In a move set to bolster the city’s creative economy, the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Directorate has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with key stakeholders to strengthen Durban’s film and television sector.
The three-year agreements were recently signed with the Film and Publications Board (FPB), the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), and the KwaMashu Community Advancement Projects (KCAP).
These strategic partnerships aim to enhance skills development, promote regulatory compliance, and create economic opportunities for emerging creatives in the region.
Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli, said the MOUs signify a shared commitment to sustainable industry growth, leveraging collective expertise to uplift communities and foster transformation.
“This initiative aligns with the municipality’s vision of building an inclusive, vibrant, and economically active creative industry,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli also highlighted the practical importance of the agreement, noting “these MOUs are more than symbolic, they are living frameworks.”
“Through coordinated action, we will strengthen compliance, intellectual property education, enhance training, and ensure that our storytellers are equipped to compete on national and global stages,” Ntuli said.
Guided by the District Development Model (DDM), the initiative aligns with the city’s integrated approach to planning and service delivery. It seeks to unlock opportunities for sustainable development through intergovernmental cooperation.
The MOU with CIPC focuses on public education and outreach around intellectual property rights, while the FPB partnership promotes content classification and regulatory compliance.
The KCAP agreement will enhance community engagement through initiatives such as film screenings, audience development, scriptwriting labs, and the KwaZulu-Natal African Film Festival.
“These partnerships reflect our collective resolve to grow Durban’s creative economy while creating a safe, inclusive, and enabling environment. Together, we are shaping a future where the film sector contributes meaningfully to social development and economic transformation,” Director of the Economic Development Directorate, Shunnon Tulsiram said. – SAnews.gov.za
