APPROVAL OF THE ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICE DELIVERY PARTNERING POLICY FRAMEWORK - Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC welcomes the approval of the eThekwini Municipality Development and Service Delivery Partnering Policy Framework by Council, in 2025. The policy framework has been a long-standing deliverable within the Presidential eThekwini Working Group.

Following consultation with the City and private sector, a coordinated framework was needed to formalise partnerships between the public and private sector to mobilise private sector capital, improve efficiency and leverage resources in a more effective manner to address service delivery challenges. In recent years, Durban has faced significant service delivery challenges with constrained budgets, resulting in an urgent need for private sector support. 

The success of its implementation will depend on accountability, transparency and strategic decision making from both Private and Public sector stakeholders. As we look ahead at 2026 plans / deliverables, approval of this framework will serve as a bridge that closes the gap between Private and Public stakeholders. In the initial phase of the policy framework, we encourage eThekwini Municipality to fast-track priority and high impact infrastructure projects. 

As we look at the year ahead, we would like to see the development of public-private partnerships supported by the Development and Service Delivery Partnering Policy Framework, in addressing high impact projects. As organised business, we believe to measure the effectiveness of a policy it needs to be implemented according to its purpose.

Private sector remains readily available to partner with eThekwini by mobilising private sector capital and improving the use of available resources in a more efficient and effective manner. Together we can work towards common goal, to be in business for a better world, by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. We look forward to the collaborative work ahead as the business community of eThekwini.