The eThekwini Municipality has advanced Durban’s bid to host matches during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 after the municipal council approved the signing of a Host City Agreement with Cricket South Africa.
The decision authorises City Manager Musa Mbhele to formally sign the agreement on behalf of the municipality, marking an important milestone in Durban’s preparations to stage fixtures during one of the world’s biggest cricket tournaments.
World Cup Expected to Boost Tourism and Local Economy
Municipal officials believe the tournament will deliver significant economic benefits by attracting thousands of international visitors, cricket fans, sponsors, and media representatives to Durban.
The global event is expected to showcase the city’s tourism attractions, cultural heritage, modern sporting venues, and investment opportunities while increasing international visibility.
Officials also anticipate increased business activity across the hospitality, accommodation, transport, retail, and entertainment industries, creating opportunities for local enterprises, employment, and skills development.
Budget Allocated for Tournament Preparations
To support its hosting responsibilities, the municipality has earmarked R600,000 in the 2026/27 financial year budget for planning and implementation activities related to the World Cup.
The council appointed Executive Director for Community Services, Dr. Vusi Mazibuko, to oversee the municipality’s obligations under the Host City Agreement and coordinate preparations across relevant departments.
Officials added that the complete operational requirements and future funding needs will be determined during the implementation phase and incorporated into subsequent budget processes.
Durban Strengthens International Partnership With Portugal
Separately, the municipality is also seeking to expand its international partnerships following discussions between eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and Carlos Costa Neves, Portugal’s Ambassador to South Africa.
The meeting, held in Durban on Monday, focused on strengthening cooperation in culture, tourism, trade, and broader socioeconomic development between the city and Portuguese partners.
Sister-City Agreements Under Consideration
One of the key proposals emerging from the discussions is the establishment of formal sister-city relationships between Durban and the Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto.
Mayor Xaba said such partnerships could encourage collaboration in maritime trade, tourism development, municipal infrastructure, and knowledge sharing, while opening new opportunities for investment and economic growth.
He described the initiative as an important step toward enhancing Durban’s international profile and fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
Fernando Pessoa Statue Set for New Heritage Location
The mayor also announced plans to relocate the statue of celebrated Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa from Durban’s Central Business District to the Durban Botanic Gardens.
According to Xaba, the move is intended to better preserve the monument while placing it in a safer and more accessible location that can serve as both a tourism attraction and heritage site.
He noted that Pessoa spent part of his childhood in Durban between 1895 and 1905, attending Durban High School, where he developed his command of the English language—a skill that significantly influenced his early literary career and later international recognition.
Portugal Welcomes Closer Cooperation
Ambassador Carlos Costa Neves welcomed the municipality’s decision to relocate the Fernando Pessoa statue and expressed support for expanding cooperation between eThekwini and Portuguese cities.
Both sides indicated that continued collaboration in culture, tourism, trade, and heritage preservation could strengthen long-term ties while creating new opportunities for economic and cultural exchange.
