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.

Catalytic Projects to boost the City's economy

 

EThekwini Municipality has numerous catalytic projects underway which will transform the City and boost the local economy, writes Sohana Singh

There are several catalytic projects underway in the City while others are still in the planning stages. The City’s Catalytic Project Unit is currently working on around 16 projects which will bring approximately R217 billion in investment and create in the region of 300 000 jobs. The partnership between the private sector and government is evident in the investment that is taking place, boosting confidence in the region.

Below is a breakdown of a few of these projects that are transforming the City.

Shongweni Development

The development of the R3 billion Westown Square by Fundamentum Development Company began in 2021 and kickstarted a new era for the outer west region of eThekwini. This is the first 100-hectare precinct of the Shongweni area to be developed, out of a 2 000-hectare integrated mixed-use urban development located along the N3 and Kassier Road interchange. It will comprise of nine precincts which includes retail, residential, commercial, logistics, industrial, and business park precincts. Westown Square is expected to open for business by April 2025.

Brickworks

The Avoca Node Development by JT Ross and Investec is a 15-year programme consisting of three precincts; Brickworks, North Fields, and Caneridge measuring approximately 350 hectares in extent. It has the potential capital investment of over R10.5 billion. 

The City has invested R451 million for infrastructure upgrades which are currently underway on Old North Coast Road to improve access to the area and the increase in traffic.

The City is expecting R206 million annual rates at full development of this light industrial area. There are 51 000 construction jobs, and 19 000 permanent jobs expected to be created.

Giba Business Estate

The Giba Business Estate development by Sultex Holdings PTY Ltd is situated south of the Marianhill Toll Plaza along the N3 freight and logistics corridor from Durban-Free State- Gauteng known as SIP2. 

The R1.9 billion project will develop 200 000 square meters of platformed sites of various sizes which are aimed for sale to the light industrial, warehousing, and logistics sectors.

Phase 1 of the construction consists of 22 platforms and engineering services which commenced in July 2023. Phase 2 will include the construction of top structures.

Regarding jobs created, 492 construction and 4 661 permanent jobs are expected to be created with local community members benefiting from the  development.

Oceans Development

The R5 billion Oceans uMhlanga development is planned to be a mixed-use lifestyle development within the uMhlanga Rocks Village node. This includes a high-end shopping mall, residential apartments, and the Radisson Blu Hotel. The shopping mall and hotel are complete; however, construction is currently underway for residential apartments and a time share hotel. This development is expected to enhance the tourism offering value within the node. Further investment into transport facilities in the area is being discussed.

Inyaninga

Inyaninga is a proposed major multi-modal logistics hub worth R40 billion. The total land area is 1 023 ha for which is a planned total commercial/logistics bulk of approximately 1.617 million square meters, plus some 8 755 residential opportunities.

Inyaninga has been identified as a possible site location for a large scale manufacturing plant. The iNyaninga site offers numerous advantages for such a development, with close proximity to the airport and major transport routes to the port via the R102 and N2 to facilitate access to market.

Sibaya Coastal Precinct. 

Further development being planned or currently being undertaken include Cornubia, the Dube Trade Port, Sibaya Coastal Precinct, Inyaninga, Whetstone Business Park, and in the Durban CBD worth billions of rand.