Forward Durban – Changing the Narrative
At Forward Durban, we believe that collaboration between business, community, and government is the key to rebuilding confidence in our city. In a recent conversation, Pearl Holdstock sat down with Gavin, Head of the Construction and Property Sector Action Team under the All Shall Prosper Movement, to discuss the progress being made to address challenges within Durban’s property and construction landscape — and how collective action is unlocking billions of rands in potential investment.
Bridging the Gap Between Developers and the City
For many months, developers in Durban have struggled with major bottlenecks in the city’s planning department — with delays in plan approvals slowing down construction projects and stalling much-needed economic activity.
Recognising the urgency, the Property Sector Action Team, led by Gavin, stepped in to help bridge the communication gap.
“We were approached by a gentleman named George, who had been trying to raise these concerns,” Gavin explained. “Through the All Shall Prosper network, we were able to initiate direct engagement with the city’s Chief Financial Officer, Sandile, and key municipal heads.”
What followed was a three-hour, solutions-focused meeting that brought together leaders from across the property and construction ecosystem — including the Architectural Institute, Draftsman Institute, and several industry bodies.
“The meeting gave everyone a chance to speak openly about their challenges,” Gavin shared. “It wasn’t about blame — it was about partnership. We wanted to understand where the bottlenecks are and how we can help unblock them.”
Strategic Partnerships & National Recognition
Andre also revealed that the team recently engaged with FEDHASA (the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa), the country’s largest tourism body. Their response was clear: “We want to work with you.” This partnership opens doors to tackle pressing issues like homelessness in Durban while strengthening collaboration between the private sector and government.
“This isn’t about independence — it’s about interdependence,” Andre noted. “Working together is how we can provide the ultimate experience for our guests and unlock growth for our city.”
The Power of Mentorship & Encouragement
Beyond tourism, Andre is passionate about mentorship and service. He shared his belief in the value of “borrowed knowledge” — learning from the wisdom of others instead of repeating mistakes.
“Encouragement is such a powerful habit,” he reflected. “It costs nothing, but it can change a life, whether someone is in business, facing challenges, or just needs to hear they matter. That’s why mentorship is so important for our youth, especially those who’ve grown up without father figures.”
This heart for mentorship echoes Forward Durban’s commitment to uplifting people as much as industries.
Unlocking R3.5 Billion in Stalled Development
One of the most striking outcomes of this collaboration was the identification of approximately R3.5 billion worth of development projects currently held up in the planning system.
“If these projects are approved and released,” Gavin noted, “it will immediately inject billions into the market, creating jobs, business opportunities, and renewed investor confidence in Durban.”
The city has acknowledged internal challenges, including an outdated online submission system developed during COVID-19 that has not been updated since. Encouragingly, the municipality has committed R3 million to upgrade the digital portal — allowing architects, engineers, and developers to submit and track plans more efficiently.
The Power of Partnership
This initiative is a clear example of Forward Durban’s mission in action — driving change through collaboration.
“We’re not just highlighting the problems,” said Gavin. “We’re actively sitting with the City, understanding their constraints, and working towards real, implementable solutions.”
While national economic and political pressures continue to influence the sector, there is optimism that these open channels of communication will lead to faster approvals, more projects, and ultimately, more jobs.
Looking Ahead
A follow-up meeting was scheduled for early September, where the team will table specific project challenges from each participating sector.
“It’s about momentum now,” Gavin said. “Every meeting, every conversation, takes us one step closer to a more functional, thriving property industry — and a better Durban.”
Pearl closed the discussion with gratitude and optimism:
“These are the stories we love to share — people and partnerships working together to change the narrative for our city.”
Forward Durban – Where Collaboration Builds Confidence.
