Make Durban the ‘city of the world’

THE CITY launched its Communication Forum and invited all stakeholders to join hands and help make Durban Africa’s most caring and liveable city by 2030.

The event was held at the ICC on Friday. Headed by eThekwini communications spokeswoman Tozi Mthethwa the project will start in February and will allow stakeholders in the private and public sectors, state-owned enterprises and diplomatic corps to share information and co-ordinate plans to promote the city for residents, tourists and potential investors.

She said it would bring cohesion, collaboration and partnership among all stakeholders.

Roleplayers include the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Unilever, Eskom, Umgeni Water, the government Communication and Information System, the Department of Public Works, Absa, Sapref and the Passenger Rail Agency of SA.

The forum’s aim is to create an accessible, financially viable and safe city. She said this could not be achieved with just the 24 000 people in the municipality but through a collective partnership with the people of Durban.

“By setting up this forum the municipality hopes to gain a better understanding of our stakeholders’ interests and incorporate their input in our decision-making.”

Deputy mayor and chairperson of Economic Development and Planning Committee Nomvuzo Shabalala said it was a good project to capitalise on what Durban had to offer. “We need to compete with the cities of the world. If we do not claim our spot, who will?”