Durban Signs Strategic MOUs to Boost Local Film and TV Industry

In a major step toward strengthening Durban’s creative economy and nurturing the city’s cultural identity, the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Directorate has formalized three landmark Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at accelerating growth in the film and television sector. These three-year agreements—signed with the Film and Publications Board (FPB), the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), and the KwaMashu Community Advancement Projects (KCAP)—are designed to foster skills development, regulatory awareness, and economic transformation within local creative industries.

The initiative falls under the city’s broader mission to create an inclusive and sustainable economy, with a focus on empowering emerging content creators and aligning cultural development with national and regional policy frameworks.

A Collective Commitment to Cultural and Economic Growth

Announcing the MOUs, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, emphasized that the partnerships represent a shared vision for transformation and inclusive economic participation.

“These MOUs are more than symbolic, they are living frameworks that reflect our dedication to building a vibrant and economically active creative industry,” said Ntuli. “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.”

He also noted that the partnerships leverage the strengths of both government and community organizations to unlock Durban’s creative potential, particularly in under-resourced communities.

Strategic Roles of the Partner Organizations

Each partner brings a specialized focus to the table, aligning resources and expertise to build a resilient creative economy:

• Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC): The agreement with CIPC focuses on public education and outreach concerning intellectual property rights, ensuring that local filmmakers and creators understand how to protect their work, brand their content, and benefit economically from their creative output.

• Film and Publications Board (FPB): The MOU with FPB promotes regulatory compliance and content classification standards, helping filmmakers navigate legal frameworks for responsible and age-appropriate storytelling. The partnership also seeks to cultivate a culture of media accountability while raising awareness around harmful content.

• KwaMashu Community Advancement Projects (KCAP): A grassroots organization deeply embedded in the KwaZulu-Natal creative scene, KCAP’s role focuses on community engagement, skills development, and audience building. KCAP will lead initiatives such as scriptwriting labs, film screenings, and the KwaZulu-Natal African Film Festival, creating direct platforms for emerging talent to gain exposure and training.

Aligning with National and Local Development Goals

The initiative is aligned with South Africa’s District Development Model (DDM), which encourages coordinated service delivery through intergovernmental cooperation and localized economic planning. In this context, Durban’s focus on the creative sector serves as both a cultural upliftment initiative and a job creation strategy.

Shunnon Tulsiram, Director of the Economic Development Directorate, emphasized the initiative's developmental significance.

“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,” said Tulsiram.

The collaborative approach mirrors global trends, where cities are investing in creative industries as part of broader efforts to diversify local economies, foster innovation, and promote social cohesion.

Building a Pipeline of Talent and Opportunity

The MOUs are expected to result in the implementation of education campaigns, training workshops, public film exhibitions, and community-based film festivals—offering aspiring creatives a tangible pathway from grassroots participation to professional opportunities.

The emphasis on compliance and education will also ensure that Durban’s film sector aligns with international standards, making it more attractive to foreign investors, co-productions, and film commissions seeking ethically grounded and legally secure partnerships.

Moreover, the inclusion of institutions like KCAP ensures that youth, women, and marginalized communities are at the forefront of the sector’s growth—addressing historical inequities in access to artistic opportunity.

A Bright Future for Durban’s Creative Sector

As the global demand for culturally rich, diverse, and authentic storytelling continues to rise, Durban’s proactive investment in its film and television ecosystem places the city on a promising trajectory. With structured partnerships, strategic leadership, and a grassroots-driven approach, the MOUs signed mark not just a step forward for Durban’s creatives—but a leap toward economic empowerment, cultural recognition, and global storytelling influence.