City gears up for bumper festive season
THE CITY is ready to host a safe and memorable festive season for the anticipated 792 410 visitors expected to flock to Durban.
To ensure residents and visitors enjoy a safe and memorable experience this festive season, the City has beefed up its staff complement and well as increased police visibility at tourism precincts and along the beachfront.
Further bolstering these efforts, is that all Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the inner city are operational. The project of repairing and upgrading CCTV cameras started in September and was completed in November, just in time for the festive season.
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda conducted an oversight inspection of the City's Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera control room recently.
During his visit, Mayor Kaunda received a detailed demonstration of how the cameras will assist to tackle crime in the Durban central business district and other crime hotspots.
Mayor Kaunda said he was happy to report that 34 swimming pools are open in the City. This includes the Laguna Paddling Swimming Pool which was reopened recently after it was closed due to infrastructural challenges. He said repairs at the popular Children Amusement Centre swimming pool, which is along the beachfront, are at an advanced stage.
Repairs are expected to be completed before the peak season days of the holiday.
Mayor Kaunda said the hotel occupancy rate this year is expected to be 75 percent, compared to the 57 percent achieved last year. He said 65 beach guides will be stationed across the various City beaches to aid visitors. An additional 160 seasonal lifeguards have also been deployed to beaches to prevent drownings.
Law enforcement will also be out in full force with about 168 contract security personnel employed for the duration of the festive season. Metro Police officers, South African Police Service, security personnel, and Beach Law Enforcement officers will conduct regular patrols around the City, including on beaches.
''The 62 new Metro Police vehicles will be used to patrol the streets during the festive season and beyond to keep our communities safe,'' Mayor Kaunda added.
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Visit the Durban Botanic Gardens Trail Of Lights for a magical experience
Themed 'Garden Glow', the highly anticipated event is currently underway at the Durban Botanic Gardens until 3 January 2024 from 6pm to 10pm every evening.
The Trail of Light will be closed on 25 and 31 December.
The event also offers other entertainment including live music, food gardens, charity fundraising activities and more. Children will also be able to share their holiday wishes with Santa's Grotto.
And to ensure the whole family, including pets, are part of the festivities, the gardens will host Paws and Claus (dogs only) for three nights on 10, 13 and 14 December. Tickets are R50 per pet when booked with a full-paying adult ticket.
Senior Manager in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit Bonga Mthembu said the Municipality is thrilled that he popular event has returned this year.
He said the Trail of Lights is an opportunity to showcase the Botanic Gardens being transformed into a remarkable and extraordinary place after dark.
Tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za or Pick 'n Pay outlets. Ticket prices vary as follows: 6pm entry is R90 per person; 7pm entry is R80 per person; and the 8pm entry is R70 per person. Tickets will also be available at the door, subject to availability at R120 per person (card payments only). Early booking is advised to secure your preferred date.
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