The eThekwini Municipality has unveiled a new pilot programme for the cannabis and hemp sector.
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The eThekwini Municipality is turning to the cannabis and hemp sector as a key lever for economic growth, with officials backing a new pilot programme aimed at positioning Durban as a leader in the emerging agribusiness market.
The City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee said it had recommended the Cannabis and Hemp Commercialisation Pilot Programme as part of a broader package of strategic interventions.
“The programme will position eThekwini as a leader in the emerging cannabis and hemp sector through a structured regulatory sandbox that ensures compliance while enabling innovation,” the committee said.
The initiative, proposed in partnership with Royal Queen Seeds South Africa, will be fully funded over three years and will focus on research, farmer development, and sector readiness.
“The fully funded programme will focus on research, farmer development, and sector readiness, providing emerging farmers, cooperatives, and heritage growers with access to advanced genetics, technical expertise, and global best practice,” the committee said.
Officials added that the project is expected to unlock new agricultural value chains and support rural development.
“The three-year programme is expected to unlock new agricultural value chains, support rural development, and strengthen the Municipality’s readiness for future commercialisation opportunities,” the committee said.
The move forms part of a wider set of high-impact programmes recommended to accelerate economic recovery and investment.
“These initiatives are designed to accelerate economic recovery, unlock investment, strengthen inclusive growth, and position Durban as a globally competitive and resilient city,” the committee said.
Among the major proposals is the hosting of the 2026 reSURGEnce Conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 24 to 28 July 2026.
“This year’s conference is projected to generate approximately R25 million in direct economic impact, contribute over R60 million to the GDP, and create around 110 short-term jobs,” the committee said.
The municipality is also advancing environmental sustainability through the Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project, which continues to deliver both ecological and socio-economic benefits.
“The project supports biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and catchment management, while creating livelihoods through plant propagation, site preparation, and maintenance,” the committee said.
It added that the initiative has already created jobs and restored large areas of degraded land.
“To date, the project has created over 40 full-time jobs, 16 part-time positions, and nearly 400 temporary opportunities,” the committee said.
In addition, the committee recommended a revamped Cooperative Development Strategy to strengthen small business participation.
“The strategy aims to deepen economic inclusion, expand opportunities for small enterprises, and strengthen the role of cooperatives within the local economy,” the committee said.
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