Reflecting on 25 years of enhancing city's global image

AFTER 25 years of building Durban’s reputation around the world, the man who was brought in to enhance the city’s image is retiring.

- THAMI MAGUBANE

Eric Apelgren, 63, Head of Department — International and Governance Relations at eThekwini Municipality, is retiring from the municipality this month, leaving a legacy of creating partnerships globally and increasing the number of diplomatic missions deployed to the city.

These partnerships have led to increased investments, sharing of knowledge and skills with other cities, exposing municipal staff to good governance practices, and creating international education opportunities for deserving students.

Apelgren said he had a history of community work before joining the municipality, which included working on elections, collaborating with international organisations, and engaging with donors.