eThekwini Reaffirms Push to Strengthen Durban as Transport Hub

eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba has reaffirmed the city's commitment to working closely with the national Department of Transport and its entities to upgrade transport infrastructure and strengthen Durban's position as a key transport and logistics hub.

The commitment follows a two-day oversight visit by Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Transport, which assessed major transport infrastructure and public transport projects across the city.

Progress on GO! Durban Praised, Sustainability Raised

During the visit, the committee commended progress made in implementing the city's Integrated Public Transport Network, GO! Durban, while raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the programme amid the planned winding down of the Public Transport Network Grant.

Mayor Xaba led a joint delegation comprising members of the Portfolio Committee, officials from the Department of Transport, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport on a site inspection of the GO! Durban C3 route.

Site Inspection of Key Public Transport Corridor

The oversight programme began at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre before proceeding to Pinecrest Mall, where the delegation inspected the C3 route, which operates between Pinetown and Bridge City.

Portfolio Committee Chairperson Donald Selamolela welcomed the engagement, saying the visit provided valuable insight into both the progress achieved and the challenges facing the rollout of a safe, reliable and integrated public transport system.

Economic Confidence Underpins Infrastructure Drive

Addressing the debriefing session, Xaba thanked the committee for the visit, saying it provided a clearer understanding of the C3 route and its supporting infrastructure.

He said the city's infrastructure push is underpinned by a strengthening economic outlook, citing the University of KwaZulu-Natal Business Confidence Index, which showed eThekwini's score rising from 52.12 points in the third quarter of 2025 to 63.38 points in the fourth quarter.

"This improvement reflects growing optimism among businesspeople about both the current and future economic climate in Durban. This vote of confidence compels us to redouble our efforts to upgrade infrastructure and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive," Xaba said.

Freight, Rail and Port Upgrades in Focus

Xaba said the municipality continues to work closely with the Department of Transport, its entities and the private sector to reinforce eThekwini's role as a transport and logistics hub.

As part of efforts to improve freight efficiency, the city is collaborating with Transnet to decongest and improve operations at the Port of Durban. Engagements have also taken place with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) on strategies to modernise passenger rail infrastructure.

He added that partnerships with the private sector and Transnet Freight Rail Infrastructure Manager are advancing initiatives to shift a significant portion of freight from road to rail.

Major Projects Support Long-Term Logistics Vision

Highlighting key developments, Xaba pointed to the R10 billion Insimbi Ridge Development in Cato Ridge, unveiled recently as part of a broader programme to establish an inland port and reduce congestion at the harbour.

In addition, SANRAL is implementing major projects within the city to upgrade the N2 and N3 transport corridors, which are critical to national and regional logistics flows.

The municipality said the oversight engagement reinforces the importance of coordinated planning, sustainable funding and public–private collaboration in building an integrated transport system that supports economic growth and long-term urban development.