FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ADVANCES KEY PLANNING, ENTERPRISE AND ENVIRONMENTAL REFORMS
The City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee has advanced several key strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening spatial planning, enterprise development, environmental governance, and electoral compliance.
Speaking at a meeting held at the Durban City Hall, Chairperson of the Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, said the matters considered demonstrate the City’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, good governance, and creating opportunities for local businesses.
All matters remain subject to approval by the Executive Committee and Full Council where applicable.
CITY REVIEWS SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE FRAMEWORKS
The Committee recommended the review of the Municipal Spatial Development Framework for 2026/27 and the annual Land Use Management Scheme.
The Municipal Spatial Development Framework serves as the City’s primary spatial planning instrument, guiding future growth, infrastructure investment, and land use decisions.
The review incorporates public and stakeholder input to ensure development priorities respond to community needs while promoting economic growth and addressing historical spatial inequalities.
The Land Use Management Scheme review seeks to align planning regulations with emerging development trends and legislative requirements through updates to zoning provisions, development controls, and planning definitions.
Together, these reviews will strengthen sustainable development, improve investment certainty, and support the creation of resilient, well-planned communities.
PARTNERSHIPS TO STRENGTHEN SMALL BUSINESS AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
In a move to accelerate enterprise development and expand access to economic opportunities, the Committee supported the conclusion of two strategic Memoranda of Understanding.
The first partnership, between KwaZulu-Natal Oils, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and eThekwini Municipality, will provide enterprise and supplier development support to emerging businesses over a three-year period.
The programme will focus on training, incubation, market access, and business growth opportunities.
The second Memorandum of Understanding, between the Municipality’s AgriBusiness Division and the Fuze Business Initiative, will support capacity building for micro-enterprises within the agricultural sector and provide infrastructure development support at the City’s Agri-Park incubator sites in Cottonlands and Ottawa.
These partnerships are expected to strengthen small business sustainability, improve market participation, and create pathways for economic inclusion.
COMMITTEE SUPPORTS BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION BY-LAW
The Committee considered a report on the proposed Biodiversity Protection Bylaw, a key initiative aimed at safeguarding environmentally sensitive areas and promoting sustainable development across eThekwini.
The by-law will provide a framework for protecting critical ecosystems, conserving indigenous biodiversity, managing invasive species, and regulating development activities that may impact environmentally significant areas.
The proposed legislation also encourages public participation and environmental stewardship while strengthening the Municipality’s ability to balance development with conservation priorities.
CITY MAINTAINS OVERSIGHT OF ELECTION POSTER COMPLIANCE
The Committee also considered a report on the erection and management of election posters within the Municipal area ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The report outlines the regulatory framework governing election advertising, including designated display areas, installation requirements, poster quotas, removal deadlines, and enforcement measures.
These regulations are aimed at protecting public infrastructure, preserving the visual environment, and ensuring fair and orderly election campaigning.
The Committee noted improvements in compliance and welcomed ongoing efforts to strengthen monitoring, public awareness, and enforcement measures to ensure adherence to Municipal by-laws and minimise the impact of illegal advertising on public spaces.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
