The City of Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has invited the private sector to collaborate with the municipality to revitalize central business districts (CBDs) and establish City Improvement Districts (CIDs), on Friday, 22 May 2026 at the ACSA International Indaba Conference Centre in Kempton Park.
Speaking at the official Expression of Interest (EOI) briefing session, Xhakaza indicated the city had already approved 18 precinct plans aimed to unlock investment, stimulate urban regeneration, and support the 30-year Aerotropolis Master Plan.
Xhakaza emphasised that it is essential to reverse the decline of the central business districts and establish CIDs for better place management, security and cleanliness. Noting the importance of attracting new investments, Xhakaza said it is also important for community members to know how they are going to benefit from the initiative.
“Today’s session is not merely a procedural milestone; it is a decisive step toward repositioning our city’s urban core as a dynamic, investment-ready and globally competitive environment. It signals our intent to move from planning to implementation, from strategy to tangible development outcomes.
“As the City of Ekurhuleni, we have taken a deliberate and structured approach to spatial transformation and economic revitalisation. Council has approved the Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) 2025, which serves as a long-term
blueprint guiding how we grow, integrate, and modernise our urban form,” said Xhakaza.
Sending a clear message to investors about prioritising human-centric, sustainable, and equitable urban transformation, he said urban development is not only about infrastructure and buildings.
Emphasising the importance of building trust with potential investors, Xhakaza said investors should be assured that their money will be utilised properly to drive local economic development.
The implementation of the 30-year Aerotropolis Master Plan, will position Ekurhuleni as Africa’s leading aerotropolis, built around logistics excellence, and industrial growth. The city also understands the important role investors play in achieving their plans to benefit the people of Ekurhuleni.
“We are looking for partners who understand that urban development is not only about infrastructure and buildings — it is about people, opportunity, dignity, and long-term sustainability. The opportunities before us are extensive and catalytic in nature.”
“Development must be inclusive. Growth must be shared. And investment must translate into real improvements in the lives of our people.
“This means creating jobs, supporting small businesses, improving safety and mobility, and ensuring that our urban spaces are liveable, accessible, and sustainable. We are also committed, as an administration, to fixing the frontlines of service delivery. We have declared 2026 as the Year of Fixing Local Government — a year in which we intensify our efforts to restore functionality, improve infrastructure, and rebuild public confidence,” Xhakaza said.
