Moscow: AfricUpdate – News Desk
South Africa’s eThekwini Municipality is participating in the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR), currently underway in BRICS PartNIR Innovation Center (BPIC) in Xiamen, China. The delegation of the city is headed by eThekwini Speaker Councillor Thabani Nyawose, who represents Durban’s strategic focus on innovation, smart cities, and international cooperation. This is reported by DUrban TV, a partner of TV BRICS.
At the ongoing event, eThekwini is showcasing its capabilities in key areas, including smart city development, green energy technologies, and digital transformation. These areas are crucial to the municipality’s broader goal of sustainable urban growth and enhancing quality of life for its citizens through innovative solutions. The municipality’s presence at BPIC is not limited to an exhibition. As part of its commitment to capacity-building and international collaboration, two senior executives from eThekwini’s Energy Management and Marketing and Communications Directorates are participating in a month-long training programme facilitated by BPIC.
This programme is focused on advancing municipal service delivery through enhanced technical expertise and innovation. The training aims to equip eThekwini officials with cutting-edge knowledge in energy management, digital services, and sustainability practices. “This engagement marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Xiamen and the broader BRICS community. We are here to learn, share, and build lasting relationships that will benefit the people of eThekwini,” said Councillor Nyawose.
Experts noted that eThekwini’s participation at BPIC builds on the 2023 memorandum of understanding signed with Xiamen. This MoU laid the groundwork for joint initiatives in sustainable urban development, port infrastructure enhancement, and cultural exchange between the two cities. According to the source, through this partnership, eThekwini aims to bolster its role as a globally connected city, ready to embrace the transformative opportunities of the new industrial revolution.
