ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
For Immediate Release
ETHEKWINI WELCOMES SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
The eThekwini Municipality welcomes the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to Durban for the 46th Ordinary Summit, which opens tomorrow, Sunday 16 August 2026, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and concludes on Monday 17 August 2026.
The Summit is convened under the theme "Resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World".
South Africa assumes the SADC Chairship for the 2026/27 term at the Summit.
The Municipality has worked closely with national departments, SADC structures, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), and law enforcement agencies throughout the planning period.
Hosting a gathering of this scale reflects the readiness of Durban's convention, accommodation, transport and safety infrastructure to support events of international standing.
Recent labour market data underscores the value of this hosting capability to the local economy: the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2026, released by Statistics South Africa, records an official unemployment rate of 21.2 per cent in eThekwini, the lowest of the country's eight metropolitan municipalities.
Access to the Durban ICC precinct
Residents should note that one municipal road closure applies for the duration of the Summit. Walnut Road, between Bram Fischer Road and Dr AB Xuma Street, has been closed since 27 July 2026 and will reopen on Tuesday 18 August 2026.
All other intersections in the ICC precinct remain accessible. Motorists should however anticipate short, intermittent delays on surrounding routes as delegations are escorted to and from the venue. Law enforcement agencies have deployed additional officers in the precinct to manage traffic, ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians and maintain the flow of traffic.
The Municipality thanks residents and businesses for their cooperation during the Summit period.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
