The Leeds - Durban partnership was developed in 1998 when Councillors from Leeds who had been involved in the anti-apartheid movement were keen to develop a link with a South African city following the announcement of the first free local elections. The City of Durban (now eThekwini Municipality) was identified, due to its strong economic position and the potential for longer term economic cooperation.
The two city councils signed a memorandum of understanding in 1998, establishing a formal relationship and a programme of co-operation. The purpose of the link is to develop mutually beneficial relations and to co-operate in the interests of young people, local businesses, educational and technological advancement and the increased prosperity of all citizens.
There have been a number of projects within these areas; some of the most prominent recent or ongoing ones are:
The Lion's Den (similar to the BBC's Dragon Den) held in 2007 and 2008, which gave opportunities for investment into local Durban businesses by Yorkshire sponsors
The Esidweni's women farming cooperative, aimed at encouraging self-sufficiency through providing the land, tools, training and support to local women to grow their own vegetables and fruits
There are currently 25 active school partnerships between primary and secondary schools in Leeds and Durban and the relationship with the Kwazulu Natal Ministry of Education is very strong
Leeds City and eThekwini Municipality are working together on a Commonwealth Local Government Good Practice Scheme project funded by the UK government's Department for International Development. This involves exchange of best practice in procurement and small business support
There is an ongoing exchange between sports development officers, with opportunities for Leeds officers to learn from the 2010 World Cup experience.
Get involved!
If you would like more information on the Durban – Leeds partnership or if you would like to get involved, please contact the international relations office using the contact details in the top right hand side of this page.