26 January 2026
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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.
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: Palesa Phili, CEO, 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
