eThekwini Municipality has taken a major step towards hosting matches during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 after Council approved the signing of a Host City Agreement with Cricket South Africa.
The agreement paves the way for Durban to host matches during one of international cricket's premier tournaments, reinforcing the city's position as a leading destination for major sporting events, tourism, and investment.
Council authorised City Manager Musa Mbhele to sign the Host City Agreement on behalf of the municipality.
The tournament is expected to attract thousands of international visitors, cricket supporters, commercial partners and global media, providing an opportunity to showcase Durban's tourism attractions, cultural heritage, world-class sporting facilities, and investment potential.
The municipality said hosting the event is expected to stimulate economic activity across the hospitality, accommodation, transport, retail and entertainment sectors, while creating opportunities for local businesses, employment and skills development.
The Executive Director for Community Services, Dr Vusi Mazibuko has been designated as the lead executive responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Host City Agreement within the municipality.
“An allocation of R600 000 has been provided in the 2026/27 financial year budget to support preparatory and implementation activities linked to Durban’s Host City obligations.
“The full scope of municipal responsibilities and related operational requirements will be finalised during the implementation process and will be incorporated into future budgeting and approval processes,” the council said.
Durban, Portugal explore stronger ties
Meanwhile, eThekwini Municipality and Portuguese cities are set to explore closer cooperation in culture, trade and tourism following discussions between eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba and Portuguese Ambassador to South Africa, Carlos Costa Neves.
Neves and his delegation met with Xaba in Durban on Monday to discuss areas of collaboration, with a focus on preserving shared cultural heritage and exploring strategic socioeconomic partnerships.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to explore formal sister-city partnerships between Durban and the Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto.
Xaba said the proposed partnerships will strengthen cooperation and promote mutual growth in key sectors including maritime trade, tourism, municipal infrastructure, and knowledge exchange.
“As a city, we view these developments as a significant step towards enriching Durban's cultural landscape while unlocking new opportunities for international trade, investment, and tourism," Xaba said.
Xaba also announced plans to relocate the statue of renowned Portuguese writer and poet Fernando Pessoa from the Durban Central Business District to the Durban Botanic Gardens.
He said the proposed relocation will preserve the monument while placing it in a safer, more accessible tourism and heritage destination.
"Fernando Pessoa occupies a unique place in Durban's history. He lived in the city during his formative years from 1895 to 1905 and attended Durban High School. It was here that he mastered the English language, a skill that profoundly influenced his early literary works and contributed to his international acclaim," Xaba said.
Neves welcomed the municipality's decision to relocate the Fernando Pessoa statue and expressed support for strengthening collaboration between eThekwini and Portuguese cities. – SAnews.gov.za
