In a major step toward strengthening international partnerships, eThekwini (Durban) City Manager Musa Mbhele met with senior officials from the South African Consulate General to Dubai.
This session formed part of a series of high-level engagements in Dubai aimed at promoting investment and tourism in Durban.
Addressing the city’s ongoing socio-economic priorities, Mbhele said: “Government faces a triple challenge, and our responsibility is to dismantle inequality, unemployment, and poverty. For our municipality to thrive, we need to attract foreign direct investment to the city. Notwithstanding our constrained fiscus, our engagements in the United Arab Emirates have been a resounding success. We have presented a solid value proposition to prospective investors who have expressed interest in the economic development opportunities in our city.”
Mbhele emphasised Durban’s strategic pivot towards economic expansion through tourism.
“We are embarking on an investment promotion drive, and with regard to tourism, our strategy is clear in that as much as we value local tourism, we want to make an indelible mark in the international tourism market.”
The delegation discussed actionable areas of collaboration, including smart urban development, infrastructure investment, and initiatives aligned with the broader tourism value chain. Mbhele said Durban’s goal is to unlock economic opportunities through sustainable growth, underpinned by inclusive community development.
Representing the South African Consulate General, Consul Political Themba Thukani commended the city’s leadership and forward-looking agenda. “Dubai is far advanced, especially in the Information and Communication Technology sector and there are many lessons South Africa can draw from it. We are excited to see the leadership of the city driving initiatives to ensure that Durban is on the map,” Thukani said.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitment to fostering strategic dialogue, innovation exchange, and collaboration through joint initiatives that will create shared value for both cities.
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