EThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, chaired by Councillor Thembo Ntuli, today approved the following reports during its meeting.
These reports will now proceed to the Executive Committee and Full Council for consideration.
STRATEGIC NAVIGO PARTNERSHIP TO POSITION DURBAN AS AFRICA’S SUPERYACHT HUB
The Committee has approved a report seeking to formalise a strategic partnership with Navigo of Italy and host the internationally recognised Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) Symposium in Durban from 2026 to 2028.
The proposed partnership forms part of the City’s broader economic development and inner-city regeneration initiatives aimed at positioning Durban as Africa’s premier coastal and maritime investment destination.
YARE is a globally respected superyacht industry platform that brings together international yacht captains, marina operators, investors, shipyards, and marine service providers.
Durban’s selection as the African host city presents a significant opportunity to unlock investment in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
The initiative is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits through job creation in marine services, refit yards, and marina operations, while creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs to participate in global supply chains.
The partnership will also facilitate specialised skills development in marine engineering, precision manufacturing, and maritime technologies through collaboration with local universities and TVET colleges.
In addition, the symposium is expected to attract foreign direct investment into ship repair facilities, marina infrastructure, and waterfront developments, while increasing tourism spending by attracting high net-worth visitors to Durban.
The proposed partnership supports the City’s vision of growing the ocean economy, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and strengthening Durban’s global competitiveness as Africa’s leading port and maritime city.
REVISED INCENTIVE POLICY TO BOOST INVESTMENT AND JOB CREATION
The Committee has considered the annual review of the Economic Development Incentive Policy (EDIP) for the 2026/27 financial year, aimed at accelerating investment, supporting business growth, and creating jobs across the City.
Minor amendments were made to the policy to align it with the approved budget, particularly regarding property rates randages.
In addition, the incentive period for catalytic projects in the inner city may be extended from three to five years, while investments exceeding R300 million may apply for a five-year incentive period for catalytic development projects, subject to Council approval and compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act, as amended.
The revised policy remains a key tool in attracting new investment to eThekwini and supports the Municipality’s broader economic development strategy by offering qualifying investors property rates rebates for industrial, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
The policy prioritises investments that contribute to economic growth, urban regeneration, and employment creation, particularly within targeted sectors such as automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, green industries, business process services, film production, and marine manufacturing.
The EDIP also places a strong emphasis on developing priority economic nodes, including the inner city, township economies, transit-oriented development corridors, and other strategic investment areas identified in the City’s Spatial Development Framework.
Through the incentive programme, investors can qualify for rebates based on investment value, jobs created, targeted sector participation, and location within designated priority areas.
This approach is designed to stimulate private sector investment, unlock catalytic projects, and improve the ease of doing business in eThekwini.
The policy review comes at a critical time as the City continues its efforts to strengthen economic recovery, support industrial growth, and create sustainable employment opportunities following recent economic challenges.
The EDIP is expected to contribute to increased investor confidence, expanded economic activity, revitalised business districts, and greater long-term economic resilience for Durban and its communities.
INVESTOR ENGAGEMENTS STRENGTHEN ETHEKWINI’S CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE
The Committee has noted the positive progress being made through ongoing investor engagements facilitated by the Catalytic Projects Directorate with strategic partnerships continuing to unlock development opportunities across the City.
The Friday Investor Meetings, led by eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbele, have become an important platform for strengthening collaboration between the Municipality, developers, investors, and strategic stakeholders.
Through these engagements, key development constraints are identified and addressed, enabling projects to move more efficiently through planning, regulatory, and implementation processes.
The City is currently monitoring 20 strategic investment projects with an estimated combined value of approximately R189 billion and the potential to support 550 000 jobs.
The success of these engagements demonstrates growing confidence in Durban as an investment destination and highlights the value of a coordinated approach between the public and private sectors.
The partnerships established through the programme have improved communication, strengthened investor confidence, and created a collaborative environment that supports long-term economic growth.
Several catalytic developments across strategic economic nodes continue to progress through various stages of planning and implementation.
These projects are expected to stimulate activity in key sectors, including commercial property, logistics, tourism, manufacturing, maritime industries, and mixed-use developments.
Their impact extends beyond individual developments by attracting secondary investment, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The Municipality’s investment facilitation efforts form part of a broader strategy to accelerate economic growth, support urban regeneration, and expand economic opportunities for residents.
Supported by initiatives such as the Economic Development Incentive Policy and other investor-focused programmes, the City continues to position itself as a competitive destination for local and international investment.
As more projects move towards implementation, the expected benefits include increased construction activity, new employment opportunities, improved Municipal revenues, and enhanced investor confidence.
These outcomes will contribute significantly to the growth and resilience of the local economy while supporting eThekwini’s vision of becoming Africa’s most liveable and investment-friendly city.
ETHEKWINI EXPANDS COMPLIANCE AND SUPPORT FOR HAIR AND BEAUTY SALONS
The Committee has welcomed the implementation report on the Hair and Beauty Salon Regulation Programme, which continues to be rolled out across the City to help salon owners operate legally, safely, and sustainably.
The programme aims to formalise the hair and beauty sector by assisting businesses to comply with licensing requirements, Municipal by-laws, and health, hygiene, and safety standards, while promoting fair business practices and protecting consumers.
It also seeks to reduce illegal salon operations, improve compliance, strengthen public health and safety, and create opportunities for business development.
Salon owners participating in the programme receive guidance on licensing requirements, regulatory compliance, and available business support services.
The workshops also provide an opportunity to engage directly with Municipal officials and partner organisations, making it easier for businesses to understand and meet legal operating requirements.
Following successful workshops in uMlazi and Pinetown, the programme continues with compliance support workshops scheduled at the following venues:
- Bester Hall, KwaMashu – 22 July
- EThekwini Community Church, Durban CBD – 24 July
- Amanzimtoti Civic Centre – 27 July
- Mount View Civic Centre, Verulam – 29 July
The workshops will also feature exhibitions, data mapping, and compliance support activities, reinforcing the Municipality’s commitment to building a safe, professional, and sustainable hair and beauty industry.
Speech by the Mayor of Ethekwini Municipality, Councillor Cyril Xaba at Sez Conference