On 23 April 2026, the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee convened to approve a series of landmark initiatives designed to revitalise the local economy, reinforce fiscal oversight, and cement Durban’s status as a premier global destination.
Reports noted by the Committee are yet to be considered by the Executive Committee and Full Council before any decisions are finalised.
Large scale events position Durban as leading destination
ECOD noted presentations about the Durban Business Tourism Awards, The Metro FM Awards and the Africa Travel Indaba (ATI) that will be taking place in the City in coming weeks.
These major international and national events position Durban as a leading business events and tourism destination.
The Metro FM Awards and associated events that will be taking place in the City this coming long weekend have created a buzz, with thousands of visitors, artists, media professionals and production crews converging on the City, boosting hotels occupancy, restaurant trade and local procurement.
Small businesses, including event suppliers, stylists, set designers and technical crews, will benefit directly from the scale and reach of the event.
Importantly, the Metro FM Music Awards also showcases South Africa’s creative talent, aligning with Durban’s broader strategy to grow the cultural and creative industries as engines of employment and youth empowerment.
Creative events not only drive visitor numbers, but also nurture local talent and stimulate innovation.
Africa Travel Indaba (ATI), taking place in May, will once again highlight Durban’s strategic role in advancing South Africa’s tourism offering to global markets. As one of the continent’s largest tourism trade exhibitions and one of the top three events of its kind on the global calendar, ATI has won the accolades as Africa’s best travel and tourism show awarded by the Association of World Travel Awards.
The event connects international buyers with African tourism products, facilitating deals, partnerships and long-term market access.
Durban won the bid to host ATI for the next five years, from 2026 to 2030, solidifying its position as the continent’s tourism hub.
These events showcase Durban as a city capable of delivering large-scale, broadcast-quality events, reinforcing confidence among promoters and investors. This visibility translates into long-term brand value, positioning Durban as an attractive host city for future entertainment, sporting and lifestyle events.
Business tourism plays a critical role in driving inclusive economic growth, supporting hospitality, transport, creative industries and small enterprises across the value chain.
The Awards and Travel Indaba highlight how Durban continues to attract high-value conferences, trade exhibitions and corporate events, despite a challenging global operating environment contributing to Durban’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Partnership with EWSETA and FoodBev SETA Advances Skills Development
A new proposed partnership between the municipality, the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) and the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FoodBev SETA) marks a significant step towards workforce development and skills alignment.
The collaboration seeks to address critical skills shortages in key growth sectors, including energy, water management and food manufacturing.
Through targeted training programmes, learnerships and workplace-based learning, the initiative aims to improve employability, particularly among youth and unemployed residents.
By aligning local economic priorities with sector-specific skills programmes, the partnership ensures that training is demand-driven and responsive to industry needs. This approach strengthens the link between education, employment and economic growth.
Employers also benefit from access to a more skilled and job-ready workforce, enhancing productivity and competitiveness.
The partnership further promotes transformation by supporting small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs within these sectors.
Skills development remains a cornerstone of inclusive growth. Through strategic partnerships with SETAs, the municipality continues to invest in human capital as a driver of sustainable livelihoods and long-term economic resilience.
Simultaneously, the Furniture Industry Development Programme reported significant gains. The KwaMashu Furniture Incubator (KFI) has supported 35 SMEs and created 153 jobs, while the eThekwini Furniture Cluster (EFC) facilitated R4.2 million in retail orders.
The committee approved continued funding for 2026/2027 to focus on bulk-buying and sustainable production
Juncao Technology Programme to Support Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods
The committee considered a report to implement the Juncao Technology programme, an innovative agricultural initiative that uses grass-based technology to cultivate mushrooms and support livestock feed production. The programme offers significant potential to strengthen food security, rural development and sustainable livelihoods.
Juncao Technology is particularly suited to communities with limited access to traditional agricultural inputs. It requires less water, can be implemented on small plots of land and produces high-yield, nutritionally rich outputs.
This makes it an effective tool for supporting emerging farmers and community-based enterprises.
The programme also presents opportunities for skills transfer, enterprise development and value-chain participation, from production to processing and marketing.
By equipping beneficiaries with both technical and business skills, the initiative fosters self-reliance and income generation.
Environmental sustainability is a key advantage of Juncao Technology, as it promotes soil rehabilitation and reduces reliance on chemical inputs. Its implementation aligns with broader climate adaptation and green economy objectives.
Through the rollout of Juncao Technology, the Municipality aims to diversify economic opportunities, strengthen local agriculture and contribute to inclusive, environmentally responsible development.
35 Pitches