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

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

Asimile Siyaqhuba - Five Years of Ensuring A Reliable and Efficient Electricity Supply

 

ASIMILE SIYAQHUBA – FIVE YEARS OF ENSURING A RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

 

OVER the past five years, the Energy Management Directorate has delivered critical electricity services to residents and businesses across the metropolitan area, balancing infrastructure renewal, network expansion, revenue reform and social support. Serving approximately 800 000 customers, the directorate remains responsible for one of the largest municipal electricity distribution networks in the country.

 

NETWORK SCALE AND CORE SERVICE DELIVERY

The City’s electricity system comprises more than 110 high-voltage substations and over 14 000 medium-voltage substations. This extensive infrastructure network forms the backbone of electricity distribution, ensuring that power is transmitted safely and efficiently to homes, industries and commercial centres. Maintaining the stability of this system is central to service delivery, as reliable electricity underpins economic growth, public safety, and household wellbeing.

 

INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL AND NETWORK RESILIENCE

A key focus over the five-year period has been addressing aging infrastructure. Significant investment has been directed toward substation refurbishment, equipment replacement and cable renewal programmes. The replacement of aging underground and overhead cables has reduced faults associated with deteriorating infrastructure, improving supply reliability and minimising unplanned outages in affected communities. One of the most notable milestones was the commissioning of the KE Masinga Substation, a 132kV/11kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) facility. This is the first new GIS substation commissioned by the City in nearly a decade and marks a major step forward in adopting advanced, space-efficient and resilient technology. Constructed at an approximate cost of R120 million, the substation forms part of the City’s 25-year Transmission Network Master Plan, designed to guide infrastructure upgrades, expansion, and renewal to meet future demand. Additional upgrades are ongoing, including critical equipment replacement at the Mariannridge 132/11kV Substation, further strengthening network capacity and operational stability.

 

ELECTRIFICATION AND EXPANDING ACCESS

Despite operational challenges during the term, including prolonged shortages of electricity meters, the directorate continued to expand access to electricity. Over the past five years, 19 756 new residential electricity supply connections were installed. Thousands of residents in informal settlements and mixed formal informal areas have benefitted from electrification projects, improving safety, dignity and access to economic opportunities.

 

SMART METERING AND REVENUE PROTECTION

With meter supply constraints now resolved, the directorate has launched its Smart Metering Deployment Strategy. This initiative is aimed at restoring revenue integrity, improving operational efficiency and enhancing customer service. The prepaid smart meters incorporate advanced features such as tamper detection and remote diagnostics, enabling improved monitoring and reducing non-technical losses. To date, over 6 500 smart meters have been installed, with plans to roll out more than 200 000 units in the coming years. The programme is expected to significantly strengthen billing accuracy, reduce electricity theft and provide customers with better control over their consumption.

 

FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY AND SOCIAL IMPACT

The directorate continues to administer the Free Basic Electricity programme in line with national policy guidelines. Since 2003, qualifying indigent households consuming less than 150 kWh per month receive 65 kWh of free electricity monthly, automatically credited to their prepaid meters. Currently, close to 100 000 customers benefit from this subsidy.

Municipality intensifies its winter safety campaign to prevent fires

 

Municipality intensifies its winter safety campaign to prevent fires

SANE SHANDU

ETHEKWINI Municipality’s efforts to protect residents have intensified, with a renewed focus on preventing devastating fires before tragedy strikes this winter season.

As the cold weather sets in, more households turn to heaters, candles, paraffin stoves, and electric blankets to stay warm. While these bring warmth, they also increase the risk of fire, especially in densely populated communities and informal settlements where fires can spread rapidly.

Recognising this growing danger, the Municipality’s Fire Service Directorate has rolled out an expanded winter safety campaign, taking fire prevention directly to people. The campaign is actively reaching communities, schools, and local spaces to share practical safety tips and raise awareness.

Every year, lives are lost and families are left devastated due to fires that could have been prevented. Many of these incidents are caused by everyday actions such as unattended stoves, overloading plugs, or unsafe heating methods.

Director of the Fire Services Directorate Enock Mchunu said fire safety starts with awareness and shared responsibility. ‘’Most fires begin with small mistakes. When people understand the risks and take simple precautions, we can prevent disasters and save lives,’’ he said.

Fire safety teams are working on the ground, empowering communities with knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their loved ones. The aim is to build a culture of safety. ‘’We want to work with communities and schools to ensure they are empowered with skills and tools that safeguard their homes,’’ Mchunu said.

In case of a fire emergency, residents can call 031 361 0000.

Durban Fashion Fair model search returns

 

Durban Fashion Fair model search returns 

NONDUDUZO NGCONGO

THE countdown to the iconic annual Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) showcase has officially begun as the City rolls out its highly anticipated 2026 Model Scouting Roadshows across Durban.

Marking 15 years of fashion excellence, the DFF is once again opening doors for aspiring models to step into the spotlight and launch their careers on one of Africa’s leading fashion platforms.

Young people with confidence, presence, and ambition are invited to attend casting sessions taking place from 16 May to 6 June at key locations across the City.

The roadshows kick off at KwaMashu G Hall on 16 May, followed by Durban Botanic Gardens on 23 May, uMlazi Mega City on 30 May, and conclude at the Pavilion Shopping Centre on 6 June. All sessions run from 9am to 4pm.

This life changing initiative continues to produce success stories, with previous participants securing major campaigns, walking international runways, and building sustainable careers in the fashion industry.

Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, said the programme is a catalyst for youth empowerment and economic inclusion.

‘’Through these roadshows, we are taking opportunities directly to communities and ensuring that undiscovered talent is given a platform to shine. We call on all aspiring models to attend these roadshows.’’

To audition, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, with a minimum height of 1.75m for females and 1.84m for males. Attendees must arrive makeup-free, and bring their original or certified copy of their ID.

For enquiries, call 031 311 4500 or email nondumiso.mthembu@durban.gov.za

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.

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.

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

Enter the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 27, 2026

Durban Tourism has proudly announced that entries are officially open for the 5^th Annual Durban Tourism Business Awards, a flagship competition that celebrates excellence, resilience, and innovation within the tourism and hospitality sector.

Enter the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards. Photo: Fred Felton. 

Businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector are invited to participate by submitting their applications or nominations for the 5^th annual Durban Tourism Business Awards competition.

Entries opened on 23 January and close on 23 March 2026.

To begin the entry process, all tourism businesses within the eThekwini Municipality should follow this link: https://durbantourismawards.com

You will receive an automated email response confirming a successful online entry.

Those businesses that are selected will receive developmental prizes to assist them to elevate their businesses.

All of the category top winners will receive up to R50 000 in prize money.

Award Categories Include:

The Accommodation Awards, Excellence in Hotels and Non-Hotels

MESE Awards: Honouring Meetings, Exhibitions, Special Events, and world-class MESE Venues

Visitor Experiences Awards: Celebrating the destinations that create unforgettable memories for visitors

Tourist Guides Awards: Recognising Nature, Adventure, and Culture Guides

Tour Operators Awards: Awarding excellence for the in-bound travel package curation and execution

Rickshaw Pullers: Honouring the cultural heritage and service of our local operators

Crafters: Celebrating the artistry of local creators

Event owners and Promoter Destination Promotion and Leveraging Platform: Recognising high-impact events as vehicles that promote and profile the destination, while attracting national and international visitors for attendance.

Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year: Specifically recognising black-owned SMMEs who have achieved notable success since starting up

Green Tourism Awards: For leaders in sustainability and eco-friendly practices

Film Makers Award: Recognising film production that is shot in Durban and significantly showcases our destination through the lens of a visitor

Why should you enter?

Prestige: Be part of the business excellence recognition your businesses contribute in tourism growth

Exposure: Benefit from media coverage, marketing opportunities and development

Growth: Use the winner’s seal to build trust with global travellers

To ensure integrity the awards will have a thorough tabulation and audit of the competition process..

This will then be followed by a public voting phase to raise awareness of local tourism products.

An independent panel of judges will adjudicate the competition by visiting the nominated businesses to assess them.

Community Tourism Organisations (CTOs), tourism industry stakeholders and organised tourism business, and the public are encouraged to identify and motivate tourism businesses in their areas to enter the awards.

For more info email: info@durbantourismawards.com or call 031 322 4164. You can also visit www.durbantourismawards.com or www.durban.gov.za or follow @DBNTourism on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

City Opens Applications for 2026 Student Relief Fund

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 12, 2026

The eThekwini Municipality has called on students that are ambitious, deserving residents to take advantage of a great opportunity, the 2026 Student Relief Fund (EMSRF).

Photo: Pixabay. 

This initiative is aimed to help first-time undergraduate students who have been accepted into public higher education institutions, but lack the financial assistance.

The deadline for applications is Friday, 16 January 2026 to submit applications.

The Municipality is looking to break the cycle of poverty and unlock opportunities for a future workforce that will drive innovation and growth in the City.

This EMSRF is a lifeline for students who dream to study in higher education, but face the barriers of a lack of finances.

This fund covers registration fees and may offer limited support toward tuition, ensuring that financial issues do not stand in the way of academic success.

The fund excludes accommodation, books, meals, transport and other related costs.

Who Can Apply?

§  South African citizens permanently residing within eThekwini Municipality (proof of residence required)

§  Students admitted to a public university or TVET college for a full-time qualification recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training

§  Applicants enrolled at UNISA may be considered, if not currently employed

§  Household income must be below R200, 000 per year (proof required)

§  Applicants must meet academic requirements for their chosen programme

 

How to Apply:

Collect application forms from Sizakala Centres that have Human Resources Centre of Excellence offices, or from the EMA Offices, 4^th Floor, Standard Bank Building, 26 Matthews Meyiwa Street.

Submit your completed forms along with:

§  Proof of admission or study from the public university or TVET college

§  Academic results

§  ID documents (student and parent/guardian)

§  Proof of income or affidavit

§  Proof of residence

§  Incomplete applicants will not be considered

 

Submit your applications to Human Resources Centre of Excellence, 21 Archie Gumede Street, Durban, 4001, or Sizakala Centres with HR Centre of Excellence offices.

Applicants who are underrepresented in terms of race, gender and disability will be given priority.

If you have not been contacted within 10 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

For more information on the Student Relief Fund, contact 031 311 3924 or 031 322 0413.

A Day in the Life of PeWG

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 17, 2025

Service delivery in the City has been accelerated by the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG). Last week on 13^th November a high-level delegation led by Co-Chairs of PeWG Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni and Mike Mabuyakhulu did an inspection of big service delivery projects underway in the City.

A Presidential eThekwini Working Group tour led Co-Chairs Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni and Mike Mabuyakhulu, appraised the progress of major development projects underway in the City. | Photo: Saneli Mthalane 

The delegation from PeWG which included key stakeholders from the City visited Moses Mabhida Stadium, Rivertown Precinct, the Southern Aqueduct, the uMlazi Canal and Phoenix Industrial Park.

PeWG was established as a result of engagements between the President and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry to look at pressing challenges such as interruptions in water supply, old infrastructure, tourism decline, crime and port issues.

One of the flagship projects that PeWG looks at is the uMlazi Canal Flood Alleviation Scheme, an essential flood mitigation project that protects the South Durban Basin’s industrial hub.

As a result of intervention from PeWG, Transnet accepted ownership of the canal and did repairs which are 81 percent complete.

The full restoration is due for June 2026 at a projected cost of between R2 billion and R3 billion.

The PeWG tour also inspected the Southern Aqueduct Upgrade. | Photo: Saneli Mthalane. 

Another catalytic project is the Southern Aqueduct Upgrade which is underway in the City, aiming to enhance bulk water security and resilience across the southern region of eThekwini.

The project is divided into 8 work packages, construction is 40 percent complete, with full commissioning around mid-2026.

So far this project has created employment and integrated digital supervisory control and data acquisition systems to modernise water management.

The PeWG’s Focused Intervention Team has also helped with urban renewal; problem and neglected buildings such as 85 Anton Lembede Street and 516 Dr Pixley KaSeme Street have seen visible improvements and legal recovery efforts.

Through PeWG Workstream 3, security and social stability have improved through expanded CCTV coverage, enhanced Operation Shanele deployments and new measures to look at homelessness and forensic laboratory backlogs.

PeWG’s integrated results-driven approach is quickly becoming a national model for restoring confidence, resilience, and growth in the urban centres of South Africa.

The uMlazi Canal Upgrade. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

Mabuyakhulu noted that over the past year, the PeWG has evolved into one of the City’s most progressive initiatives.

He also highlighted that eThekwini has seen improvements in water and sanitation service delivery.

The inspections also provided an opportunity to celebrate achievements that have been made possible thanks to partnerships, especially with the business sector, which has helped restore public trust and business confidence in the City.

‘’Witnessing how eThekwini has implemented initiatives to address service delivery challenges while boosting confidence is commendable,’’ said Co-Chair of PeWG, Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni.