Durban ICC, The Durban ICC has made an immense contribution to both the provincial and national economies since its foundation. In spite of the challenging economic environment, the Durban ICC has managed to show a profit consecutively in the last seven financial periods. Rakharebe said, “I believe our continued success is a result of a concerted effort between our staff, our strategic partners in the City and Province and the loyal support of our clients. This, coupled with diligent management and sound financial controls at all levels of the organisation all help to contribute to the overall success of the Durban ICC. In addition, Rakharebe is well aware of the challenges of a being a woman leader in the often male dominated world of business. She commented, “As a woman, you are gifted; you are a natural lifegiver and whatever you give life to will increase and grow. So whatever challenges you face as a woman, you know how to manoeuvre, whether it’s leading a company or propelling a cause. I believe a woman influences everything she touches.” Empowering others to achieve their highest performance by instilling confidence in all of her team is an important part of Rakharebe’s daily activities. “I believe I have an ability to get the best out of people, enabling them to perform at their optimum. My staff tells me that I lead with love and respect. By loving and respecting my staff I hope to bring the best out of them, which ultimately benefits the organisation,” said Rakharebe. “But the most important thing in remaining Africa’s Leading Convention Centre is that we exceed our clients’ expectations and provide an exceptional experience for each and every event we host,” said Rakharebe. She continued, “I am proud that we had the opportunity to host the Africa’s Travel Indaba, the Sustainable Living Exhibition and the African Renaissance Concert in May. Looking ahead, I am also excited about some of our upcoming events, including the AfricaBio Convention, the World Conference on Drowning Prevention and the United Cities and Local Government Congress 2019.” Rakharebe strongly believes that the Durban ICC has an important role to play in promoting sustainable economic growth for eThekwini including job creation. Rakharebe commented, “I would like to see meaningful enterprise development for SMMEs taking place at a grass-roots level. The Durban ICC has always recognised that the growth of the South African economy is largely dependent on the extent to which historically disadvantaged South Africans participate meaningfully in its growth. However, in order to grow it is also necessary to facilitate a positive future business development environment to attract both domestic and international investment in Durban and South Africa.” “Whilst we celebrate all the good strides we have made in business, we must be mindful that there is still a lot more that needs to be done.” concluded Rakharebe.The Durban ICC has made an immense contribution to both the provincial and national economies since its foundation. In spite of the challenging economic environment, the Durban ICC has managed to show a profit consecutively in the last seven financial periods. Rakharebe said, “I believe our continued success is a result of a concerted effort between our staff, our strategic partners in the City and Province and the loyal support of our clients. This, coupled with diligent management and sound financial controls at all levels of the organisation all help to contribute to the overall success of the Durban ICC. In addition, Rakharebe is well aware of the challenges of a being a woman leader in the often male dominated world of business. She commented, “As a woman, you are gifted; you are a natural lifegiver and whatever you give life to will increase and grow. So whatever challenges you face as a woman, you know how to manoeuvre, whether it’s leading a company or propelling a cause. I believe a woman influences everything she touches.” Empowering others to achieve their highest performance by instilling confidence in all of her team is an important part of Rakharebe’s daily activities. “I believe I have an ability to get the best out of people, enabling them to perform at their optimum. My staff tells me that I lead with love and respect. By loving and respecting my staff I hope to bring the best out of them, which ultimately benefits the organisation,” said Rakharebe. “But the most important thing in remaining Africa’s Leading Convention Centre is that we exceed our clients’ expectations and provide an exceptional experience for each and every event we host,” said Rakharebe. She continued, “I am proud that we had the opportunity to host the Africa’s Travel Indaba, the Sustainable Living Exhibition and the African Renaissance Concert in May. Looking ahead, I am also excited about some of our upcoming events, including the AfricaBio Convention, the World Conference on Drowning Prevention and the United Cities and Local Government Congress 2019.” Rakharebe strongly believes that the Durban ICC has an important role to play in promoting sustainable economic growth for eThekwini including job creation. Rakharebe commented, “I would like to see meaningful enterprise development for SMMEs taking place at a grass-roots level. The Durban ICC has always recognised that the growth of the South African economy is largely dependent on the extent to which historically disadvantaged South Africans participate meaningfully in its growth. However, in order to grow it is also necessary to facilitate a positive future business development environment to attract both domestic and international investment in Durban and South Africa.” “Whilst we celebrate all the good strides we have made in business, we must be mindful that there is still a lot more that needs to be done.” concluded Rakharebe.

Durban ICC (Durban International Convention Centre)

VISION

We are a world-class convention, exhibition, and entertainment centre, where the World meets Africa.

MISSION

To create inspiring convention, exhibition and entertainment experiences that exceed our customers’ expectations in an innovative, sustainable, and proudly multi-cultural African way.

AFRICA’S LEADING CONVENTION CENTRE

Opened by former President Nelson Mandela on the 26 November 1997, the Durban ICC was South Africa’s first International Convention Centre and has played a pioneering role in attracting international events to our shores since its inception.

The Durban ICC is a world-class facility, renowned for its high standards of service excellence and has successfully staged some of the world’s most prestigious and complex events.

The Durban ICC complex offers the largest flat floor, column free multi-purpose event space in Africa. Incorporating the Durban International Convention Centre, the Durban ICC Arena and Durban Exhibition Centre, the complex offers over 112 000m²of flexible exhibition and meeting space. The Centre is a versatile venue of enormous dimensions, flexible enough to meet any need, no matter how extraordinary. International conventions, exhibitions, sporting events, concerts and special occasions of every kind can be accommodated. Flexibility and versatility are key factors in the design of this state-of-the-art, technology-driven centre.

Over the years, the Durban ICC has consistently been recognised for both its operational excellence and its positive social and economic impact, including consistent clean audit opinions from the Auditor-General of South Africa, numerous World Travel Awards, and its recent recognition as ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2025’.

The Durban ICC was also named the winner of the ‘Employer of Choice: Public Sector Organisations’ category at the prestigious Future of HR Awards 2025.

As part of its ongoing commitment to excellence, the Durban ICC is five-star graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and holds a Gold Certification from the AIPC Quality Standards programme, the highest level of accreditation in the global conventions industry. The Centre also proudly maintains four ISO certifications, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, and ISO 45001, making it the only convention centre in South Africa to hold all four, reflecting its leadership in quality management, environmental responsibility, food safety, and occupational health and safety.

The Durban ICC has also been awarded the prestigious Green Star Existing Building certification by Green Building Council of South Africa.

The Durban ICC Arena offers full technical capacity for live broadcasts and house lighting suitable for television production. With four on-site generators providing full back-up power, the Centre ensures uninterrupted service even during power disruptions. The on-site business centre continues to offer internet facilities, banking, foreign exchange, and medical services to support delegates.

The Durban ICC consistently delivers a five-star events experience, exceeding client expectations in an innovative, sustainable, and proudly multi-cultural African way. Over nearly three decades, the Centre has hosted a wide spectrum of high-profile gatherings, from international summits and trade shows to cultural showcases, making a significant contribution to Durban’s economy and global reputation.

World Trade Center Durban

During June 2025, the Durban ICC obtained the licence to operate a World Trade Center (WTC) under the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). This milestone positions Durban as the only city in South Africa and by extension southern Africa, to hold a WTC licence, placing the city in a strategic position to lead global trade and investment facilitation.

The establishment of the World Trade Center Durban is intended to build on the Durban ICC’s proven track record as Africa’s leading convention centre and its significant contribution to economic growth, trade, investment, and job creation. The WTC Durban will function as a year-round international trade and investment hub, complementing the Durban ICC’s existing events, conferences, and exhibitions ecosystem.

WTC Durban Service Offerings

Trade Desk and Trade Services
International Events and Trade Shows
Business Incubation and Trade Facilitation Services
Office Rentals and Co-Working Spaces
Trade Missions and Corporate Matchmaking Events
Membership Programme and WTC Club

CONTACT DETAILS

Physical Address: Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex, 45 Bram Fischer Road, Durban

Tel: +27 (0)31 360 1000

E-mail: sales@icc.co.za

Website: www.icc.co.za

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