A lively street parade celebrated the City’s cultural diversity. This preceded eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda’s State of the City Address at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda delivered the State of the City Address on 30 April which he described as significant as it was delivered against the backdrop of the 30th anniversary of the democratic government. He said eThekwini Municipality continues to be functional and financially sustainable which has been confirmed by the recent unqualified audit opinion report by the Auditor-General. 

Speaking on investment, Mayor Kaunda said their efforts to attract investment to the City has resulted in new developments which have transformed the skyline of the City. In the north of Durban, there is the uMhlanga Oceans Development, Sibaya Development, Midway Crossing, and Brickworks where the City recently launched a Takealot warehouse which is going to yield over 20 000 job opportunities. “In the outer west region we are in the second year of the construction of the Westown Development which has come hot on the heels of the Keystone and Cato Ridge developments. 

With all these investments, we are building a vibrant transport and logistics corridor that connects KwaZulu-Natal and other neighbouring provinces such as Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Free State. More importantly, these projects, including the recently unveiled R2 billion Giba Business Park will also help ease the burden on our roads leading to the harbour,” he said. In the south of Durban, planned construction of the Auto Supply Park at the old Durban Airport site is forging ahead.

The transformation of the old Clairwood Racecourse into a strategic logistics and warehousing park continues. “All these key projects demonstrate that with strong partnership between business and government, a great deal could be achieved,” he said. Mayor Kaund added that the City’s forecast for economic growth is 0.9% for 2024. “We remain committed to addressing the concerns of the business community  to improve the ease of doing business. This will boost business confidence and position eThekwini as a formidable competitor for investment.”