Date: 2025-09-30 06:43:44

Key decisions from economic development and planning committee

Key decisions from economic development and planning committee

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

19 SEPTEMBER 2025

KEY DECISIONS FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

At its meeting on 18 September, the Economic Development and Planning Committee (ECOD) recommended key developments and skills initiatives for approval. The report will proceed to the Executive Committee and Full Council for final approval.

YOUTH FOR ENERGY TRANSITION PROGRAMME  

The Committee approved the continuation of transformative programmes, including the Youth for Energy Transition Programme. This initiative aims to provide 6 000 unemployed N6-level electrical/energy engineering graduates with accredited Solar Photovoltaic installation training, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical industry skills.

The programme will deliver industry-aligned, certified training through local TVET colleges. It supports national goals of advancing a low-carbon economy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The project was launched in March last year, following a formal memorandum of understanding signed between eThekwini Municipality and the KwaZulu-Natal Education Development Trust.

This partnership will help address the skills gap in implementing the Municipal Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, building local capacity in the renewable energy sector.

UPDATE ON SUCCESS OF NEW VENTURE CREATION PROGRAMME  

The ECOD Committee received a progress report on the successful implementation of the New Venture Creation Business Management Level 4 programme, funded by the FoodBev SETA and delivered in partnership with ASIME Women’s  non-profit company.

The report stated that 100 learners were enrolled in the 12-month accredited programme, receiving entrepreneurial and business management training, alongside monthly stipends of R3 000, which injected R3.6 million into low-income communities.

Of the learners, 86 have successfully completed the programme and will graduate on 28 August 2025. Nine learners have been absorbed by host companies.

The initiative supports eThekwini’s Agri-Business Development Programme and contributes to sustainable small-scale farming and enterprise development.

UMHLANGA SANDS LAND USE SCHEME AMENDMENTS  

The Committee supported a proposal to amend the eThekwini Municipal Land Use Scheme for Erf 1076 uMhlanga Rocks, situated at 44 Lagoon Drive, which is occupied by the uMhlanga Sands Resort. The proposal was to regularise the existing structure and to allow future upgrades. The amendment will increase the permissible floor area ratio to 1.7 and limit coverage to 35 percent. This aligns with development efficiency principles and is expected to stimulate economic activity in the uMhlanga hospitality sector.

The application site is located in the uMhlanga hospitality precinct, where various places of accommodation exist, including the Pearls and Radisson Blue Hotel.  

Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee said: 

“The uMhlanga Sands Resort is part of the Southern Sun Group and is being earmarked for upgrades and additions. Besides regularising the scheme, this scheme amendment will allow for an additional 44 rooms to be built, reinforcing the footprint of the uMhlanga Sands Resort within the hospitality industry of uMhlanga Rocks and contribute to the improvement of the precinct as a national holiday destination. This shows confidence in the City and the precinct as a tourism hub.”

This type of application is common for the uMhlanga Rocks area to allow properties to maximise their investment on the property.

“The improvements on the uMhlanga Sands Resort will have a positive ripple effect on the surrounding properties. Most hotels in the area have shown the same intention,” added Councillor Ntuli.

NB: All decisions are subject to Executive Committee and Full Council approval.

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.