Plans are well on track to restore the eThekwini municipality as it aims to ensure that it attracts investors and tourists as well as improve service delivery for residents.
This as the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) undertook an Inspection in Loco across selected sites within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality on Thursday.
Led by the Presidency under the leadership of the Director-General Phindile Baleni as the co-chair of the project, in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, the visits assessed progress achieved so far. This is through coordinated interventions under the PeWG, with a focus on tourism revitalisation, inner-city regeneration and key water and environmental infrastructure projects.
According to the PeWG, the project is also aimed at restoring public confidence and service delivery in the metro.
The group expressed satisfaction with the progress made in and around the city.
Baleni explained that when the group began its work, the task was to move from frustration to focus, and talk to tangible action.
“As we would be aware, this project has been experiencing delays due to funding shortfalls. The PeWG hosted the Umlazi Canal Financing Workshop which discussed funding solutions to ensure this critical piece of work proceeds.”
Baleni said the projects are proof that partnerships and collaboration do work.
“The PeWG has made it possible for government, business and social partners to work collaboratively in resolving mutual areas of frustration. Through the PeWG, we have seen what happens when government leads with clarity and accountability.
“Today is not merely about visiting sites. It is about reflection and recommitment, celebrating progress, identifying bottlenecks, and accelerating delivery where it matters most.
Ensuring change
In his remarks, Micheal Mabuyakhulu, who is also the co-chair of the project said the inspection is more than just about site visits, but an accountability exercise.
“It is about ensuring that the progress we report translates into visible change in the lives of the people we serve,” he said.
Mabuyakhulu said over the past year and a half, the PeWG has evolved into one of the most effective collaborative platforms in the country.
“We have seen evidence of delivery through improved water revenue collection, upgraded infrastructure, enhanced safety operations, and stronger engagement between the public and private sectors,” he said.
He further explained that the inspection gives government a moment to listen directly to the technical teams, to see obstacles on the ground, and to strengthen coordination where gaps remain.
“It also allows us to celebrate the commitment of our social partners, particularly business, whose partnership and participation is critical to the success of the PeWG.
“As we move through the itinerary, let us remember that citizens are not waiting for promises, they are waiting for performance and tangible results.
“The residents across eThekwini, traders in the CBD [central business district], and the industries and businesses operating in and around Phoenix Industrial Park and the South Durban Basin, are watching for signs that the promises of this partnership are becoming reality.
“The inspection forms part of ongoing efforts to accelerate service delivery, restore infrastructure functionality and strengthen investor and community confidence in the metro.”
Mabuyakhulu also assured eThekhwini residents that the projects will be delivered successfully.
“If something is working, we must replicate it. If something is stuck, we must unblock it quickly. That is what will restore public confidence in the state’s ability to serve.
“The success of today’s programme will rely on our ability to facilitate open and frank conversations. Beyond this, we need to swiftly ensure that we design effective solutions, focusing on clear actions and assigning clear responsibilities.”
Shared responsibility
He added that the recovery of eThekwini Municipality, along with the success of the PeWG, relies on collective commitment and shared responsibility.
“While it is important that we address and discuss critical delays and areas of frustration, it is equally important that we collectively work towards implementing impactful solutions,” he said while also thanking all spheres of government and business leadership for their continued commitment.
“As the PeWG, we remain firmly invested in ensuring that the outcomes of today’s inspection translate into clear follow-up actions, timelines and accountability.”
The inspection forms part of ongoing efforts to accelerate service delivery, restore infrastructure functionality, and strengthen investor and community confidence in the metro. The projects are expected to be complete by next year.
Restoring investor confidence
Vice-President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kim Macllwaine, said the projects will restore investor confidence in the metro.
“Progress has been made in the last 12 to 18 months of the Presidential Working Group, I hope that confidence will increase in the future,” he said.
Taking action
In February 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by the then Minister of Police Bheki Cele, the then Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and the then Public Works and Infrastructure Minister,Sihle Zikalala, met with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and various social partners to discuss service delivery challenges in the metro.
Challenges raised included interruptions to water supply, poorly maintained and damaged infrastructure due to the 2022 floods, a worrying decline in tourism numbers to the city, port efficiency concerns and crime.
At the time, the President and the Ministers reiterated government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through a collaborative approach with social partners in eThekwini.
The Presidential eThekwini Working Group is co-chaired by the Director-General in the Presidency and Secretary of Cabinet, Phindile Baleni and former KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu.
The group is responsible for reporting progress on the implementation of turnaround strategies to the President and Minsters every three weeks.
The learnings and outcomes of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group will inform similar interventions in other municipalities facing service delivery challenges.
Thursday’s inspection kicked off at Moses Mabhida Stadium which is undergoing rehabilitation.
The sites visited are the Umlazi Canal which is one of the most critical flood management infrastructures in the South Durban Basin, the Phoenix Industrial Park and the revitalisation of the Rivertown and the old Post Office building project where eThekwini has proven that urban renewal is possible. – SAnews.gov.za
