5 MARCH 2026
COMMENT: PEWG UPDATE ENGAGEMENT
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On March 3, 2026, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC hosted President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the status of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PEWG). The engagement brought together public and private sector. Since its establishment in February 2024, the Presidential eThekwini Working Group has achieved tangible progress, including improved business confidence, notable gains in tourism and manufacturing, and the approval of the eThekwini Development and Service Delivery Policy Framework. Despite these improvements, the business sector raised issues around supply chain processes taking too long, a lack of adequate oversight, and insufficient on-site management and coordination.
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC is pleased to note that President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved the extension of the PeWG. We also welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighting Durban will now be the official host of the SADC Summit in August 2026. We believe if we continue to drive the agenda of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group aggressively it will significantly contribute to our City’s GDP, create jobs, and promote local manufacturing.
The second phase of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group will focus on prioritising economic development through a partnership framework that includes unlocking large-scale infrastructure investment, strengthening public-private collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) to tackle illicit trade, dumping, and industrial vulnerability, highlighting the need to reduce friction in development planning, accelerate approvals, and reform cost structures that deter investment.
This phase will also address derelict buildings in the city centre to enable redevelopment, incentivise investment, and restore dignity to the urban core. The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC believes that the second phase will help accelerate growth, unlock opportunities, and address the issues raised by business.
As organised business, we believe the following areas need to be prioritised through the Presidential eThekwini Working Group:
- Consistent service delivery with firm action against corruption.
- Enable strategic industry nodes that drive employment and GDP.
- Protect local industries from illegal and unfair imports.
- Remove barriers to public and private investment.
- Communicate clearly & regularly to build confidence together.
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC believes that if we prioritise the areas mentioned above and ensure swift implementation, we can position eThekwini as a prime tourist destination, investment and manufacturing hub and the first choice for doing business in South Africa. However, this can only be achieved if we work together and uphold accountability and transparency.
This Working Group is already delivering results and stands as proof of what can be accomplished when private and public sector work together. As organised business, we remain committed to working with government to accelerate progress because when business thrives, Durban rises. And when Durban rises, South Africa moves forward.
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About the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Founded in 1856, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC is the largest member-based metropolitan chamber in Southern Africa. We represent approximately 3,000 businesses in eThekwini and beyond, ranging from multinationals to corporates and SMMEs. Since 2019, we also represent 54,000 informal sector businesses through their business associations. Policy and advocacy are at the heart of our work and we assist members with securing trade and investment opportunities locally and internationally, providing business advisory services (CIPC, Certificate of Origin, ITC checks, HR consultancy and more) across a broad spectrum of sectors, engaging thought leadership through forum webinars and other networking events, sharing business information through digital platforms, and also sourcing business insights through occasional questionnaires. The Durban Chamber advocates and influences policy decisions that affect the interests of business (tax legislation, import and export regulations and more), offering member benefits and providing information relevant to business decision-making. As a business-based and member-focused organisation, our strategic purpose is to help create a conducive economic and business environment to facilitate and promote economic growth in the region in partnership with key stakeholders.
For more info, contact the Durban Chamber on 031 335 1000 or info@durbanchamber.co.za
Our website is www.durbanchamber.co.za
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Comment attribution: Asheen Magjee, President, The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Media contacts:
Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Ms Zanele Khomo
Chief Growth Officer
T: +27 31 335 1000
E: khomoz@durbanchamber.co.za
