The Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) has taken a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between government and business, advancing a public-private partnership (PPP) policy framework aimed at improving service delivery and driving economic growth in eThekwini.
The workshop, held this week at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, brought together the eThekwini Municipality, representatives from various spheres of government, including the Office of the Presidency and key business leaders to deliberate on the Development and Service Delivery Partnering Policy Framework.
The framework reflects a collective commitment to create a more enabling environment for collaboration and to accelerate implementation following its adoption in October 2025.
Opening the session, PeWG cochairperson, Michael Mabuyakhulu, emphasised the urgency of translating policy into measurable outcomes.
“These discussions are about moving from policy to action,” Mabuyakhulu said, highlighting the need to establish an independent PPP office to serve as a central coordination mechanism.
He added that finalising the implementation framework, including standard operating procedures, an implementation plan and a steering committee is crucial to ensure legal and institutional alignment for efficient execution, while strengthening collaboration and accountability.
“The success of this framework will be measured not by its existence, but by the impact it delivers. Collective commitment from all stakeholders will determine its success,” Mabuyakhulu said.
Acting eThekwini City Manager Sipho Cele highlighted the need for a clear, credible and well-governed approach to manage partnerships with the private sector.
He said the framework addresses long-standing challenges such as fragmented partnership arrangements, regulatory uncertainty, and inconsistent application of rules.
“The policy introduces a single, standardised and transparent system for identifying, assessing, approving, and managing partnerships. This ensures legal compliance, protects financial sustainability, and delivers value for money for the residents of eThekwini,” Cele said.
Business leaders also expressed strong support for the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CEO Palesa Phili said business is ready to partner with the city to address key challenges, including infrastructure, water and sanitation, and energy.
“This partnership will unlock investment and accelerate service delivery in the region, and business looks forward to the speedy finalisation of the policy framework,” Phili said. – SAnews.gov.za
