EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has said that Durban continues to be the premier destination for investment as eThekwini Municipality gears up to host the Resurgence Conference which will feature a sold-out exhibition, showcase American queen of gospel music Shirley Caesar from 17 – 21 July at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
The event themed “Moving The Needle Forward Towards Economic Emancipation” is the City’s economic recovery plan developed with its partners to cushion industries that were adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent hard lock down.
Addressing the media during the Resurgence Conference state of readiness, Xaba said the City will be using the event plan as a blueprint to respond to all catastrophic events including the recent flood disasters and the July 2021 civil unrest.
He said the conference seeks to establish trade relations and progressive investment talks between the government on twin sister city agenda, small business development and opening corridors of trade between Africa and the United States of America.
When the Mayor took oath, he vowed to restore the Municipality to its former glory by attracting investors and creating employment opportunities in the City.
“We are saying that this event could not have come at a better time for eThekwini Municipality and KwaZulu-Natal, as we emerge from these disasters. Working with our social partners, we vow to spare no effort to grow the economy and to boost job creation, “said Xaba.
The five-day long Resurgence Conference will also feature a sold-out exhibition which will present opportunities for local business to forge partnerships and unlock new markets, thus increasing profit margins.
A delegation of about 100 people is coming to the Resurgence Conference Durban 2024 from the United States of America, and an overall delegation of over 170 people from different parts of the world. The international delegation includes government leaders, investors and business leaders in the following key sectors such as banking and Investments, property and Land Development, healthcare, artificial Intelligence, arts, tourism and entertainment and media and communication.
Exhibitions will take place from 18 to 19 July and this will be running concurrently with the conference engagements to be headlined by influential international and local speakers. Gospel lovers are in for a treat as the Conference will also showcase the Resurgence Gospel Festival on July 20 which will feature global gospel legends such as the American queen of gospel music Shirley Caesar and Grammy Award Winning gospel music artist, Bishop Hezekiah Walker.
They will be joined by local gospel singers such as Dumi Mkokstad, Ayanda Ntanzi, Xolly Mncwango and Mnqobi Nxumalo. The Clermont Choir and the eThekwini Gospel Music Crescendos will also share the stage with the local and international gospel music legends. The critical areas of business collaboration are particularly focussed on the following sectors:trade and Investment, destination promotion and Tourism, meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events and promotion of Arts and Culture and entrepreneurship, education and training.
Xaba said the tourism industry will also benefit from the Conference and added that this will make Durban a preferred destination for the future events as they will see Durban’s friendly weather, warm beaches as well as attractive tourist destinations.
“What is good is that the Resurgence Conference will be held after the Durban July event that has attracted a lot of investors who came to invest in the City followed by the Ireland and Springbok game which also attracted many visitors. If you think of Durban and an event that could attract many people, you should think of Durban because that could be a catalytic effect in creating other investment opportunities which could create more employment opportunities.
He stressed that the event is an investment conference not a church event as others have alluded.
“You only have to look at people as well as the sectors represented for you to see that it is an investment conference inspired by the people who are from church formations. We welcome them as they land on our shores, ” said Xaba.