Where do we want to be?

Durban has well rounded and caring citizens who act to support the common well-being of Durban and embrace mutual respect, tolerance and compassion for those in need.  

Targets

How will we get there?

Strategy A: Responsible Citizens and Responsive Governance

In a society where citizens rights are well protected constitutionally, it is important that this is complemented with an equal focus on individual responsibilities. The caring city that all citizens imagine is founded on residents understanding their individual responsibilities as citizens, and honouring a commitment to uphold the rule of law.  In addition, the responsible citizens that good governance requires need opportunities to interact with governance systems and to have their voices heard.   Citizens that feel included in decision-making will actively support and promote implementation of these decisions.

Strategy B: Engendering mutual respect, the spirit of ubuntu and a culture of helping those in need

Moving from the individual responsibility in strategy A, strategy B focuses on the articulation of a shared vision leading to communal responsibility for sustaining life in our city, country and indeed on the planet. Its emphasis lies on promoting human values based on universal social, cultural and spiritual convictions. Through the deliberate and focused promotion of ubuntu, it is hoped that greater harmony between citizens is fostered, so that mutual respect and tolerance becomes a way of life. This strategy however, goes beyond mutual respect, aiming to inculcate a culture that places a premium on helping those on need; as all people are part of one common humanity.  

Strategy C: Personal empowerment and development

Over and above the vocational skills that are advocated as part of the Prosperous City theme, it is important that everybody has access to life long learning so that they are personally empowered, confident citizens. Personal development in this strategy covers all aspects of the total human being, including ensuring sound physical, psychological and emotional well being. A particular emphasis is placed on sports development as a means to maintain physical and mental health.  

Strategy D: Training youth for model citizenship

The Imagine Durban plan recognises that future lies in the hands of its young people. It therefore advocates that, if the vision of a caring and empowering city is to be realised, each of the strategies outlined above must be targeted towards young people.