THE Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) has received a thumbs up from the Deputy President of the country on the progress made.

Paul Mashatile was speaking on Friday (October 23) at the eThekwini City Hall in Durban, following a meeting with the PeWG, where he received an update on the progress, challenges and proposed interventions for the second phase of the PeWG.

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The aim of the PeWG is to address major challenges, including water supply interruptions, ageing infrastructure, declining tourism, crime and port inefficiencies. It came into being in April 2024 after engagements between President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Since its establishment it has recorded significant progress in service delivery, business confidence, and in addressing infrastructure and socio-economic challenges.

Mashatile welcomed the co-ordinated action plan that was presented and the progress achieved. He further thanked the PeWG for its report on progress across priority projects. The report showed where delivery was advancing, where there are delays, and where escalation or strategic intervention is required.

“I wish to commend the team for the presentations. They have provided a clear picture of the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the priorities that still require our collective attention going forward,” he said.

The work of the PeWG compliments the efforts the Deputy President leads as chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Service Delivery.

PeWG co-chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu said the PeWG had made progress across its eight workstreams, incuding housing for flood-affected families, restoration of damaged infrastructure, stronger intergovernmental co-ordination and private-sector support. He added that the second phase will focus on economic development through workstream eight and its four Focused Intervention Teams.

“The real test is whether we are resolving the problems that affect people’s lives and constrain economic activity. Our responsibility is to close the gap between the work we do in government and the difference that people can actually see and experience,” he said.

Mabuyakhulu added that the legacy issues still required resolution, including non-revenue water, the long-term upgrade of the Umlazi Canal, unfunded mandates, port scanning infrastructure and problem buildings. Work is also underway to align PeWG priorities with the District Development Model.

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City Manager Musa Mbhele said that tourism continues to be one of the City’s strongest economic drivers.

“Tourism remains a key contributor to eThekwini’s economy. It supports thousands of jobs, sustains small businesses and showcases Durban as a premier destination. The steady flow of visitors and events to our city shows the confidence that both local and international travellers have in eThekwini, and we are determined to build on that momentum,” he said.

He reiterated the City’s leadership’s commitment to improving service delivery across all areas of the municipality.

“The City’s leadership remains firmly committed to improving service delivery in every part of eThekwini, from our townships and rural areas to the inner city and our industrial nodes. Working alongside our partners in the PeWG, we will continue to prioritise reliable water and sanitation, well maintained infrastructure, and a clean, safe environment. These are the foundations of a city where residents can thrive and investors can do business with confidence,” said Mbhele.

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