Mayoral Tourism Editors' Engagement

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 28, 2026

Recently eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba held a Mayoral Tourism Editors’ Engagement with Editors and Media at Octavia Boutique Hotel in Inanda. These are some of the highlights.

EThekwini Mayor, Cllr Cyril Xaba, presented the 2025/2026 festive season performance outcomes and outlined the City's tourism development plans for 2026 and beyond during a media engagement held in Octavia Boutique Hotel, in Inanada. Photo: Supplied. 

Mayor Xaba reported on the performance outcomes of the 2025/2026 festive season. He also shared plans to attract more tourists to the City for this year and beyond.

Mayor Xaba stated that this was the best festive season the City has experienced in many years.

‘’For the first time in five years, we enjoyed a relatively stable water supply, except in areas supplied by Pipeline 53 from Pietermaritzburg, which experienced a burst that resulted in intermittent water supply in some parts of the Outer West region. Additionally for the first time since the 2022 floods, all 23 of our bathing beaches were open and safe for swimming. As a safety precaution, we temporarily closed one or two beaches when necessary to ensure they met the highest safety standards,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

The City welcomed thousands of visitors during the festive season, with many areas reaching full capacity as holidaymakers enjoyed Durban’s warm summer weather.

‘’Our beaches recorded over 6.8 million visitors, including swimmers and promenade users from 1 December to 12 January 2026. At our 43 municipal swimming pools, we recorded more than 1.2 million bathers,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

The dedicated lifeguards and emergency services remained on high alert throughout the festive season, responding swiftly to several rescuers involving swimmers caught in challenging conditions.

The City’s beach guides issued 275 000 wristbands to children, and 1 855 children who were separated from their parents were successfully reunited within 24 hours.

To make sure the City stayed clean a comprehensive Waste Management Plan was implemented which included deploying additional cleaning teams, structured shift systems and roving teams. This ensured a clean, safe and welcoming coastline.

An integrated safety plan involving all law enforcement agencies resulted in multidisciplinary operations including roadblocks targeting reckless driving, unroadworthy vehicles, and drinking and driving. More than 2 000 officers were deployed for day and night patrols backed up by 500 CCTV cameras.

There were also additional tourism offerings to encourage visitors to stay longer. These included 23 signature events, the New Year’s Eve fireworks display along the beachfront and the successful Durban’s New Year Carnival on 2 January.

‘’We are pleased to report a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to 2024. Preliminary figures indicate that the City welcomed close to 1.2 million visitors, up from 998 000 last year – a 19% increase. Accommodation occupancy rose to 77% from 72% in 2024. Direct tourism spend increased from R2.2 billion to R2.7 billion, reflecting a 24% increase. The sector’s GDP contribution grew from R5.5 billion to R9.6 billion, creating over 14 000 job opportunities. These figures reaffirm tourism as a key driver of our local economy,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

The people of Durban can also look forward to some big events in 2026.

In the coming weeks giant statues of former President Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo will be unveiled.

The countdown to the 5^th Durban Tourism Business Awards begins.

The City will be co-sponsoring the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open professional golf tournament which happens at the Durban Country Club from 19 to 22 February.

In April, Durban will host the Metro FM Music Awards as the official host city for the next three years.

Next month will see the launch of a new airline route between King Shaka International Airport and Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport in Reunion Island, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 27 February 2026.

The Municipality will also participate in major domestic and international trade shows to attract investment to Durban.

Anthony Hamilton will perform live in Durban on 28 February 2026, followed by Bryan Adams in March and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell in June 2026.

Durban International Marathon happens in May.

Comrades Marathon (Up Run) – June

Hollywoodbets Durban July

Durban International Film Festival – July

‘’Durban’s tourism sector is firmly on an upward trajectory,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

Enter the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 27, 2026

Durban Tourism has proudly announced that entries are officially open for the 5^th Annual Durban Tourism Business Awards, a flagship competition that celebrates excellence, resilience, and innovation within the tourism and hospitality sector.

Enter the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards. Photo: Fred Felton. 

Businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector are invited to participate by submitting their applications or nominations for the 5^th annual Durban Tourism Business Awards competition.

Entries opened on 23 January and close on 23 March 2026.

To begin the entry process, all tourism businesses within the eThekwini Municipality should follow this link: https://durbantourismawards.com

You will receive an automated email response confirming a successful online entry.

Those businesses that are selected will receive developmental prizes to assist them to elevate their businesses.

All of the category top winners will receive up to R50 000 in prize money.

Award Categories Include:

The Accommodation Awards, Excellence in Hotels and Non-Hotels

MESE Awards: Honouring Meetings, Exhibitions, Special Events, and world-class MESE Venues

Visitor Experiences Awards: Celebrating the destinations that create unforgettable memories for visitors

Tourist Guides Awards: Recognising Nature, Adventure, and Culture Guides

Tour Operators Awards: Awarding excellence for the in-bound travel package curation and execution

Rickshaw Pullers: Honouring the cultural heritage and service of our local operators

Crafters: Celebrating the artistry of local creators

Event owners and Promoter Destination Promotion and Leveraging Platform: Recognising high-impact events as vehicles that promote and profile the destination, while attracting national and international visitors for attendance.

Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year: Specifically recognising black-owned SMMEs who have achieved notable success since starting up

Green Tourism Awards: For leaders in sustainability and eco-friendly practices

Film Makers Award: Recognising film production that is shot in Durban and significantly showcases our destination through the lens of a visitor

Why should you enter?

Prestige: Be part of the business excellence recognition your businesses contribute in tourism growth

Exposure: Benefit from media coverage, marketing opportunities and development

Growth: Use the winner’s seal to build trust with global travellers

To ensure integrity the awards will have a thorough tabulation and audit of the competition process..

This will then be followed by a public voting phase to raise awareness of local tourism products.

An independent panel of judges will adjudicate the competition by visiting the nominated businesses to assess them.

Community Tourism Organisations (CTOs), tourism industry stakeholders and organised tourism business, and the public are encouraged to identify and motivate tourism businesses in their areas to enter the awards.

For more info email: info@durbantourismawards.com or call 031 322 4164. You can also visit www.durbantourismawards.com or www.durban.gov.za or follow @DBNTourism on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Dolphin Coast in Global Golf Spotlight with Jonsson Workwear Durban Open

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 21, 2026

Durban can look forward to seeing world-class international golf as the host of the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open on the Sunshine Tour and HotelPlanner Tour this February.

Durban will once again welcome world-class internatoinal golf to its fairways as the host city of the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open at the historic Durban Country Club. The tournament will be played at the Durban Country Club from 19-22 February, in partnership with eThekwini Municipality. Photo: Supplied. 

This R6-million (dependant on the US dollar exchange rate) tournament will be played at the historic Durban Country Club from 19-22 February, in partnership with the City of Durban.

You can expect a strong field of South African and global golfers as they head to the city that is quickly establishing itself as a key destination in world golf for rising stars looking to make their mark in the game.

Visitors can also look forward to seeing a revamped Durban Country Club that has been elevated back to its true championship potential.

‘’Bringing the Jonsson Workwear Open back to Durban is incredibly meaningful for us. This is where our business was built, and where our headquarters are still located. Seeing it return to the Durban Country Club, one of South Africa’s great historic courses, and witnessing international golfers experience the rejuvenated course makes this homecoming even more memorable. Durban has a proud sporting heritage and we’re proud to partner with the City in hosting an event that spotlights excellence right here on our doorstep,’’ said CEO and Chairman of Jonsson Workwear, Nick Jonsson.

The Jonsson Workwear Durban Open forms part of the South African Swing of four tournaments that will tee off the new season on the HotelPlanner Tour, the main feeder to the DP World Tour.

The Jonsson Workwear Durban Open will be the final tournament on this opening swing and will play a key role in the quest of South African professionals to make a fast start on the Road to Mallorca Rankings and thereby try and gain promotion to the DP World Tour for next season.

‘’The Jonsson Workwear Durban Open, as part of our co-sanctioned tournaments with the HotelPlanner Tour, is an extremely valuable element of the global pathway for our Sunshine Tour members. Through consistent exposure on the HotelPlanner Tour, we have seen several members graduate onto the DP World Tour. Jonsson Workwear shares this vision of developing greatness on our fairways, and particularly in Durban, which has a rich golf heritage,’’ noted Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

The partnership with Jonsson Workwear, the City of Durban and Durban Country Club has indeed yielded great success for South African professional golf.

JC Ritchie, the winner of this tournament in 2022, became the first South African golfer in history to finish top of the Road to Mallorca Rankings last season thereby graduating to the DP World Tour.

Another great golf moment for the City was when Durban Country Club hosted the 2025 Investec South African Open and Dylan Naidoo became the first player of colour to win his national Open.

‘’Durban is proud to be the host of a premier golf tournament this February, bringing together top local and international talent for a celebration of sport, community, and economic growth. Hosting the tournament in the City is set to promote Durban as a global sporting destination, while showcasing the City’s world-class facilities and vibrant culture. Young athletes, especially from the disadvantage areas, will be inspired and encouraged to participate in golf through golf clinics, school and mentorship outreach programs, as well as community initiatives,’’ noted Mr Musa Mbhele, City Manager of eThekwini Municipality.

This will be the sixth consecutive year for the HotelPlanner Tour in South Africa as the tour tees off its season in this country.

‘’We are also very excited to visit Durban this year, with its rich history in our sport. Durban Country Club will provide an outstanding test for our players and having hosted the Investec South African Open just last year, it is the perfect setting to close out our South African Swing. We are incredibly grateful to the Sunshine Tour, Jonsson Workwear and the City of Durban for their commitment to this event,’’ said Jamie Hodges, HotelPlanner Tour Director.  

City Opens Applications for 2026 Student Relief Fund

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 12, 2026

The eThekwini Municipality has called on students that are ambitious, deserving residents to take advantage of a great opportunity, the 2026 Student Relief Fund (EMSRF).

Photo: Pixabay. 

This initiative is aimed to help first-time undergraduate students who have been accepted into public higher education institutions, but lack the financial assistance.

The deadline for applications is Friday, 16 January 2026 to submit applications.

The Municipality is looking to break the cycle of poverty and unlock opportunities for a future workforce that will drive innovation and growth in the City.

This EMSRF is a lifeline for students who dream to study in higher education, but face the barriers of a lack of finances.

This fund covers registration fees and may offer limited support toward tuition, ensuring that financial issues do not stand in the way of academic success.

The fund excludes accommodation, books, meals, transport and other related costs.

Who Can Apply?

§  South African citizens permanently residing within eThekwini Municipality (proof of residence required)

§  Students admitted to a public university or TVET college for a full-time qualification recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training

§  Applicants enrolled at UNISA may be considered, if not currently employed

§  Household income must be below R200, 000 per year (proof required)

§  Applicants must meet academic requirements for their chosen programme

 

How to Apply:

Collect application forms from Sizakala Centres that have Human Resources Centre of Excellence offices, or from the EMA Offices, 4^th Floor, Standard Bank Building, 26 Matthews Meyiwa Street.

Submit your completed forms along with:

§  Proof of admission or study from the public university or TVET college

§  Academic results

§  ID documents (student and parent/guardian)

§  Proof of income or affidavit

§  Proof of residence

§  Incomplete applicants will not be considered

 

Submit your applications to Human Resources Centre of Excellence, 21 Archie Gumede Street, Durban, 4001, or Sizakala Centres with HR Centre of Excellence offices.

Applicants who are underrepresented in terms of race, gender and disability will be given priority.

If you have not been contacted within 10 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

For more information on the Student Relief Fund, contact 031 311 3924 or 031 322 0413.