ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECISIONS
The Executive Committee (EXCO) met today, 28 July 2026, and adopted several resolutions aimed at accelerating the implementation of key programmes and addressing key service delivery matters across the Municipality. The reports will now be referred to Full Council for further deliberation and approval.
CITY STRENGTHENS PARTNERSHIPS WITH INVESTORS TO ACCELERATE ECONOMIC GROWTH
The Executive Committee has received a progress report highlighting significant strides by the Office of the City Manager in unlocking strategic investments worth billions of rand, removing regulatory bottlenecks and fast-tracking projects that will drive economic growth across eThekwini.
The report highlighted the City's proactive approach to facilitating investment through close collaboration with investors to resolve challenges, streamline processes and create an enabling environment for economic growth and job creation.
The Municipality is currently monitoring 20 strategic investment projects with a combined investment pipeline valued at approximately R189 billion. These investments have the potential to support an estimated 550 000 employment opportunities, underscoring their significance to the City's economic development agenda.
To date, 10 projects have been fully resolved, demonstrating the effectiveness of the City's coordinated interventions and commitment to improving the ease of doing business.
Progress across the City's regions includes:
• *North:* 86% of projects engaged with the City Manager's Office
• *Outer West:* 67% of projects engaged
• *North Central:* 100% of projects engaged
• *Central:* 25% of projects engaged
Strategic developments currently receiving support through the City's investment facilitation programme include the Sibaya Development, UPL Cornubia, Oceans Umhlanga, Shongweni Mixed-Use Development, Insimbi at Cato Ridge, the Cato Ridge Dry Port, the Avoca Node (Brickworks), Durban Film City, Energex, the Point Precinct and the Beachwood Coastal Estate, among others.
The progress report reflects eThekwini Municipality's continued commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment and strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
UPDATE ON SALARY BENCHMARKING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
The Executive Committee has noted progress made in implementing the Salary Benchmarking Settlement Agreement and has recommended that Council approve a four-month extension to the implementation date.
The proposed extension will allow negotiations on the Municipal Categorisation and Wage Curve Collective Agreement to be finalised and provide sufficient time for a comprehensive financial assessment before the agreement is submitted to Council for final approval.
Negotiations relating to the categorisation and wage structure of municipal employees are progressing well.
According to the report presented to EXCO, parties have agreed in principle that municipal employees should generally be remunerated at the 50th percentile of the market, ensuring salaries remain aligned with those offered by comparable employers.
Independent remuneration specialists, 21st Century, have been appointed to develop salary scales for the 10 categories of municipalities and establish a fair, standardised remuneration framework across local government. The review will consider factors such as municipal revenue, equitable share allocations and population size, aligning the categorisation model with that used for senior managers.
EXCO was also updated on measures being implemented to manage employee-related costs while maintaining service delivery. These include reducing overtime expenditure through the introduction of shift systems in identified municipal departments.
Significant planning has already been undertaken and consultations are currently underway.
BUDGET REPRIORITISATION FOR CRITICAL UPGRADES TO THE DURBAN ICC AHEAD OF THE 46TH SADC SUMMIT
In preparation for the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, EXCO has approved the reprioritisation of R11.337 million from various projects within the Municipality's 2026/27 Capital Budget to the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).
The funding will support critical infrastructure and building upgrades required to ensure the venue is fully prepared to host the Summit in August 2026.
The investment will not only ensure the successful hosting of the SADC Summit but also strengthen the Durban ICC’s long-term value as a strategic municipal asset.
The approval also provides for the reimbursement of the Durban ICC for expenditure already incurred in implementing these upgrades.
This acknowledges the urgency of the project and the need for work to commence ahead of the completion of the formal budget reprioritisation process.
The 46th SADC Summit is expected to bring together Heads of State and Government from the organisation's 16 Member States, as well as senior government officials, policymakers, business leaders and development partners from across the region.
Hosting the Summit presents a significant opportunity to showcase Durban as a premier destination for international conferences and events, while reinforcing the City's strategic role in advancing regional cooperation, trade and economic development.
EXCO APPROVES R42 MILLION GRANT-FUNDED EXPANSION OF NON-SEWERED SANITATION TECHNOLOGIES
As part of its commitment to advancing sustainable sanitation services, the Executive Committee has approved the City Manager entering into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the DBSA Water Partnership Office (WPO) for the implementation of Phase 2 of the Non-Sewered Sanitation (NSS) Technologies Project.
The project will be funded through a grant from the Gates Foundation, with a total allocation of R42 million, inclusive of accrued interest from the date of transfer.
The funding will support the procurement and installation of NSS technologies at selected sites across the Municipality.
In terms of the approved agreement, the DBSA Water Partnership Office will be responsible for all activities relating to the procurement, supply, installation, operation and maintenance of the sanitation technologies until the assets are formally transferred to and accepted by eThekwini Municipality, in accordance with applicable legislation and municipal policies.
Through its Water and Sanitation Directorate, the Municipality will provide strategic oversight throughout the procurement, installation and implementation phases to ensure the project is delivered in line with municipal standards and the objectives of the grant funding.
Phase 2 of the programme will be implemented in two tranches, beginning with the installation of NSS technologies at seven identified sites.
The expansion builds on the success of the initial phase and forms part of the City's broader strategy to increase access to safe, resilient and environmentally sustainable sanitation services.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
