President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the Presidential Council Working Group on Etwatwini (PeWG) is contributing to the restoration of investor confidence in Durban. As part of this work, investment projects valued at over 32 billion rand are being promoted, despite the municipality continuing to face issues with water leaks, infrastructure deficiencies, and security concerns.
This working group was established in April 2024 following meetings between Ramaphosa and the Durban Chamber of Commerce. The goal of these meetings was to address problems related to the decline in service quality in the city, aging infrastructure, reduced tourism, rising crime rates, and the inefficiency of the Port of Durban.
The group comprises representatives from national, provincial, and local governments, the business community, organized labor, and civil society. Their mandate is to coordinate actions aimed at stabilizing municipal services and improving the city's economic prospects.
Ramaphosa presented this initiative as an illustration of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to enhance alignment among different levels of government and other stakeholders. He emphasized that the work of the Presidential Working Group on Etwatwini is a prime example of this model.
According to Ramaphosa, the working group has helped bring investors back to the city by uniting key participants to solve urban challenges. He noted that since the establishment of the Presidential Working Group on Etwatwini, improvements have been observed, and investments have been attracted. Ramaphosa added that investors have returned to Etwatwini because they see the collaborative effort of various key stakeholders in addressing difficulties.
According to the group's latest report, published in October, catalytic investment projects worth over 32 billion rand were identified. Furthermore, improvements have been noted in the municipality's financial management, governance, and tourism promotion. The municipality and its partners have also developed public-private partnership frameworks, industrial corridor planning, and reforms to unlock development opportunities. It is important to note that this amount refers to projects currently in the promotion stage, not funds already spent or completed works.
The next phase of the group's work is intended to accelerate the implementation of plans and ensure that investment intentions translate into economic activity, job creation, and improved municipal services.
Despite the progress made, water supply remains a serious issue for Etwatwini. The municipality is implementing measures to reduce water losses, including water lost due to leaks and distribution problems, as well as unpaid water. Previously, IOL covered the scale of water losses in the city and the costs associated with leak repairs, pipe replacement, and increasing water capacity.
The working group has identified reducing water losses and securing funding for the Umlazi canal modernization as priorities for the next phase. The city is also working on improving transport and infrastructure, including initiatives to restore rail links and further develop the integrated public transport network, GO!Durban. The municipality reported in October that it had obtained regulatory approvals and completed engagement with 18 taxi associations ahead of the planned launch of the C3 Corridor in December 2026.
Safety is another concern. The working group highlighted ongoing problems in the Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu areas, known as PINK zones, and called for further intervention. These difficulties remain critical for the city's economic recovery, as businesses depend on reliable services, functioning transport infrastructure, and a safe operating environment.
Vice President Paul Mashatile received an update on the progress, unresolved issues, and proposed intervention measures during a meeting with the working group at the Durban City Council building on October 23. The meeting reviewed projects where implementation was progressing, where delays persisted, and where additional government intervention was required.
The next phase will focus on accelerating economic development, reducing water losses, promoting railway restoration, and securing funding for the Umlazi canal modernization. Co-chair of the working group, Mike Mabuyakulu, stated that cooperation between the government and social partners is beginning to bear fruit, but he stressed the need to accelerate implementation so that businesses and communities can feel the benefits.
Thus, the success of the working group will depend on whether projects can transition from the planning and commitment stage to actual implementation, demonstrating measurable improvements in services and the local economy.
Ramaphosa stated that this approach extends to other regions of the country, asserting that municipalities can improve through the joint efforts of the government and other stakeholders. He emphasized that this example is applicable nationwide, allowing to 'reposition our metropolises.' Ramaphosa concluded that municipalities can change their standing when key stakeholders work together according to the District Development Model approach. This model aims to improve coordination between national, provincial, and local governments by involving businesses and communities in solving priority development challenges. Ramaphosa cited Etwatwini as an example of what this approach can achieve, noting that 'we have seen great success here.'
