City Engaged with Business Sector on 2026/27 Draft IDP/Budget

 

By Fred Felton | Apr. 20, 2026

The eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has started a series of consultations with key stakeholders on the Draft 2026/27 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget.

EThekwini Municipality, led by Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, held its first sector consultation meeting at the Durban ICC, to discuss the Draft IDP/Budget for the 2026/27 financial year. | Photo: Supplied.

Mayor Xaba engaged with representatives from the business sector at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 13 April 2026.

There was a big turnout of business leaders at this session to learn more about the Draft Budget and its possible impact, while also providing valuable input to the City.

The total Draft Budget for 2026/27 amounts to a capital allocation of R5.9 billion and an operating budget of R68.8 billion. It’s geared towards building a resilient and inclusive economy that supports business development and job creation.

‘’Your input is important and critical to us. It has been a challenging budget to balance, given the global and domestic economic climate. We have placed a strong focus on upgrading infrastructure, accelerating service delivery, and investing in catalytic projects, particularly those that create employment,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

This budget introduced a range of initiatives aimed at stimulating economic activity and enhancing the ease of doing business. Key focus areas include infrastructure improvement, support for small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs), and digital transformation to modernise Municipal services and improve efficiency.

In partnership with the private sector, several large-scale developments are underway and these include the Durban Film City, TradePort expansion initiatives, and various nodal developments. These projects represent a combined investment value of approximately R217 billion and are expected to significantly boost the Municipal rates base while also creating thousands of job opportunities.

After the presentation, stakeholders were invited to provide feedback. While many welcomed the budget, others raised concerns relating to tariff increases, road and stormwater infrastructure, tourism development, the Go! Durban project, and the inclusion of local SMMEs in procurement processes.

Mayor Xaba reaffirmed the City’s commitment to working closely with the business sector to unlock economic opportunities, improve on service delivery, and position eThekwini as a leading destination for investment.

There will be upcoming engagements with a variety of sectors in the next weeks. Keep your eyes on the City’s social media platforms for more information on hearings in your area of eThekwini.

Call to exhibit at 28th Durban Business Fair

 

Call to exhibit at 28th Durban Business Fair

NONDUDUZO NGCONGO

MORE than 50 businesses have secured exhibition space for the 28^th Durban Business Fair (DBF).

EThekwini Municipality invites local entrepreneurs to register to exhibit at the fair before the 17 April deadline. Photo: Supplied. 

This year’s edition themed, ‘’28 years of connecting SMMEs to markets and opportunities’’, will take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 20 April to 2 May.

EThekwini Municipality invites local entrepreneurs to register to exhibit at the fair before the 17 April deadline. In addition to the exhibition, the fair will feature a series of empowerment sessions, focusing on innovation, access to funding, and connecting businesses to international markets.

Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said the fair played a significant role in strengthening the local small, medium, and micro sized enterprises (SMME) sector. ‘’Since 1998, more than 40 000 businesses have participated, with over 130 000 buyers and visitors attending and engaging with exhibitors. The initiative has helped create more than 21 000 sustainable jobs.’’

Application forms are available at:

·         199 Anton Lembede Street, 7^th Floor

·         All Sizakala Centres

·         Online from www.durban.gov.za by clicking the Business icon, then SMME Development and selecting the Durban Business Fair page.

·         Email zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za to request a form

 

For enquiries, businesses can call 031 311 4500.

EThekwini leads energy revival with refinery restoration

 

EThekwini leads energy revival with refinery restoration

KWANDA ZONDI

IN A decisive move to strengthen South Africa’s energy security, eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele, alongside the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Phumzile Mgcina, conducted a strategic oversight visit to the former SAPREF Refinery in Prospecton recently.

Once a cornerstone of the country’s fuel production, the facility, now rebranded as the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Refinery, is being repositioned as a key driver of industrial renewal.

Strategically located within the petrochemical value chain and adjacent to the Port of Durban’s logistics hub, the refinery is central to the economic vitality of KwaZulu-Natal.

‘’This is more than a technical inspection; it signals strong alignment between national and local government,’’ said Deputy Minister Mgcina. Mbhele added: ‘’The SANPC Refinery is a critical asset for both the municipal and national economy. Its revival will ensure that eThekwini remains globally competitive in industrial development.’’

The refinery’s return to operation is expected to unlock strategic crude supply opportunities aligned with BRICS partnerships. By leveraging South Africa’s membership, the facility aims to secure more reliable and diversified energy sources, contributing to greater fuel price stability.

The restoration project is projected to deliver significant economic benefits, including approximately 12 500 construction jobs and 2 850 permanent positions. It is also expected to contribute an estimated 1.8 percent to the national GDP, with a strong emphasis on inclusive growth through a targeted 65 percent local content threshold.

2026/27 Draft Budget tabled for public consultation

 

2026/27 Draft Budget tabled 

for public consultation

ROMITA

HANUMAN-PILLAY

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba tabled the City’s R74.7 billion budget during a Full Council meeting on 31 March at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

With an operating budget of R68.8 billion and a capital budget of R5.9 billion, it will now be released to all sectors for consultation and feedback and will thereafter be adopted in May, after considering all comments.

The Draft Budget is based on the principles of sustainability and realistic revenue projections and projects that are ready for rollout.

Mayor Xaba said: ‘’The 2026/27 Draft Budget highlights that eThekwini Municipality is able to endure a challenging economic environment and emerge stronger, more sustainable, and better positioned to serve communities. This budget balances fiscal discipline with targeted revenue growth, aiming to manage high debt while supporting vulnerable households, infrastructure and job creation.’’

As a caring Municipality, the provision of rates rebates and a basket of free basic services will be funded through equitable share. A significant chunk of the budget is prioritised for Trading Services Reforms, which aims to improve efficiency in water sanitation, and energy. A total of R1.1 billion will be spent on Trading Service Reform projects.

The capital budget for the 2026/27 financial year amounts to approximately R5.9 billion and will be spent on the upgrade and expansion of wastewater treatment works, replacement of water pipes, and water loss prevention.

The budget will be presented to residents, business, and civil society through a series of consultations that will be advertised on the City’s official platforms and in the media.

The proposed tariff increases are based on the increases submitted by bulk providers, Eskom (9 percent) and uMngeni-uThukela Water (13 percent), taking into account the affordability of residents and the sustainability of the Municipality.

Water

Residential – 15%

Business – 16%

Electricity

Residential – 10.5%

Business – 10.5%

Sanitation

Residential

Business

Property Rates – 5%

Refuse – 13%

To ensure alignment with ward priorities, the Municipality has started engagements with councillors. At these meetings, draft capital budget allocations are presented per ward, providing councillors with an opportunity to review proposed projects, identify any discrepancies or omissions, and submit corrections and additional inputs.

Highlights from Ocean Innovation Africa 2026

 

By Fred Felton | Apr. 5, 2026

On 23^rd March the eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba officially opened the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC). During this time Durban was positioned as a world focal point for maritime innovation and sustainability.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba officially opened the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, positioning the City as a leading hub for Africa's blue economy. | Photo: Supplied. 

The summit took place from 23 to 25 March and transformed Durban into a dynamic hub where people from around the globe came together to discuss maritime issues.

This event brought together leading innovators, investors, and policymakers with a shared mission of advancing sustainable ocean development while unlocking economic growth across Africa.

In his keynote address, Mayor Xaba emphasised Durban’s strategic role in shaping the future of the sector.

‘’We are not just looking at the horizon, we are navigating toward it. From regenerative action that heals our coastline to cutting-edge maritime technology powering our ports, Durban is the heartbeat of the African blue-economy,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

The theme of the summit was ‘’Accelerating and Scaling Out Regenerative Blue Economy Action.’’ There were various discussions and workshops around issues such as artificial intelligence, sustainable aquaculture, and innovative coastal management strategies.

There were participants and speakers from around the world including Charlina Vitcheva of the European Commission.

‘’The state of the ocean needs action. We need to scale up. EU is investing in future governance of oceans. Ocean science must be developed everywhere. Challenges are big but so are the opportunities to make a difference,’’ noted Ms. Charlina Vitcheva of the European Commission.

South African startups also presented breakthrough solutions in areas such as plastic-neutural shipping and reef restoration, showing the country’s readiness to lead in sustainable ocean practices.

OceanHub Africa’s Impact Report was also released at the summit. Alexis Grosskopf, Founder and CEO of OceanHub Africa was very upbeat about the event and that is why they decided to release the report at the event.

‘’We are an impact driven organisation. How are we going to measure, we need standards,’’ said Alexis Grosskopf of OceanHub Africa.

He was also thankful to eThekwini Municipality for helping them with this event.

‘’They have helped us tremendously, they have attended previous events, they came to us and said let’s make it happen in Durban. The eThekwini Municipality also provided us with the best venue in the Durban ICC’’ noted Alexis Grosskopf of OceanHub Africa.

The summit included intensive workshops and B2B meetings between global investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers. These engagements helped to advance Africa’s blue economy.

The workshops included the Municipality’s Blue Finance workshop, Artificial Intelligence for Good initiatives, and the UNDP + AUC Accelerator Programme Validation.

‘’The Ocean Innovation Africa Summit is one of the City Manager’s flagship programmes. Our biggest asset is our ocean, and our residents must benefit from this dialogue,’’ said Takalani Rathiyaya from the Economic Development Directorate.

At the conclusion of the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit the eThekwini Municipality has reaffirmed its ambition to transform its 100km coastline into a globally competitive hub for sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Delegates of the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit continued to ride the wave of inspiration. From breakthrough technologies to sustainable solutions, the tide is turning for Africa's oceans. | Photo: Supplied. 

‘’Our mission is clear: to integrate economic growth with climate resilience,’’ said Nomalanga Sokhela, Programme Manager for Maritime Industry Development.

Environmental sustainability remains at the core of the City’s vision.

The Municipality is also advancing maritime tourism through cruise ship development and waterfront regeneration to ensure broader economic participation.

With the newly established Blue Economy Forum, eThekwini will coordinate efforts with Transnet, national government, and academic institutions to drive data-led evidence-based decision-making.

The Municipality called on all stakeholders to partner in shaping a resilient, inclusive and prosperous ocean economy.

One hundred youth to gain hands-on skills

 

One hundred youth to gain hands-on skills

SANE SHANDU

ETHEKWINI Municipality is taking bold steps to equip local youth with practical, life-changing skills. On 5 March, 100 unemployed young people from Ntuzuma and surrounding areas enrolled in a three-month vocational training programme through the eThekwini Municipal Academy.

One hundred young people have enrolled in a three-month vocational training programme where they  will be equipped with practical skills to find employment. | Photo: Supplied. 

The training spans plumbing, electricity, bricklaying, and tiling, linked to ongoing construction projects including Ntuzuma Mall, Nozaza Node Hub, housing developments, and other community upgrades.

Participants will gain hands-on experience and, upon completion, transition directly into roles on these projects, turning skills development into real employment and enterprise opportunities.

Ward 42 Councillor Fisokuhle Mngadi praised the initiative. ‘’This programme ensures young people can access local opportunities instead of labour being brought in from outside. It is a practical step towards building local capacity and uplifting the community.’’

The programme strengthens local maintenance capacity, accelerates service delivery, and keeps economic benefits circulating within the community.

Participant Nokwanda Mazibuko, a young woman entering the male-dominated trade of tiling, described the programme as ‘’life-changing.’’ ‘’This programme is giving me a real skill and a future. It has also afforded me a chance to uplift my family and my community.’’

Mayor fast-tracks housing for displaced flood victims

 

Mayor fast-tracks housing for displaced flood victims

METRO REPORTER

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has expressed confidence in the City’s plan to provide decent housing for flood victims.

This follows his oversight visit to Montclair Lodge on 5 March, to assess progress of the refurbishment of the facility, which will temporarily accommodate disaster victims.

The project is being implemented jointly by eThekwini Municipality, as well as the provincial and national government. Mayor Xaba said he was satisfied with the progress made in refurbishing the first 272 units. In total, the project will deliver 500 units.

‘’The completion of this project is crucial, as it will provide government with its own facility to accommodate disaster victims instead of relying on privately-owned facilities. Each time we have disasters, we will know where to take victims to while awaiting permanent housing,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

The refurbishment project is expected to be completed by June this year. The first occupants of the lodge will be flood victims currently accommodated in temporary emergency accommodation. They will be housed there temporarily while awaiting the completion of permanent houses in the Cornubia Housing Project.

The Mayor last month visited the Cornubia Housing Project to assess progress of the construction of permanent housing for flood victims.

Already, 113 houses are nearing completion. The total yield of the project is 1 200 units, which will be able to accommodate all flood victims currently in temporary emergency accommodation.

Boost for City tourism following statue unveiling

 

Boost for City tourism 

following statue unveiling

GUGU MDLALOSE

TWO landmark statues that were recently unveiled have added a boost to the City’s tourism offerings.

The statues of two struggle icons, Nelson Mandela and former ANC President Oliver Tambo, were unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 3 March.

The event was marked with traditional dancing and vibrant displays of culture, with the unveiling described by President Ramaphosa as ‘’historic’’.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the sites and engage with the stories of the two stalwarts whose leadership shaped the nation.

At each statue site there is extensive history about the leader which visitors can download using a QR code to access more information.

President Ramaphosa said eThekwini Municipality has bestowed this honour on two icons in recognition of their contribution towards the struggle for freedom, social justice, and the empowerment of people.

‘’Monuments of this nature are important for preserving our history and heritage,’’ he said.

The location of each statue is significant. The Mandela statue is in the Moses Mabhida precinct near the Kings Park Stadium. Soon after his release from prison in 1990 Mandela addressed his first large mass rally in Durban at the Kings Park Stadium. The rally drew more than 200 000 people.

In the same vein, the towering statue of Oliver Tambo on the beachfront is a reminder of his journey across oceans convincing the world about the importance of breaking down the walls of apartheid.

President Ramaphosa also touched on the impact the statues will have on tourism in the City saying:

‘’We can anticipate that these statues will contribute to exceptional growth in tourism in eThekwini.’’

Cementing the City’s status as an events and sporting capital, he said eThekwini will be the venue for the 46^th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community taking place in August.

‘’This is a worthy recognition of the progress that has been made together with all social partners in restoring confidence in the City.’’

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Xaba said the statues will inspire present and future generations to learn more about the contributions these struggle icons made in building a democratic South Africa.

Speaking on other monuments in the City, Mayor Xaba said the Indentured Workers Monument, commissioned in partnership with the provincial government, was unveiled in November last year at South Beach.

It commemorated 165 years since the arrival of the first indentured Indian workers in KwaZulu-Natal.

‘’We are also engaging the Embassy of Portugal regarding the relocation of the statue of Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, from the city centre to the Durban Botanic Gardens. These monuments form part of our broader strategy to expand tourism infrastructure and enhance tourism offerings,’’ he concluded.

Register for Durban Business Fair 2026

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 21, 2026

There is high demand for exhibition space at Durban Business Fair. Over 50 businesses have already booked exhibition space for the 28^th Durban Business Fair.

Businesses engage with potential buyers at a previous edition of the Durban Business Fair. Photo: Supplied. 

There is strong demand for the City’s flagship platform that connects small businesses to markets, opportunities, and potential investors.

The theme for the 2026 Durban Business Fair is ‘’28 Years of Connecting SMMEs to Markets and Opportunities.’’ The Durban Business Fair will take place at Durban Exhibition Centre from 30 April to 2 May 2026.

The eThekwini Municipality is inviting local entrepreneurs and business owners to register to exhibit at the fair before the deadline date of 17 April 2026.

The Durban Business Fair is the perfect place to showcase products and services, access new markets, and build valuable business networks. The fair will also feature a series of empowerment sessions focusing on innovation, access to funding, and connecting businesses to international markets.

‘’Since 1998, more than 40 000 businesses have participated in the Durban Business Fair, with over 130 000 buyers and visitors attending and engaging with exhibitors. The initiative has helped create more than 21 000 sustainable jobs, thanks to an investment of over R400 million over the past 28 years to support small businesses through this platform,’’ said Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli.

Business owners are encouraged to register early as exhibition space is filling up fast.

You can download a registration form here: https://tinyurl.com/ye96s948

Forms can also be obtained here:

§  199 Anton Lembede Street (7^th Floor), Durban

§  Sizakala Customer Centres

§  Online www.durban.gov.za (click the Business icon, select SMME Development, then the Durban Business Fair page)

§  Email zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za

 

‘’We are very excited to be exhibiting for the first time. We moved quickly to secure a spot as the Durban Business Fair comes highly recommended. We want to showcase our services, connect with new clients for design and construction projects, and position our company among like-minded businesses, potentially leading to subcontract work. We are looking forward to this exhibition,’’ said Anele Mabhoza, founder of Mabhoza Engineers in Hillcrest.

For more information about the Durban Business Fair call 031 311 4500

Regeneration at Heart of Global Blue Economy Agenda for Africa

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 11, 2026

Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA), in partnership with eThekwini Municipality as host city, will hold its 2026 summit in Durban at the Durban ICC from 23 to 25 March.

Durban will be the host city for OIA 2026. | Photo: Durban Tourism 

This Summit is aimed at positioning Africa at the forefront of the global shift from a sustainable to a regenerative blue economy, and brings together investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, scientists, development finance institutions and community leaders to accelerate implementation, unlock capital and investment, and coordinate tangible action across Africa’s ocean economy.

The eThekwini Municipality is host city and main partner and certainly demonstrates its active leadership in advancing the blue economy by looking towards how to strengthen coastal management, support maritime and port-linked innovation, and align local development strategies with climate resilience and ocean sustainability objectives. As the host of OIA 2026, eThekwini reinforces Durban’s position as an important continental hub for ocean innovation, investment, and policy leadership.

‘’As climate pressures intensify and ocean degradation accelerates globally, our continent stands at a defining moment. With more than 38 coastal and island states and a rapidly expanding ocean economy, Africa has a unique opportunity to lead a regenerative model, one that restores ecosystems, strengthens long-term stability and drives equitable economic growth,’’ said Alexis Grosskopf, Founder of OceanHub Africa and spokesperson for Ocean Innovation Africa.

For the 2026 Summit the focus will be on regenerative blue business models and nature-positive growth; blue finance pathways, from aid to local and blended capital, marine protection, economic expansion and community stability, pan-African innovation ecosystems and solution-oriented workshops and curated Business-to-Business matchmaking and investor meetings and dialogues.

Annually the global ocean economy is valued in the trillions of dollars, yet overfishing, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change are undermining both ecological stability and economic security. Incremental sustainability is no longer enough.

‘’We expect that investors, policy-makers, and innovators will join forces and co-ordinate strategies to tackle priority bottlenecks, drive practical collaborations, scale solutions, and reinforce Africa-led regenerative framing within global ocean dialogues,’’ noted Grosskopf.

OIA 2026 positions Africa as both contributor and leader in shaping the future of the blue economy.

For more information or to register go to: www.ocean-innovation.africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa Unveiled Landmark Statues in eThekwini Municipality

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 8, 2026

On Tuesday 3^rd March 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled statues honouring President Nelson Mandela and former ANC President Oliver Tambo.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was joined by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, as well as national and provincial Members of Parliament, councillors and other government officials at the official unveiling of landmark statues honouring struggle stalwarts Nelson Mandela and former ANC President Oliver Tambo. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

The 10-metre statues have been installed in prominent and accessible locations in Durban.

‘’The eThekwini Municipality has bestowed this honour on these two icons in recognition of their contribution towards our struggle for freedom, social justice and the empowerment of our people. Monuments of this nature are important for preserving our history and heritage. They anchor the collective memory of a nation. They are important as a public affirmation of the values which these leaders represented and the principles for which they fought,’’ said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

These statues celebrate the historic contribution made by both leaders to the country’s liberation and democracy and are directed at enhancing the city’s cultural and heritage tourism offering.

‘’It is significant that these statues are unveiled in the year that we celebrate 30 years of the adoption of our democratic Constitution,’’ noted President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The unveiling formed part of the City’s commitment to promote Durban as a heritage tourism destination.

‘’We unveil these statues knowing that people from across our country and across the world will come to see them, eThekwini is one of the premier tourist destinations in our country and we can anticipate that these statues will contribute to exceptional growth in tourism. It is said that more than 6.8 million people visited the beaches and the promenade over the festive season and that more than 1.2 million bathers were recorded at the municipality’s swimming pools. This is a sign both of what the city has to offer and the hard work that has been done by all stakeholders to ensure that eThekwini is a place that people want to visit. I am therefore pleased to announce that eThekwini will be the venue for the 46^th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community – SADC – to be held in August 2026,’’ said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

‘’As we face the challenges of today and tomorrow, we are standing on the shoulders of these brave men and women, their lives will continue to inspire and encourage us as we strive together for a better world,’’ noted President Cyril Ramaphosa.

‘’Each statue celebrates the extraordinary contributions these leaders made to the country’s journey to freedom. We trust that these statues will inspire present and future generations to learn more about the immense contributions these struggle icons made in building the democratic South Africa we enjoy today,’’ said eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba.

Following the unveiling ceremony, President Cyril Ramaphosa convened a meeting of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) at the Durban ICC.

The Presidential eThekwini Working Group, was established in April 2024, it is a collaborative initiative between The Presidency, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) to address service delivery challenges, improve infrastructure, stabilise governance, and enhance economic growth in the municipality.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including business and organised labour leaders, Ministers, Premier Thami Ntuli, Members of the Executive Council (MECs), senior government officials, and the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Councillor Cyril Xaba.

The engagement took stock of the progress made since the establishment of PeWG and outlined the next phase of focused interventions aimed at strengthening economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and improved service delivery in eThekwini.

Billions in Investment unlocked by eThekwini District Model

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 17, 2026

The eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba was part of a high-level delegation which visited various catalytic project sites in the City on 6^th February 2026.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba led a high-level delegation during an oversight visit to several catalytic projects in the City on 6th February. | Photo: Supplied. 

The oversight visit was done to address challenges related to regulatory approvals, bulk infrastructure provision, and the funding of key catalytic projects.

Mayor Xaba is the Chairperson of the eThekwini District Development Model (DDM) Political Hub and he was joined by the eThekwini DDM Champion and Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Narend Singh.

Both the leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of key catalytic sites that are set to change the City’s economic landscape.

Key project milestones include:

The Giba Business Estate: With an investment of R1.2 billion this development is moving at full steam. The Municipality has already put over R100 million into critical road infrastructure, which is scheduled to be finished within the next two months.

Isibaya Precinct Development: Developed by DEVMCO, this is a mixed-use hub and is nearing completion. After 10 years in development, it is set for a grand opening later in 2026. The precinct will feature an International Convention Centre, a 4 000-seater Playhouse and a 200-bed facility.

There were also positive updates received for the Avoca Node, Cato Ridge Node, and the Malaba Canal Project.

‘’The goal is to ensure the work of the Presidential Working Group is seamlessly integrated into the DDM framework. This ensures sustainability so that even as the Presidential Working Group phases out, the momentum of these projects continues uninterrupted,’’ said Mike Mabuyakhulu, Co-Chairperson of the eThekwini Presidential Working Group.

Mr Mabuyakhulu stressed the importance of immediate intervention to secure R21 billion in total investment.

‘’We are seeing a truly collaborative effort from government to create a conducive environment for investors. Today’s site visits proved that progress is happening on the ground, not just on paper,’’ said Deputy Minister Singh.

Deputy Minister Singh also praised the ‘’hands-on’’ approach of the current leadership.

Premier's Service Excellence Awards Nomination for eThekwini App

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 15, 2026

The eThekwini Mobile App has been nominated in the Best Public Service Implementation Project of the Year category for the 2024/25 Premier’s Service Excellence Awards.

The eThekwini Mobile App has been nominated in the Best Public Service Implementation Project of the Year category for the 2024/25 Premier's Service Excellence Awards. | Photo: Supplied. 

This is a major recognition of innovation and service excellence in the public sector and positions eThekwini alongside the best performing municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal.

The eThekwini Mobile App has been downloaded over 189 000 times and has become one of the City’s most impactful digital tools, transforming the way residents report service faults and access essential Municipal information.

Based on feedback the app remains efficient, user-friendly, and effective.

To assess the app adjudicators from the Premier’s Office recently visited the eThekwini Municipality to evaluate the app for the awards.

During the adjudication session the eThekwini Mobile App team comprising officials from Customer Relations Management, Revenue Management, and Applications and Information Technology presented both practical demonstrations and documentary evidence.

This evidence supporting the City’s formal submission was sent to the Premier’s Office in December 2025.

‘’We are confident that our presentations and demonstrations provided the information adjudicators required. Being shortlisted is an honour for our City and reflects the hard work of our technical teams,’’ said The City’s Deputy Director of Applications and Projects, Mduduzi Mdletshe.

Mdletshe was also part of the presenting team and expressed excitement about the nomination.

This recognition of the eThekwini Mobile App highlights the City’s ongoing commitment to modernising services and improving customer experience.

More City projects have also been shortlisted in additional categories, making a strong showing for eThekwini in the Premier’s Service Excellence Awards.

Growthpoint Rebalances its South African Portfolio

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 11, 2026

Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has successfully rebalanced its SA portfolio with two property deals that reduce its exposure to Gauteng and unlock around R2bn in capital to go into its strategy to target higher-performing regions and sectors.

One of the Growthpoint properties 29 Richefond Circle in Umhlanga which features a roof-top garden.  Photo: Fred Felton

Two transactions have been agreed between Discovery and the current co-owners of the Discovery buildings at Sandton Summit, Growthpoint and Truzen 114 Trust, which hold 55% and 45% respectively.

For the bigger transaction, Growthpoint will sell its stake in the Discovery head office, or Discovery Phase 1, to Discovery in a cash transaction with proceeds of R2.3bn. Growthpoint’s 55% stake in the building equals to 50,466m², which was valued at R2.2bn at the end of Growthpoint’s most recent financial reporting period, 30 June 2025. Truzen will sell its 45% stake to Discovery.

Growthpoint is also acquiring Truzen’s 45% stake in the adjacent Discovery Phase 2 at an attractive, market-aligned consideration of R323 million. The 19,369m² multi-tenant building was fully let on 30 June 2025.

Once these transactions are finalised, subject to conditions including approval from the Competition Commission, each building will be 100% owned by its respective owner – Discovery will wholly own Discovery Phase One and Growthpoint will be the sole owners of Discovery Phase 2 – on a sectional title basis.

Growthpoint’s domestic strategy is to increase portfolio weighting towards sectors and regions expected to delivery better growth over the longer term, specifically retail and logistics properties.

Estienne de Klerk, SA CEO of Growthpoint Properties. Photo: Supplied. 

One only has to look at its property portfolio in KwaZulu-Natal to see the wide range of premium properties that it has which include: Lincoln on the Lake, Mayfair on the Lake, The Boulevard, Gateway Hospital, Ridgeview, La Lucia Mall, Westville Mall and even Student Accommodation at UKZN like Hluma Studios – UKZN – Howard College Campus which is scheduled for opening in 2027. Growthpoint also has properties in Hillcrest area like Busamed – Hillcrest Private Hospital, Hillcrest Corner, Watercrest Mall and Trade Park in Mount Edgecombe and more developments being built in the Cornubia area.

‘’Effective capital rotation is a balancing act. We continually review the portfolio to identify where it makes sense to reduce overweight positions and sell assets attracting investor demand to fund our strategy and add value. In this case, the Discovery Head Office was identified for disposal despite its P-grade quality and blue-chip tenant,’’ noted Estienne de Klerk, SA CEO of Growthpoint Properties.

These combined transactions reduce Growthpoint’s office concentration in Gauteng and Sandton by more than 30, 000m² to a more appropriate level, realise value and unlock almost R2bn which can be used for further strategic asset rotation. This enables Growthpoint to manage its portfolio weighting responsibly while keeping overall portfolio quality.

With 100% ownership of the P-Grade Discovery Phase 2, Growthpoint increases its exposure to potential upside from shorter-lease, multitenant offices in a market where rental conditions are firming. Multitenant offices also offer more diversified income and less letting risk.

Growthpoint will continue its long-standing relationship with Discovery as a tenant at Discovery Phase 2 and elsewhere.

‘’These transactions are a vote of confidence in Sandton, its office market and its blue-chip tenants, all of which Growthpoint will continue to invest in at suitable levels. Discovery Phase One has attracted a significant investment from Discovery. With our 100% investment in Discovery Phase Two, Growthpoint retains an appropriate presence in the Sandton Summit precinct, where we are also due to break ground on the R1.2 billion Olympus Sandton residential development with Tricolt later this month,’’ noted de Klerk.

The financial effects of the transaction will be reported in the results for Growthpoint’s six months ended 31 December 2025, which will be published on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The transaction will have no impact on these interim results. The transactions are expected to have little, if any, effects during Growthpoint’s financial year to 30 June 2026.

According to Growthpoint once final, the transaction will result in a higher reported office vacancy percentage, as a large, fully let asset is removed from its portfolio.