EThekwini Municipality sets the record straight on resurgence conference Durban 2025
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Date: 2025-08-14 16:34:20

EThekwini Municipality sets the record straight on resurgence conference Durban 2025

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
13 AUGUST 2025
 
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON RESURGENCE CONFERENCE DURBAN 2025
 
EThekwini Municipality wishes to unequivocally dispel recent misinformation regarding the reSURGEnce Conference Durban 2025, including false claims about its cancellation and budget allocation.
These assertions are factually incorrect and misleading.
The conference is going ahead
Contrary to the fake news being peddled, the reSURGEnce Conference Durban 2025 has not been cancelled. Now in its second year, this flagship event will take place from 22 to 24 September 2025 at the prestigious Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).
 
The conference was rescheduled from its original July dates solely due to venue availability. The Durban ICC, a globally recognised and award-winning facility, was unavailable in July, and the only viable dates were 20–24 September. The Municipality acted swiftly to secure the venue and adjust logistics accordingly.
Budget allocation is secure and purposeful
The approved budget of R20 million for this year’s conference remains intact and is being utilised responsibly to support the planning and execution of this high-impact economic development initiative. The conference is hosted in partnership with the United States of America and attracts global delegates, investors, and businesses.
Transparent communication and ongoing engagement
EThekwini Municipality has consistently communicated updates through official channels:
 
· On 23 July 2025: The “Save the Date” announcement was published on all official social media platforms.
 
· On 5 August 2025: An official media statement and call for exhibitor applications was released.
 
· Exhibitor registration is currently open and will close on 29 August 2025.
 
· A phased promotional rollout is underway, with full-scale marketing launching during the month of August 2025.
 
· Multiple articles and features have been published across municipal platforms and mainstream media.
 
We strongly urge all media outlets and the public to verify information through official Municipal channels and refrain from circulating sensationalised and inaccurate claims.
 
The City’s Chairperson for the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, said: 
 
“Our commitment remains focused on delivering a transparent, impactful, and inclusive platform that drives trade, investment, and economic opportunity for Durban and beyond. Themed ‘A Thicker Slice of the Economic Pie’, the conference will serve as a global stage for innovation, collaboration, and market access, empowering businesses to thrive.”
 
Councillor Ntuli said it is deeply regrettable that the Democratic Alliance in eThekwini has chosen to deliberately misrepresent facts surrounding the reSURGEnce Conference Durban 2025. Their recent public statements falsely claim that the event was cancelled and that allocated funds have been misused.
 
“These assertions are not only inaccurate but appear to be a calculated attempt to discredit a transformative initiative before it has even taken place. We view this as a politically motivated effort to undermine economic development and international collaboration. We remain committed to transparency and accountability, and we urge political parties to engage constructively rather than resorting to sensationalism and misinformation,” concluded Councillor Ntuli.
 
For more information about the conference, visit: www.reSURGEnceConference.com
ENDS
 
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.