ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PEWG PARTNERSHIP ENTERS NEW PHASE TO ACCELERATE ECONOMIC GROWTH
The Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PEWG) partnership between government and the private sector is entering a new phase focused on accelerating economic growth, following a period of economic stabilisation.
At a high-level meeting held this week, representatives from the Presidency, private sector, and national, provincial, and municipal government aligned on a set of targeted interventions aimed at unlocking investment and stimulating growth in eThekwini.
Central to this next phase is the establishment of Focused Intervention Teams (FITs), each mandated to address key structural constraints to economic expansion.
The FITs will focus on priority areas including manufacturing and industrial zones, infrastructure partnerships, development planning processes and related charges, as well as the rehabilitation of problem buildings.
Collectively, these interventions aim to improve the investment climate, enhance service delivery, and strengthen economic competitiveness.
A key proposal discussed was the enhancement of the One Stop Shop for investors.
The proposed model introduces a single entry point with delegated authority and decision-making capacity, supported by a hybrid governance structure comprising representatives from multiple departments.
This approach is intended to streamline regulatory processes, reduce turnaround times, and accelerate project approvals.
EThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele emphasised the significance of the partnership’s progress, noting that the initial phase successfully contributed to stabilising the local economy and strengthening collaborative planning and delivery.
He highlighted strong performance in the tourism sector as evidence of the partnership’s impact and confirmed that the next phase will expand into additional sectors to sustain growth momentum over the next two years.
The objective is to create a seamless investment environment that strengthens business confidence, drives job creation, and supports long-term economic revitalisation.
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer, Palesa Phili, welcomed the extension of PEWG by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year, noting the increased focus on investment.
She emphasised the importance of retaining existing investors while addressing challenges such as counterfeit trade.
She also highlighted the role of industry-led engagement in unlocking large-scale investments currently in the pipeline.
The Manufacturing and Industrial Zones FIT will prioritise industrial policy alignment, improved service delivery, and enhanced safety and security to strengthen sector competitiveness.
The Problem Buildings FIT will coordinate efforts to address unsafe, abandoned, and underutilised buildings, supporting urban renewal and improving public safety and investor confidence.
Meanwhile, the Development Planning and Charges FIT will focus on reducing regulatory complexity, lowering costs, and shortening approval timelines to improve ease of doing business and stimulate investment.
Collectively, these targeted interventions reaffirm the commitment of public and private sector partners to position eThekwini as a leading destination for investment and sustainable economic growth.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
