A sign that reads ‘Hollywood coming soon’ along Masabalala Yengwa Avenue. The site has been earmarked for a proposed multibillion-rand film studio complex. However a property rates dispute between developer Anant Singh and the eThekwini Municipality has led to delays.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
The eThekwini Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to the Durban Film Studio despite delays and allegations of frustrating the project with punitive property rates that are preventing it from getting off the ground.
The City said negotiations with the developer of the multi-billion rand project are still ongoing to resolve the rates dispute. This commitment was made during a meeting with members of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) last week. The members had pressed the city on its plans for economic growth. The city stated that the proposed Durban Film Studio project is one of many key economic initiatives aimed at transforming Durban’s economy and creating employment.
The film studio project is led by developer Anant Singh and has been delayed for several years due to a prolonged legal challenge and other factors.
Singh’s office has raised concerns about the latest delays over rates on various platforms, including with the presidential working group deployed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address service delivery challenges faced by the metro.
A member of the committee, Patrick Atkinson, pressed the municipality on the development of the studio, as well as other mega projects that could create economic growth. He stated: “A sign of a successful city is one that helps to create economic growth and employment for its people; a sign of a failing city is one where poverty has increased.
“I heard a story about the Cape Town film studios and how incredibly popular they are. People come from all over the world to make films there because of the Cape Town film studios, leading to significant investment and job creation. What I find amazing is that there are no other film studios in major cities like Johannesburg and Durban, as far as I know; Cape Town is the only place that has them. Considering the climate of KZN and the fact that you don’t have a winter (if eThekwini had a film studio), that would mean filmmakers could come and make films all year round, which could be a significant income driver for the region. What I am coming to is: what is your strategy and plan to create economic growth and jobs for people?”
He further stated that he understood the Durban Film Studio was being frustrated by punitive rates.
City manager, Musa Mbhele, expressed disappointment at the perception that the City is making it difficult for the studio to get off the ground. “There is a rate dispute; it’s not only because of punitive rates, but also due to disagreements between valuers, who are ‘chalk and cheese’ in terms of the amounts they are proposing.
“The City is proposing so much based on the plans that were submitted. People (developers’ valuers) are proposing so much. That is what we are facilitating; we need to agree on what needs to be paid,” he said.
Mbhele added that when this site was sold, there were specific agreements made as part of the sale agreement. “A particular portion, about 80% would be dedicated to the film studio and 20% for other uses. That is still being discussed to ensure full compliance, but we are fully behind him.”
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