ABOUT US
Moving Durban Forward. Together.
Forward Durban is a movement committed to restoring hope, building business confidence, and driving inclusive economic growth across the city of Durban.
Born out of the All Shall Prosper Movement and grounded in the global vision of Kingdom Initiatives, Forward Durban is more than a campaign—it’s a city-wide collaboration across ten key sectors, uniting professionals, entrepreneurs, government, and community leaders under one shared goal:
To change the narrative—and build a better Durban for all.
We believe that while challenges are real, so is the potential. Durban is full of stories worth telling, businesses worth supporting, and communities worth investing in. Forward Durban is here to shine a light on what’s working, connect the people making it happen, and create platforms where collaboration leads to real change.
WHO WE ARE
Forward Durban is a city-wide movement driven by business leaders, community changemakers, and sector specialists committed to showcasing Durban’s true potential. By celebrating progress, promoting innovation, and amplifying success stories, we’re fostering business confidence and collective pride in our city.
Our Mission & Vision
To shift the perception of Durban by:
- Showcasing progress and success stories from every sector and community
- Creating space for open dialogue and practical problem-solving
- Building bridges between the public and private sectors
- Empowering local businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive
- Equipping youth and emerging leaders for a better future
to drive real impact across the city by:
- Facilitating sector-based collaboration between public, private, and community stakeholders
- Showcasing Durban’s success stories, innovations, and opportunities through dynamic media channels
- Building platforms that enable citizen engagement, youth empowerment, and local business growth
- Championing action-driven dialogue that leads to practical solutions for Durban’s most pressing challenges
OUR VISION
To create a united, resilient, and thriving Durban by changing the narrative—amplifying progress, restoring business confidence, and empowering communities through inclusive collaboration and positive storytelling.
We are a movement rooted in optimism and built on action—committed to moving Durban forward, together.
What we do
- Host regular Sector Action Team meetings to tackle industry-specific challenges
- Facilitate cross-sector collaboration between the City, businesses, and civil society
- Run media and storytelling campaigns that amplify the good news in Durban
- Engage in youth empowerment and skills development projects
- Coordinate events like the Change the Narrative Conference, which drive visibility, strategy, and action
Our Movement In Numbers
- 10 Sector Action Teams with over 120 active members
- 20+ articles and campaigns celebrating local success stories
- 15+ workshops and events, including the city-wide “Change the Narrative” conference
- Thousands reached through our digital and social platforms
- Tangible wins, from property policy dialogues to work readiness programs
These aren’t just statistics. They’re signs of life. Of movement. Of momentum.
And we’re only getting started.
Our Foundation in Kingdom Initiatives
Forward Durban is proudly birthed out of the All Shall Prosper Movement, which was originally developed by Kingdom Initiatives—a global movement rooted in Kingdom principles of ethical business, community upliftment, and transformational leadership. While Kingdom Initiatives originated in Australia, Forward Durban represents the heart and hands of this vision on South African soil.
We serve as the Durban expression of a global mission: to see cities flourish, communities thrive, and economies rebuilt on values that honour people, purpose, and prosperity. Every action we take, every story we tell, and every collaboration we facilitate is grounded in this belief—that when we align purpose with impact, all shall prosper.
Sector Action Team Leaders
Tourism & Hospitality
Andre Swanepoel
Marketing Director & Owner
AS Advertising & Design
Manufacturing
Darryn Sajoe
Shareholder / Commercial Director
Linspire Projects / Newbern Shopfitters
ICT
Liezel Shaw
Founder/Software Engineer
The Next Step 4 U
ICT
Edward Bowlen
Consultant
ANTI.Social Collective (Pty) Ltd
Media
Lynette Lombaard
Founder/Creative and Communications Director
ANTI.Social Collective (Pty) Ltd
Sectors In Action
Agriculture
The Agriculture Sector Team is reimagining Durban’s food future—one rooted in sustainability, innovation, and shared opportunity. From promoting urban farming to unlocking agri-processing and food security solutions, this team is actively supporting farmers and producers at all levels. Whether it’s helping small-scale farmers access markets or collaborating with the City on land-use strategies, the goal is clear: build a thriving agricultural ecosystem that nourishes communities and supports economic growth from the ground up.
Finance
The Finance Sector Team is where opportunity meets impact. With a focus on improving access to funding, breaking down financial barriers for SMMEs, and promoting sound financial literacy, this team is driving Durban’s economic resilience. They work to identify inefficiencies, champion inclusive financial solutions, and create systems that empower individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses to grow with confidence. This is about rewriting the rules—so capital flows to where it can make the greatest difference.
Manufacturing
The Manufacturing Sector Team is reigniting the pulse of Durban’s industrial base. From food and textiles to chemicals and medical supplies, we are co-creating a scalable model to address core industry challenges. We’re developing initiatives to improve local sourcing, streamline operations, and connect producers to broader markets. With access to Africa’s busiest port, Durban has the potential to become a manufacturing powerhouse—and this team is laying the groundwork for that vision to become a reality.
Ict
Technology is the future—and this team is making sure Durban is part of it. The ICT/BPO Sector Action Team is building training pipelines, creating smart digital tools, and exploring innovative ways to position the city as a hub for global outsourcing. By integrating accredited programs, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and exploring Smart City partnerships, this team is cultivating a tech-driven ecosystem where young people thrive, and businesses scale with confidence.
Tourism & Hospitality
The Tourism and Hospitality Sector Team is focused on rekindling the spirit of adventure in Durban. By promoting Durban as a destination of culture, warmth, and experience, we’re working to increase both domestic and international tourism. The team is collaborating with the City, local businesses, and marketing platforms to create unforgettable travel offerings—while also driving job creation, preserving heritage, and strengthening community-based tourism. This is more than travel—it’s about telling Durban’s story to the world.
Media
The Media Sector Action Team felt that the narrative needs to shift for people to grow in business confidence in Durban. It is important to include positive community stories, what ASP is doing as well as positive commerce related news to help drive business confidence and investment opportunities. A new brand needs to be built to facilitate this. There should be an 80/20 split between business related confidence news and community upliftment news. A key factor would also be to strategise how to handle negative social media responses. Good news articles can be cross posted from various sources to increase reach, while ensuring credit to the source.
Support Services
Support Services are the often-unsung heroes of the business world—and this team is putting them front and centre. From HR and facilities to admin, finance, and operations, this team is developing systems to better equip people and businesses with the tools they need to succeed. We are focused on work readiness, youth employment, and practical training programs like the SUCCESS LADDER Conference. When support services are strong, businesses run better—and communities thrive.
Energy
The Energy Sector Team is lighting the way toward a cleaner, more resilient future for Durban. As load-shedding and rising energy costs weigh on households and businesses, this team is pioneering renewable solutions, off-grid alternatives, and solar innovation that can transform how energy is sourced and distributed. Our aim is energy equity—ensuring that sustainability isn’t a luxury, but a right. By partnering with industry leaders and government, we’re working to ensure Durban’s energy future is bright and reliable.
Property Development
The Property Sector Team is unlocking Durban’s development potential—one blueprint at a time. From commercial hubs to affordable housing, from cutting red tape to unlocking land opportunities, this team is working to create a development-friendly city. We believe in building spaces that reflect both community needs and investor confidence. When the private sector and the City work together, we can reimagine urban growth in ways that are bold, inclusive, and catalytic for Durban’s economy.
Health & Wellness
The Health & Wellness Sector Team is focused on building a city where people flourish—not just physically, but mentally and socially too. We’re working to expand access to affordable healthcare, integrate wellness into work and community life, and promote preventative care and education. Whether it’s addressing mental health, maternal care, or lifestyle-related illnesses, this team is passionate about ensuring that every Durbanite has the chance to live a full, healthy, and purpose-driven life.
GET INVOLVED
Join a Sector Action Team
Do you work in Agriculture, Energy, Finance, ICT, Manufacturing, Media, Property, Support Services, Tourism, or Health & Wellness? Join the team leading transformation in your sector. Collaborate with others who are passionate about solutions, building partnerships, and driving real impact in Durban.
Email: kievents@successco.co.za to be added to your sector’s WhatsApp group.
Partner With Us
Are you a business, foundation, or individual who wants to support Durban’s economic revival? We’re looking for partners and sponsors who believe in this city as much as we do. Whether it’s sponsoring an event, funding a youth program, or collaborating on sector initiatives—there’s space for you here.
Email us to explore partnership or sponsorship opportunities: kievents@successco.co.za
