Durban:President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the business leadership in KwaZulu-Natal for their steadfast support alongside the government during significant crises, such as the July 2021 civil unrest and the catastrophic April 2022 floods. The President delivered his remarks during the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 170th Annual Gala Dinner in eThekwini.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa highlighted the pivotal role played by the Durban Chamber in mobilizing the business community and supporting affected enterprises to restore economic activities post-unrest. The Chamber, in collaboration with government and other social partners, also led efforts to repair infrastructure and support businesses following the 2022 floods.

The President further acknowledged the Chamber's collaboration in the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) to tackle challenges in the metro, including infrastructure issues, water supply interruptions, and crime. Progress in these areas has been attributed to strong leadership and active engagement from local and national authorities, with the Chamber as a key partner.

Despite advancements, President Ramaphosa noted ongoing service delivery challenges, particularly regarding water infrastructure, which continue to hinder recovery efforts. He praised the adoption of the Development and Service Delivery Partnering Policy Framework by the eThekwini Metro Council to address these challenges.

Economically, eThekwini has secured a significant portion of investment commitments made at the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference, spanning various sectors like manufacturing and tourism. The tourism sector is showing signs of recovery, with increased visitor numbers and the city being recognized as a major event host.

Additionally, the Metro has achieved the lowest unemployment rate among South Africa's metropolitan areas, reflecting a positive trend in job creation. Progress at the Durban Gateway Terminal, including a decline in security incidents, underscores the city's recovery momentum.

President Ramaphosa emphasized that the visible signs of recovery are a testament to the hard work of the Durban Chamber and the need to sustain this progress to overcome remaining challenges.