eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, has reaffirmed the city's commitment to collaborate with the national Department of Transport and its entities to upgrade transport infrastructure and solidify Durban's role as a key transport and logistics hub.
This comes after a two-day oversight visit by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport, which assessed major infrastructure and public transport projects in the city. The committee inspected the GO! Durban C3 route as part of the Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN).
Xaba led a joint delegation, including committee members, Department of Transport officials and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport representatives, on the site inspection of the C3 route.
Committee Chairperson Donald Selamolela said the visit offered valuable insights into both achievements and obstacles in establishing a safe, reliable and integrated public transport system. The committee commended progress on implementing GO! Durban, although it raised concerns regarding the programme's long-term sustainability as the Public Transport Network Grant phases out.
Xaba linked the infrastructure push to Durban's improving economic outlook, referencing the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Business Confidence Index.
“This improvement reflects growing optimism among businesspeople about both the current and future economic climate in Durban. This vote of confidence from the business sector compels us to redouble our efforts to upgrade infrastructure and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive,” said Xaba.
The index rose from 52.12 points in the third quarter of 2025 to 63.38 in the fourth quarter, indicating stronger business optimism.
Xaba said the city was focused on its partnerships with the Department of Transport, its entities and the private sector to bolster transport infrastructure. Efforts to improve freight efficiency include collaboration with Transnet to decongest and enhance operations at the Port of Durban. Discussions with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) focus on upgrading and modernising passenger rail services.
Partnerships with the private sector and Transnet Freight Rail are advancing initiatives to shift substantial freight volumes from road to rail.
“A few months ago, we unveiled the R10 billion Insimbi Ridge Development in Cato Ridge, which forms part of our broader programme to establish an inland port and decongest the harbour. Furthermore, the South African National Roads Agency is undertaking major projects within the city to upgrade the N2 and N3 transport corridors,” said Xaba.
