The Durban ICC will undergo an R11.9 million upgrade to its ablution facilities as eThekwini prepares to host major Southern African Development Community events.

The planned Durban ICC upgrade follows an inspection by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, which raised concerns about the venue’s toilets.

The convention centre will host SADC Industrialisation Week from 27 to 31 July 2026. It will then support the programme linked to the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government from 3 to 18 August, according to a municipal readiness briefing reported by IOL.

R11.9m Planned for Durban ICC Upgrade

eThekwini officials presented the city’s preparations during an Executive Committee briefing. According to IOL, the municipality said Dirco officials were not satisfied with the Durban ICC’s ablution facilities after conducting a walkabout.

City Manager Musa Mbhele said the budget decision required urgent attention because “time was not on the Durban ICC’s side”. The convention centre will adjust its existing budget to accommodate the renovation work, the report said.

However, the report did not provide a breakdown of the R11.9 million budget. It also did not state how many facilities will be renovated, when construction will begin or whether contractors have been appointed.

Durban Prepares for Major SADC Meetings

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the August programme. The municipality said South Africa will assume the SADC chairship for the following 12 months, creating an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation, economic integration, peace and security.

The official SADC website also identifies Ramaphosa as the organisation’s incoming chairperson. The chairperson provides policy direction and oversight at the highest level of SADC’s governance structure.

Meanwhile, SADC Industrialisation Week aims to advance the regional Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap for 2015–2063. The strategy focuses on industrial development, stronger productive sectors and improved regional competitiveness.

Delegates are also expected to visit industrial sites in Durban. The 2026 theme focuses on resilient and inclusive industrialisation through infrastructure development and the transformation of agriculture and critical minerals.

Hosting Linked to eThekwini progress

According to the municipal briefing, Ramaphosa selected eThekwini after noting progress linked to the Presidential eThekwini Working Group. The city has also added an economic-development workstream to the initiative.

SADC comprises 16 member states and promotes economic growth, regional integration, peace and security. The Durban ICC upgrade forms part of eThekwini’s preparations to host representatives from across Southern Africa.