FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE DRIVES STRATEGIC PROGRAMMES
At its meeting held today, 19 March, the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee recommended a set of high-impact strategic programmes across key sectors, including agribusiness, energy sustainability, enterprise development, and investment promotion through business events.
These initiatives are designed to accelerate economic recovery, unlock investment, strengthen inclusive growth, and position Durban as a globally competitive and resilient city.
All matters remain subject to approval by the Executive Committee (EXCO) and Full Council.
RESURGENCE 2026 SET TO ATTRACT GLOBAL INVESTMENT AND DRIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT
The Committee recommended the hosting of the 2026 reSURGEnce Conference Durban, a flagship international platform delivered in partnership with the New York Times.
Set to take place from 24 to 28 July at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, the conference will continue to bring together global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to engage on economic recovery, innovation, and future growth sectors.
This year’s conference is projected to generate approximately R25 million in direct economic impact, contribute over R60 million to the GDP, and create around 110 short-term jobs, while significantly boosting business tourism, investment promotion, and Durban’s global brand positioning.
CANNABIS AND HEMP PILOT TO POSITION DURBAN AS AN AGRIBUSINESS HUB
The Committee recommended a proposal for a partnership between the City’s Agribusiness Division and Royal Queen Seeds South Africa to implement a Cannabis and Hemp Commercialisation Pilot Programme through a three-year memorandum of understanding.
This pioneering initiative will position eThekwini as a leader in the emerging cannabis and hemp sector through a structured regulatory sandbox that ensures compliance while enabling innovation.
The fully funded programme by Royal Queen Seeds South Africa will focus on research, farmer development, and sector readiness, providing emerging farmers, cooperatives, and heritage growers with access to advanced genetics, technical expertise, and global best practice.
The three-year programme is expected to unlock new agricultural value chains, support rural development, and strengthen the Municipality’s readiness for future commercialisation opportunities in line with national legislative developments.
This partnership aligns with eThekwini’s Agribusiness Masterplan and supports broader goals of job creation, rural development, and investment attraction.
BUFFELSDRAAI REFORESTATION PROJECT DELIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC GAINS
The Committee applauded the alignment of the Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project with the City’s climate action and green economy goals, as well as partnerships with community cooperatives and stakeholders.
This follows the presentation of the Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project to the Committee, highlighting progress in restoring indigenous forest ecosystems while delivering socio-economic benefits.
The project supports biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and catchment management, while creating livelihoods through plant propagation, site preparation and maintenance.
It has delivered benefits to communities near the landfill site through its tree-preneur model, enabling unemployed residents to earn income by growing indigenous seedlings.
To date, the project has created over 40 full-time jobs, 16 part-time positions and nearly 400 temporary opportunities linked to planting, maintenance, fire management and conservation.
Environmentally, more than 500 000 indigenous trees have been planted across over 520 hectares of degraded land.
The restored forest is expected to sequester about 42 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2028, while providing ecosystem services such as flood control, erosion reduction, improved water quality and reduced fire risk.
Biodiversity monitoring shows an increase in bird species, reflecting habitat recovery and reinforcing the project as a leading example of nature-based solutions driving climate resilience and inclusive development.
The project continues to position Durban as a leader in nature-based solutions, linking environmental restoration with inclusive economic growth.
COOPERATIVE STRATEGY REVAMP TO STRENGTHEN INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
The Committee also recommended the adoption of the reviewed Cooperative Development Strategy to enhance the sustainability and performance of cooperatives.
Building on the previous strategy implemented since 2019, which enabled approximately 600 cooperatives to secure three-year Municipal contracts, the revised framework focuses on capacity building, market access, governance support, and financial sustainability.
The strategy aims to deepen economic inclusion, expand opportunities for small enterprises, and strengthen the role of cooperatives within the local economy.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
