Durban leads the way as Tourism Month gets underway

 

Durban leads the way as Tourism Month gets underway

DURBAN has taken centre stage ahead of Tourism Month, which is celebrated in September, following the official launch by Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille at 9^th Avenue recently.

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille at the Tourism Month launch. | Photo: Supplied.

As South Africa’s premier coastal destination and a leading host of major events, conferences, and business gatherings, Durban continues to drive tourism growth while showcasing the very best of the country to local and international visitors.

The Minister’s launch coincided with a series of high-profile regional engagements of the 46^th Ordinary Meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government which took place in the City.

The Minister’s choice to unveil Tourism Month in Durban further reinforces the City’s position as a destination that can successfully bring together business, tourism, investment, and cultural experiences.

The City is currently experiencing a strong tourism and business buzz, with major engagements providing opportunities to showcase not only its worldclass conference and events infrastructure, but also the diverse experiences that make Durban a compelling destination.

As part of the Tourism Month launch, some of the SADC delegates stepped beyond the conference room to explore the City’s heritage at the historic KwaMuhle Museum, before continuing their experience in uMlazi where they were welcomed at Max’s Lifestyle Village for an authentic township experience.

These experiences demonstrated the variety of Durban’s tourism offering from its rich history and cultural heritage to its vibrant township economy, food, entertainment, beaches, and hospitality.

‘’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 the Economic Development and Planning Committee.

‘’From major regional meetings and international business events to township experiences, heritage attractions and our world renowned hospitality, Durban continues to demonstrate that it is much more than a leisure destination. It is a City where business, culture, tourism and investment intersect,’’ he added.

EThekwini empowers youth to fix infrastructure

 

EThekwini empowers youth to fix infrastructure

ETHEKWINI intensifies efforts to tackle unemployment and strengthen infrastructure, 63 unemployed young people have secured space in a groundbreaking plumbing apprenticeship programme.

This initiative, delivered through a partnership between the eThekwini Municipal Academy (EMA), iSisekelo Training Solutions, and key stakeholders, marks a significant investment in youth development and skills training.

It combines theoretical learning with practical workplace experience to equip participants with the expertise required in a critical sector of the economy.

The three-year Plumbing Apprenticeship Programme aims to develop a pipeline of skilled artisans. The intake comprises of 63 unemployed youth, including 36 females and 27 males from the west, south and central regions of eThekwini.

EMA Outreach and Capacity Building Division Coordinator Wendy Shabalala said partnerships remain critical in ensuring workforce development keeps pace with changing economic demands and service delivery needs.

‘’These partnerships also offer mentorship, entrepreneurship support, and market-relevant training that prepares participants for the world of working,’’ said Shabalala.

During the three-year programme, participants will work closely with the Municipality’s water and sanitation teams, gaining hands-on experience and technical expertise.

 

Mayor Xaba unveils multi-million rand commuter bus and water fleet 

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba officially unveiled a new multi-million rand commuter bus and water services fleet at the Centrum Site on 21 August.

The Municipality has invested approximately R300 million in 57 commuter buses, 35 water tankers, 18 utility vehicles for plumbers, and 16 vehicles for road and parks maintenance aimed at accelerating service delivery.

Of the 57 buses, four have been specially allocated to transport people with disabilities.

Last year, the Municipality took a decision to insource water tankering services and the additional vehicles will increase water tankers to more than 350.

The water tankers are serving as an interim measure for communities facing water shortages while the City continues to upgrade infrastructure and augment water supply across eThekwini.

Mayor Xaba said the new fleet will strengthen the Municipality’s capacity to deliver essential services to communities. ‘’We are also reducing the response time for services to reach our communities. These vehicles will ensure that assistance reaches residents promptly he said.

During a Disability Sector Budget Consultation Meeting held earlier this year, the Municipality committed to providing buses for people with disabilities.

‘’As a responsive and caring Municipality, we made sure that these buses are included in the fleet so that no one is left behind,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

Hlengiwe Mngadi, Deputy Chairperson of the eThekwini Municipal Disability Forum, expressed her gratitude, saying the Sukuma buses would help restore dignity to people with disabilities in the City. 

Durban Fashion Fair Celebrates 15 Years

 

By Fred Felton | Sep. 12, 2026

The Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) opened its doors 15 years ago, creating a platform for emerging designers, offering a platform for mentorship and exposure, now some of its earliest success stories will return to the runway when the Durban Exhibition Centre hosts three nights of fashion, creativity and enterprise from 16 to 18 September under the theme ‘’Where Legacy Lives’’, to mark the DFF15 milestone.

DFF15 will reflect the passing of the creative baton from one generation to the next. | Photo: Supplied. 

This showcase will bring together established designers, emerging talent and the DFF Mentee Class of 2026. The participation of former mentees, demonstrates DFF’s impact in nurturing talent, creating business opportunities, expanding market access and building industry recognition.

One of them is Kwenzi Nkomo of Indoni Fashion House, who made her DFF debut in 2014. She has gone on to showcase internationally, including at Ethiopia Fashion Week and Pure London, supplies boutiques and major retailers in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, and won DFF Designer of the Year in 2022. She recently showcased at Uganda International Fashion Week.

‘’The theme fits perfectly to our journey. We will be celebrating the impact we leave behind through our work. It is about preserving our culture, inspiring the next generation of creatives, and building a brand that will continue to empower people long into the future. Legacy is created through consistency, excellence, and the lives we touch along the way,’’ said Nkomo.

Show schedule for the 15 years of Durban Fashion Fair taking place at Durban Exhibition Centre, from 16 to 18 September under the theme: 'Where Legacy Lives'. | Photo: Supplied. 

Approximately 84 designers will feature across the three nights, with shows at 18h00, 19h00, 20h00 and 21h00. Tickets are R120 per show, R250 for a day pass and R500 for a three-day pass.

The showcase ends with the Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards on 19 September, where the best designers will receive cheques towards business development equipment to assist productivity.

The eThekwini Municipality Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, said the Municipality remains committed to growing the sector through skills development, market access, financial support, equipment and mentoring, supporting self-employment and job creation.

DFF showcase tickets are available through Webtickets, Pick ‘n Pay and Boxer.

Successful Invest India 2026 Seminar

 

By Fred Felton | Sep. 1, 2026

There were many businesses, entrepreneurs and investors from KwaZulu-Natal in attendance at the Invest India 2026 Seminar which was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Umhlanga on 11 August 2026.

The Invest India 2026 Seminar had speakers which included H.E. Niteen Subhash Yeola, Consul General of India in Durban, The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Cyrl Xaba and Dr Suren Lutchminarayan, UBN President. | Photo: Supplied.  

The seminar was hosted by the Consulate General of India in Durban, with support from the Umhlanga Business Network (UBN), Cll-India Business Forum, SBI South Africa and GIO Africa. The seminar saw business leaders, professionals, industry representatives and investors coming to together to discuss how stronger commercial partnerships can be developed between India and South Africa.

Delegates were shown opportunities across many sectors including manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, renewable energy, retail investment, innovation and startups, while also exploring the potential for joint ventures, technology exchange and market expansion.

For KZN businesses, the seminar was an important platform to understand the opportunities presented by India’s rapidly expanding economy and to work on direct relationships with organisations and individuals involved in facilitating investment.

‘’KwaZulu-Natal has a vibrant and entrepreneurial business community and there is considerable scope for our businesses to develop stronger partnerships with India,’’ said UBN President, Dr Suren Lutchminarayan.

Dr Lutchminarayan said South African companies should increasingly consider India as a market for expansion, investment, technology collaboration and business partnerships, while South Africa could also provide Indian companies with a strategic gateway into the African continent.

H.E. Niteen Subhash Yeola, Consul General of India in Durban said: ‘’The strong response to Invest India 2026 demonstrates the growing interest in strengthening economic ties between India and South Africa. We encourage businesses in KwaZulu-Natal and across South Africa to explore the many opportunities for investment, trade and collaboration with India.’’

Delegates were also shown a comprehensive presentation from the Invest India team from Delhi showing opportunities in many sectors. There were also presentations on GIFT City and Retail Investments in India. After this there were panel discussions involving leading Indian and South African business leaders. This was followed by networking and discussions on future collaborations.

UBN congratulated the Consulate General of India in Durban, speakers, participating organisations and delegates on the success of the event and said the priority now was to maintain the momentum generated through the seminar.

Enforcement operations strengthen road safety

 

Enforcement operations strengthen road safety 

ETHEKWINI Municipality continues to prioritise road safety and freight compliance through proactive enforcement operations conducted along key transport corridors. During July, a series of joint freight enforcement operations were undertaken on the M7/N2 corridor and at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, bringing together the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), and the City’s Metro Police, Fire Directorate, and eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA). 

These multi-agency operations form part of the Municipality’s broader commitment to promoting safer roads, improving compliance with traffic legislation and municipal by-laws, and supporting the efficient movement of freight through Durban, home to South Africa’s busiest port. Each participating agency played a specialised role during the operations. 

The Fire Directorate inspected dangerous goods documentation to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, while RTI officials focused on traffic law enforcement and provided motorists with opportunities to settle outstanding traffic fines on site. RTIA officials educated drivers on the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system and 

assisted them with checking infringement records. Metro Police and ETA officials provided enforcement support and co-ordinated operational activities. 

Four enforcement operations were conducted on 7, 9, 14 and 15 July respectively. Officers recorded six compulsory stop sign violations and identified 16 cases where drivers failed 

to produce the required dangerous goods certificates. A total of R92 500 in fines was issued, while 26 fines were settled on site, generating R15 800 in payments. Importantly, 272 vehicles were inspected and drivers were educated on safety and compliance 

By combining education with enforcement, the Municipality is strengthening accountability in the freight sector and making the roads safer for everyone.              Picture: SUPPLIED

Over R127 million invested for road upgrade programme

 

Over R127 million invested for road upgrade programme

EThekwini Municipality continues to drive the revitalisation of Durban’s inner city through the successful implementation of its Inner City Road Rehabilitation Programme. The initiative has seen the upgrade of key transport routes. The improved road network is enhancing mobility, safety, and connectivity while supporting economic growth and the broader regeneration of the city centre.                  Picture: SUPPLIED

EThekwini Municipality has reached a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to revitalise Durban’s inner city through the successful implementation of its Inner City Road Rehabilitation Programme. During the 2025/26 financial year, the Municipality invested approximately R127.9 million in the rehabilitation of 13 strategic roads across the inner city and surrounding areas. The programme resulted in the upgrade of approximately 65 lane-kilometres of road infrastructure, enabling the Roads and Infrastructure Management Directorate to exceed its annual resurfacing target.

This investment forms part of the Municipality’s broader Inner City Regeneration Programme. Major roads rehabilitated through the programme include Umgeni Road, Dr Pixley ka Seme Street, K E Masinga Road, Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Sandile Thusi Road, Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Soldiers Way, Smiso Nkwanyana Road, and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway (M4), among others. The extensive works have significantly improved conditions along key transport corridors used daily by thousands of commuters, residents, businesses, and public transport operators. In addition to road resurfacing, the projects have enhanced stormwater drainage systems, improved pedestrian and road safety, and reduced long-term maintenance requirements.

Acting Deputy Head of Roads and Infrastructure Management, Thanda Zulu, said: “An investment of nearly R128 million in our inner city road network reflects the Municipality’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure.

Zulu added that the programme also highlights the valuable contribution of the Municipality’s internal roads teams. “Out of the 13 roads rehabilitated during the 2025/26 financial year, four projects were completed entirely by municipal teams.”