include the successful hosting of the Industrialisation Workshop, preparations for the 46^th SADC Summit, and site visits undertaken by the Presidential eThekwini Working Group together with the Municipality’s Executive Committee, further strengthening Durban’s profile as a destination of choice for business, investment and tourism.

EThekwini recorded the lowest official unemployment rate of South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities, at 21.2% according to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2026.

The survey estimated that around 1.29 million people in the city were employed in the second quarter, 90 000 more than in the same quarter of 2025 the largest year-on-year increase recorded in any metro, and a change Statistics South Africa reported as statistically significant.

Minister de Lille’s message that ‘’tourism begins at home’’ resonated strongly with Durban’s approach to growing the domestic tourism market. South Africans are encouraged to take a Sho’t Left and explore their own country. Durban offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors from across the country and the region.

The Minister also highlighted, technology is changing how travellers discover destinations, plan journeys and make travel decisions. For Durban’s tourism businesses, particularly SMMEs and emerging enterprises, this is an opportunity to reach new audiences and showcase experiences beyond the city’s normal tourism attractions.

‘’Durban is experiencing an exciting tourism and business buzz, and the launch of Tourism Month has provided another important platform to showcase the city’s readiness to welcome visitors, delegates, investors and event organisers,’’ said Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee.

Durban’s established position as a leading business-events destination, together with its role in hosting major regional and international engagements, creates opportunities to extend visitor stays, stimulate local spending and expose delegates and visitors to the wider Durban tourism offering.

With Tourism Month approaching, Durban invites South Africans, regional visitors and international travellers to discover the city for themselves – even for a weekend getaway, a business trip extended into a leisure experience, a cultural journey or an authentic township experience.

City Launches Musical Theatre Production Developing Local Creatives

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 12, 2026

The show ‘Amandla Phumelela’ was premiered by eThekwini Municipality on 7 August. The show is a bold new local musical theatre production developed through the city’s Theatre Residency Programme.

This production came after the city held a public call for auditions, which invited actors, writers and directors, and which saw many young creatives come from all over the city to show their talent.

A total of sixteen young creatives were selected for their acting abilities, stage presence and powerful vocal performances and they form part of the Municipality’s first Theatre Residency.

The production officially opened on 7 August and will run until 16 August at The Stable Theatre. Entrance is free.

Amandla Phumelela is a powerful musical that explores the realities confronting many young South Africans. It is written and directed by Jerry Pooe, featuring choreography by Sfiso Mathibela. The show uses storytelling, music and drama and tackles issues such as substance abuse, abandonment, identity, and the search for love, purpose and belonging, while delivering a message of hope, resilience and transformation.

‘’Members of the cast are now receiving mentorship from industry professionals, theatre training and access to performance opportunities that will strengthen their artistic development and prepare them for the professional theatre environment,’’ said Director of Recreation and Parks, Dr Simphiwe Ndlovu.

By investing in emerging artists, the eThekwini Municipality continues to position Durban as a vibrant hub for artistic excellence and cultural innovation.

For bookings, contact Musa Ntuli of the Arts and Culture Division on 031 322 8789 or musa.ntuli@durban.gov.za

SAACI 2026 Conference Delivers Huge Partnerships and Major Investment Boost for Durban

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 5, 2026

The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) 2026 National Annual Conference has just finished at The Capital Zimbali with a huge success, bringing together South Africa’s business events leaders in a powerful show of innovation and collaboration.

The SAACI 2026 National Annual Conference inspired the business events industry with a renewed commitment to collaborate, driving the future of South Africa's MICE sector and creating lasting economic impact. Photo: Supplied. 

The conference was held over three days and reinforced Durban’s standing as Africa’s premier Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination by showcasing world-class infrastructure, authentic hospitality, and a thriving tourism economy.

Durban’s world-class business events infrastructure, hospitality, and tourism offerings were put on show for delegates through a programme of industry discussions, networking opportunities and destination experiences.

One of the key highlights was Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani’s announcement of a R250 million phased refurbishment, which started on 27 July 2026. For the next three years, both hotel towers will be transformed through redesigned guest rooms, upgraded public spaces, and enhanced facilities, further strengthening Durban’s tourism and hospitality offering.

‘’Such conferences are powerful drivers of investment, tourism growth, innovation, and job creation. We are proud to have showcased Durban’s exceptional hospitality and business events offering while welcoming continued investment from partners such as Southern Sun,’’ said Durban Tourism Deputy Head Winile Mntungwa.

Mntungwa noted the City’s commitment to consolidating Durban’s position as Africa’s leading MICE destination.

The conference ended with a renewed pledge from industry stakeholders to continue building partnerships, driving innovation, and growing South Africa’s business events industry.

Southern African Development Community Industrialisation Week Kicked Off In Durban

 

By Fred Felton | Jul. 31, 2026

The powerful message conveyed at the 9^th annual Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialisation Week was ‘’Industrialisation remains the most effective pathway to economic transformation.’’

Mayor Xaba delivering his speech at the 9th SADC Industrialization Week. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini.

The event was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) and started on 27 July 2026.

The five-day event was officially opened by Mayor Cyril Xaba, he welcomed delegates, government leaders, investors, and business representatives from across the Southern African region.

SADC Industrialisation Week (SIW) is the Southern African Development Community’s flagship week-long event aimed at advancing regional industrial development, investment, and economic transformation.

The programme for the week included high-level policy dialogues and technical sessions, investment and trade facilitation discussions, networking opportunities, strategic business and investment engagements, exhibitions, and industrial and factory site visits.

The theme for the event was, ‘’Open, Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World,’’ the event focused on strengthening regional trade, expanding industrial capacity, and creating sustainable jobs.

The goals for the week were to advance the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063, which is centred on three pillars: industrialisation, competitiveness, and regional integration.

The event aimed to deepen regional value chains in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and critical minerals beneficiation; drive infrastructure development in energy, transport, logistics, water, and ICT; and promote investment mobilisation and industrial partnerships.

The objectives will be achieved while empowering women and young entrepreneurs through innovation and digital transformation.

With his opening address, Mayor Xaba said eThekwini is honoured to host this important gathering, describing Durban as a strategic gateway to Africa and a city committed to driving regional industrialisation, investment, and economic growth.

‘’This platform enables us to share experiences, forge effective partnerships, create opportunities, and identify innovative solutions. Aspirations alone will not bring about transformation, real implementation and the creation of opportunities for industries and businesses must lead the way’’ said SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau said industrialisation provides a foundation for productivity, economic diversification, technological advancement, and greater resilience against external shocks. He added that stakeholders must be mindful of strategic vulnerabilities and focus on implementing outcomes that are measurable and visible.

The rest of the week featured discussions on investment, technology, pharmaceuticals, market access, and other key areas.

Applications Open for eThekwini's Smart Energy Pilot

 

By Fred Felton | Jul. 31, 2026

Households that qualify from across eThekwini are invited to apply to be part of a smart energy pilot which is designed to help homes use energy more intelligently.

Apply for eThekwini's Smart Energy Pilot. | Photo: Supplied. 

The midday sun can be used better with solar devices. Peak demand can put pressure on the Municipality’s resources. The biggest portion of electricity bills is electric geysers.

These devices can help reduce your electricity bill. You could save up to R300 on your electricity bill. The project aims to help with peak demand reduction, a cleaner future and energy security. 

Applications are currently open and close at the end of August. Project Smart Solar is backed by the eThekwini Municipality. There are only 280 spots available.

The pilot project is being delivered by the City in partnership with Plentify, a South African energy tech company, and supported by international development partners, including the Agence Franҫaise de Développement, the European Union, and the EU Delegation to South Africa.

‘’Project Smart Solar is an important step in exploring how households can become part of a more resilient energy future for eThekwini,’’ said Sindile Buthelezi, Energy Efficiency Manager at eThekwini Municipality.

Project Smart Solar includes a local skills development section. Youth recruited via the eThekwini Municipal Academy database will be upskilled by professional installation teams from Plentify and employed to support installations where possible.

‘’Skills development is an important part of making the energy transition more inclusive. It offers hands-on experience and transferable technical skills to young people,’’ noted Tumisang Kalagobe, Project Smart Solar Lead at Plentify.

Homes that have solar and battery systems are especially encouraged to apply and could qualify if they have: an electric geyser, solar PV panels, battery storage, a compatible inverter system and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

Households without solar, also qualify if they have an electric geyser and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

Those selected participants will receive the Plentify Home Energy Management System, which includes SolarBot and/or HotBot devices and access to the Plentify Home App.

A SolarBot is Plentify’s intelligent controller for solar and battery systems that assists households to use more solar energy, rely less on the grid, and stay protected during outages.

A HotBot is Plentify’s intelligent geyser controller that automatically heats water at the right times based on a household’s needs, ensuring hot water is available when needed while reducing unnecessary electricity use.

Professional installation and ongoing support will also be provided at no cost during the pilot.

You can apply for this opportunity here: https://plentify.io/project-smart-solar/

Fashion Designers Apply For 15th Durban Fashion Fair Showcase

 

By Fred Felton | July 30, 2026

The Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) has spent 15 years transforming emerging local designers into successful fashion entrepreneurs.

The programme celebrates its landmark 15^th edition under the theme ‘’Where Legacy Lives’’, and eThekwini Municipality is inviting fashion designers to be part of this milestone showcase.

Applications close on 31 July 2026.

Designers interested in showcasing their collections can apply by completing the online application form at https://forms.gle/9yHiqibirFNaxtLq9

The 15th DFF takes place from 16 to 18 September at the Durban Exhibition Centre ending with the Recognition Awards on 19 September.

Expect to see designers who joined the programme 14 years ago and have since built successful fashion businesses and created employment and showcased globally. It will also include the next generation of fashion household names currently participating in the intensive 10-month DFF Mentorship Programme which highlights the City’s continued investment in developing creative talent and growing the local fashion economy.

‘’For the past 15 years, the DFF has demonstrated that fashion is a powerful driver of economic development,’’ said the City’s Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli.

Through initiatives like the DFF Emporium at uMlazi Mega City and seasonal pop-up shops, the programme continues to empower micro, small and medium enterprises while positioning Durban as one of Africa’s leading fashion destinations.

For more information, contact nondumiso.mthembu@durban.gov.za

Spaar wat jy kan - jou toekoms hang daarvan af

 

Jou hardverdiende geld is lank voor die einde van die maand op, en dit voel asof dit eenvoudig nie moontlik is om vir iets betekenisvols te spaar nie. In plaas daarvan om nog ’n finansiële las by te voeg, stel baie mense spaar uit totdat hulle eendag meer verdien.

Spaar wat jy kan - jou toekoms hang daarvan af.

Maar kom ons wees eerlik: ’n Hoër inkomste lei dikwels tot ’n duurder leefstyl, hoër uitgawes en steeds geen spaargeld nie.

Spaar gaan nie daaroor om vir ’n groter salaris te wag nie. Dit gaan daaroor om die gewoonte te kweek om gereeld geld opsy te sit – selfs klein bedrae – sodat jy mettertyd ’n veiliger finansiële toekoms kan bou.

Hierdie Spaarmaand daag die Vereniging vir Spaar en Belegging Suid-Afrika (ASISA) jou uit om te spaar wat jy kan, want jou toekoms hang daarvan af.

Spaar vir jou toekoms

Daar is twee belangrike redes waarom jy behoort te spaar. Eerstens is die lewe onvoorspelbaar. ’n Noodfonds kan help om onverwagte mediese uitgawes, herstelwerk of skoolkoste te betaal sonder dat jy op duur skuld hoef staat te maak.

Tweedens moet jy vir jou aftrede voorsiening maak. Hoe meer jy vir aftrede spaar, hoe groter is jou finansiële onafhanklikheid en hoe minder afhanklik sal jy van ander wees. ’n Gesonde aftreefonds gee jou ook die geleentheid om jou aftrede met groter gemak en gemoedsrus te geniet.

Dit gaan minder oor hoeveel jy spaar en meer oor die gewoonte om konsekwent te spaar. Selfs R20 of R50 wat gereeld opsy gesit word, kan met verloop van tyd aansienlik groei. Wanneer jou spaargeld belê bly, trek dit voordeel uit saamgestelde groei – met ander woorde, jy verdien rente op rente.

Hierdie Spaarmand daag jouself uit om te spaar wat jy kan deur die volgende mites te ontken:

Mite 1: “Ek kan begin spaar wanneer ek meer verdien.”

Moenie wag vir die perfekte tyd nie. Begin eerder met ’n bedrag wat jy gemaklik kan bekostig en laat dit outomaties op betaaldag na ’n spaarrekening oorplaas word. Hou jou spaargeld in ’n vaste deposito of soortgelyke rekening om onnodige onttrekkings te voorkom.

Spaarwenk: Verminder een klein uitgawe hierdie maand – ‘n koeldrank by middagete of wegneemetes op Vrydagaand -  en plaas daardie bedrag direk in ’n aparte spaarrekening.

Mite 2: “Om klein bedrae te spaar maak geen verskil nie.”

Baie mense dink spaar werk net as jy elke maand baie geld wegsteek. Elke suksesvolle spaarder het klein begin.

Wanneer jy gereeld spaar, groei nie net jou spaargeld nie, maar ook jou selfvertroue. Gebruik ekstra inkomste, soos ’n bonus of stokvel-uitbetaling, om jou spaargeld verder aan te vul.

Konsekwentheid is belangriker as volmaaktheid.

Spaarwenk: Spaar in ‘n spaarrekening vir ’n spesifieke doel, soos ’n “Noodfonds” of “Skoolfonds”. Mense bly makliker gemotiveerd wanneer hulle presies weet waarvoor hulle spaar.

Mite 3: “Dit maak nie saak as ek uit my aftreefonds se spaarpot onttrek nie.”

As jy reeds aan ’n aftreefonds behoort, is jy op die regte pad. Gereelde onttrekkings uit die spaarpot verminder egter jou uiteindelike aftreevoordeel aansienlik.

Jy verloor boonop die voordeel van saamgestelde groei, en onttrekkings is onderhewig aan belasting en administrasiefooie.

Spaarwenk: Bou ’n noodfonds op sodat onverwagte uitgawes nie jou aftreespaargeld in gevaar stel nie.

Spaar wat jy kan

Jy hoef nie perfek te spaar nie. Sommige maande sal moeiliker wees as ander, en dit is heeltemal normaal.

Wat werklik saak maak, is om die gewoonte te vorm om gereeld iets opsy te sit. Klein, gereelde spaargeld vandag kan jou môre meer keuses, groter finansiële sekerheid en groter gemoedsrus gee.

Hierdie Spaarmaand, moenie fokus op hoeveel jy kan spaar nie. Fokus daarop om eenvoudig te begin.

Spaar wat jy kan – jou toekoms hang daarvan af.

Hierdie inhoud word aan jou gebied deur die Vereniging vir Spaar en Belegging Suid-Afrika (ASISA) as deel van sy Spaarmaand-opvoedingsinisiatief om meer Suid-Afrikaners aan te moedig om #SpaarWatJyKan.