The PMB Urban Development Indaba brought together government, business leaders, investors, academics, urban planners, financial institutions, innovators and community stakeholders to engage on the future of Pietermaritzburg and the greater Msunduzi Municipality.

The discussions highlighted both the challenges facing our city and the opportunities available to reposition Msunduzi as a future-ready investment destination.

 

Thematic Area 1: Impact of Urban Decay in Developmental Local Government. Moderated by Ms. Nolitha Chiliza from eThekwini Municipality, this session unpacked the realities of urban decay and its impact on economic development, investor confidence and community wellbeing.

Panelists including Dr. Koyi Mchunu (UKZN Built Environment) and Mr. Pravesh Ballaram (Department of Public Works) discussed the causes of urban decline, problem buildings, interventions required by government, and the importance of repurposing heritage sites to preserve the identity and history of the city while creating new economic opportunities.

 

Thematic Area 2: Unlocking Development in Msunduzi – Removing Barriers & Fast-Tracking Investment

Moderator: Mr Thami Zondi (EDTEA) This discussion focused on the developmental challenges within Msunduzi Municipality and explored practical solutions to accelerate investment and development approvals.

Panelists including; Conveyancing Attorney, Mr Lucky Nhlabathi, private property developer: Mr Andrew Barnes, PMCB representative Mr Themba Ndlovu – addressed land use management, conveyancing processes, planning systems, and the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to unlock stalled developments and attract new investors into the city.

 

Thematic Area 3: Financing the Future City – Innovative Funding for Inner-City Transformation

Moderated by Mr. Tim Madwick from KZN Treasury, this session explored funding models and financial instruments available to support urban renewal and inner-city transformation. Institutions including the KZN Growth Fund – Mr Sandile Magubane, TUHF – Mr Siya Jele, Business Partners Limited – Ms. Cannes Ragubeer and SHRA – Ms Dudu Phoswa shared opportunities for developers, entrepreneurs and municipalities to access funding for housing, mixed-use developments and infrastructure projects aimed at revitalising the urban core.

 

Positioning Msunduzi as a Future-Ready Investment City

The session highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships, economic development planning and investment promotion in transforming Pietermaritzburg into a competitive and investor-friendly city.

Stakeholders emphasised the need for infrastructure development, policy certainty, efficient municipal processes and strong public-private collaboration to drive inclusive economic growth.

 

Thematic Area 5: Building a Safe, Vibrant, Sustainable & Smart City

This session focused on urban safety, innovation, youth participation, digital transformation and community-driven city development. Panelists discussed the importance of creating safer public spaces, leveraging technology, supporting innovation hubs, empowering young people and promoting active citizen participation to build a modern, sustainable and vibrant city environment.

 

Thematic Area 6: Msunduzi as an Investment Hub – Unlocking Tourism, Events & Untapped Opportunities

The final thematic discussion explored tourism development, sports tourism, events management and destination marketing as catalysts for local economic growth.

Speakers highlighted the untapped opportunities within Pietermaritzburg to position the city as a leading tourism and events destination while attracting investment into hospitality, recreation and entertainment sectors.

 

The Indaba concluded with the signing of the Msunduzi Urban Development Indaba Pact, demonstrating a collective commitment from stakeholders to work together towards urban renewal, investment growth and sustainable economic development for the city.

A sincere thank you to all moderators, panelists, sponsors, stakeholders and attendees who contributed to the success of the PMB Urban Development Indaba 2026. Together, we continue building a stronger, smarter and more prosperous Pietermaritzburg.