ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SA METRO MAYORS UNITE TO DELIVER WORLD-CLASS 2027 CRICKET WORLD CUP
With just 15 months remaining before South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, has convened a high-level meeting of metro mayors from all host cities to strengthen coordination and accelerate preparations for the global spectacle.
The strategic briefing, led by Local Organising Committee (LOC) CEO, Qondisa Ngwenya, provided a comprehensive overview of expectations, timelines, and critical deliverables required to ensure the successful hosting of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
In his address, Mayor Xaba underscored the importance of leveraging the World Cup as a platform to showcase South Africa’s rich cultural diversity, vibrant cities, and renowned hospitality to a global audience.
He stressed that the tournament presents a unique opportunity, not only to deliver a world-class sporting event, but also to drive inclusive economic growth.
“This World Cup is not just a sporting event. It is a catalyst for economic development, tourism expansion, and job creation,” said Xaba.
“As the City of Durban, we have a proud track record of successfully hosting major international events, and our world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art sporting facilities position us strongly to deliver an unforgettable experience for players, officials, and fans alike.”
Discussions at the meeting focused on key readiness areas, including stadium compliance, transport and mobility systems, safety and security, accommodation capacity, and fan engagement.
The LOC outlined strict benchmarks aligned with International Cricket Council (ICC) requirements, emphasising the need for host cities to meet global standards across all operational aspects.
There was a unanimous agreement among the mayors to adopt a collaborative, whole-of-government approach, working closely with Cricket South Africa (CSA), the LOC, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless planning and execution.
This includes ongoing coordination across national, provincial, and local government structures to fast-track infrastructure readiness and service delivery.
The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to delivering a tournament that not only meets, but exceeds international expectations, while leaving a lasting legacy for host communities through improved infrastructure, increased investment, and enhanced global visibility.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
