A new way to travel: why cruising belongs in South Africa's tourism story

 

By Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa

South Africa’s tourism industry is entering an important new phase. The country welcomed 10.5 million international tourists, while travel from across the African continent continues to grow strongly alongside a steady recovery in long-haul markets. With government targeting 15 million international visitors by 2030, the opportunity is not simply to attract more people, but to think differently about how we move them, where they go and how much value their journeys create.

This requires a broader perspective on tourism. South Africa offers an exceptional range of experiences, spanning wildlife, cities, food, culture, heritage and coastline. The challenge and opportunity now is to integrate these assets into seamless travel journeys that align with changing consumer preferences. Cruise tourism is a compelling example of how this can be achieved.

Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa. | Photo: Supplied. 

Travel is becoming more about the journey

Travellers are increasingly looking for value, convenience and variety. They want to experience more without necessarily adding complexity to their holiday. Cruising responds to this shift by bringing accommodation, dining, entertainment and multiple destinations into one journey.

For South Africa, that creates an opportunity to think beyond individual destinations and towards connected travel experiences. A visitor can arrive in Durban, explore KwaZulu-Natal and then continue by sea to destinations across the region, without repeatedly changing hotels or navigating long transfers. For international visitors, a cruise can also form part of a longer South African holiday, creating opportunities to stay before or after their cruise and experience more of what the country has to offer.

This matters as regional tourism becomes increasingly important. African travellers are already a major part of South Africa’s visitor economy, while long-haul visitors often stay for between eight and 14 days. We should be looking at ways to encourage all of these travellers to experience more of South Africa and the wider region during their journey.

 

Our coastline is a tourism asset

South Africa has more than 2,500 kilometres of coastline, yet much of our tourism story has traditionally been built around what happens on land. Our coastline and ports should be seen as gateways into the broader tourism economy.

Durban demonstrates what is possible. When a cruise ship arrives, the economic activity extends well beyond the terminal. Passengers use transport, visit attractions, eat at restaurants, shop and take excursions. Some stay in hotels before or after their cruise. This creates opportunities across the tourism value chain, including for local businesses, tour operators, guides, retailers and other service providers.

The ship may bring the visitor, but the destination creates the value. That is why cruise tourism should not be viewed as a standalone part of the tourism industry. It is connected to the same businesses, infrastructure and communities that support tourism more broadly.

 

Connectivity will determine our next phase of growth

Cruise tourism also highlights a wider issue facing the sector: the tourism experience is only as strong as the connections between its different parts. Ports need to work with airports, roads, transport providers, hotels, attractions and tourism authorities to make the visitor journey as seamless as possible.

As regional travel grows, there is an opportunity to develop stronger tourism corridors across Southern Africa. Travellers increasingly think about experiences rather than borders, and our tourism offering should make it easier for them to move between destinations. That requires investment in infrastructure, efficient passenger processes and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

This is not only about cruise passengers. Better connectivity benefits every traveller and strengthens South Africa’s competitiveness as a destination.

 

Growth must reach beyond the biggest operators

Tourism directly supports close to one million jobs in South Africa, making it an important contributor to economic growth and employment. As we look to increase visitor numbers, we should also be asking who benefits from that growth.

The cruise experience is delivered by many people beyond the ship. It includes the guide introducing a visitor to a destination, the driver providing transport, the restaurant welcoming passengers, the artisan selling a locally made product and the small tourism business creating an experience worth remembering.

Creating stronger opportunities for these businesses to participate in the tourism value chain will be essential if growth is to have a wider economic impact. Large operators have a role to play, but so do government, destination authorities and communities in creating the conditions for participation.

 

A bigger tourism story

South Africa does not need to choose between safari, city breaks, beach holidays, business travel or cruising. We need to build a tourism proposition where these experiences complement one another.

Cruising gives us another way to showcase South Africa, connect our coastline to the wider region and create value across the tourism economy. At MSC Cruises, we see ourselves as part of that ecosystem. We can bring ships, passengers and connectivity, but the strength of the destination depends on many partners working together.

South Africa already has the destinations, experiences and people that travellers want. The next step is to make it easier for visitors to experience more of them.

Cruising is one way to do that and it deserves a place in South Africa’s tourism story.

Upgrades of several water pumpstations to improve supply

 

Upgrades of several water pumpstations to improve supply

SIPHELELE BUTHELEZI

THE CITY’S Water and Sanitation Directorate is making progress with functional upgrades at key water pumpstations to improve water supply in affected communities.

The upgrades form part of ongoing efforts to address infrastructure-related water challenges while responding to increasing demand across the City.

The upgrades at the Mountview and Trenance 1 Reservoir Pumpstations, as well as at the Grange Water Pumpstation, are aimed at improving the performance of ageing equipment, reducing operational disruptions, and strengthening the reliability of water infrastructure.

At the Mountview Reservoir Pumpstation, new pumping equipment, electrical systems, and controls have been installed and commissioned. Outstanding work includes the installation of heating, ventilation and an air-conditioning system and minor finishing works.

At the Trenance 1 Reservoir Pumpstation, the required equipment has been procured and fabricated. Meanwhile, the Grange Water Pumpstation upgrade will replace ageing mechanical, electrical, and control equipment that have reached the end of their lifespan.

Senior Manager for Mechanical and Electrical Operations, Linda Mntambo, described the upgrades as an important step towards improving the reliability of water supply infrastructure. ‘’We are working to ensure that our pumpstations are better equipped to meet operational demands and support the growing needs of the City. While infrastructure improvements take time, we remain committed to strengthening the system and improving service delivery,’’ he said.

He said the Grande Water Pumpstation upgrade will replace ageing mechanical, electrical, and control equipment that has reached the end of its useful service life. ’’The work includes installing new pumps, motors, pipework, electrical systems and modern controls to improve operational reliability and monitoring,’’ he said.

The upgrades are intended to strengthen the performance of the water supply network and improve the City’s ability to maintain equipment while minimising service interruptions.

The projects are scheduled for completion in 2027.

 

Handover of title deeds and houses

SANDILE QWABE

AND SILINDILE CELE

THERE were beaming smiles from recipients when eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba handed over 588 title deed certificates and three newly built houses to beneficiaries.

Among the recipients was 107-year-old senior citizen Levina Qwabe from Mount Royal, who received legal ownership of her property. Following the certificate presentation in Mount Royal, Mayor Xaba proceeded to KwaMashu to hand over newly built houses, under the R293 Housing Project, to three families. This programme forms part of the Municipality’s targeted R293 urban transformation and infrastructure upgrading initiatives.

The day culminated in a community engagement held at the KwaMashu C Sports Ground, where community members had an opportunity to engage the Mayor and receive their title deeds.

In his address, Mayor Xaba reiterated the importance of giving title deeds to ensure residents have full ownership of their properties. A total of 588 title deeds have been issued as part of this initiative to recipients from housing projects in Mount Royal, Ntuzuma, Quarry Heights and KwaMashu.

Mayor Xaba said: ‘’By giving title deeds to communities, we are restoring dignity to families who have faced uncertainty for many years. The title deed recipients will pass ownership of these properties to future generations. Speaking at the engagement, he further urged community members to safeguard Municipal infrastructure to ensure service delivery is not disrupted.

Mayor Xaba said this will also allow the City to continue to attract investment in order to create jobs.

Your El Nino Guide

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 24, 2026

Recently I was invited to a media workshop all about El Ninõ and how it will impact Durban and South Africa. Key stakeholders from eThekwini Municipality, University Professors and the South African Weather Service shared their insights.

Experts shared critical insights on El Nino, climate change, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience during the eThekwini Municipality's Media Empowerment Workshop. | Photo: Supplied. 

You might have noticed the early signs of El Ninõ already. There have been days of extreme heat recently. El Ninõ is a natural weather phenomenon that happens when the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal. This affects weather patterns across the world, including Southern Africa. During an El Ninõ period, South Africa often experiences hotter temperatures and below-average rainfall, especially during the summer seasons of rain.

For local communities in the Durban area this can mean extreme heat, reduced rainfall which leads to drought conditions, water shortages and losses of crops. El Ninõ can have a huge impact on people, agriculture, water resources and the environment.

The South African Weather Service predicts that conditions will continue for the summer season 2026/27 before easing off around March or early autumn 2027.

The 2015-2016 El Ninõ was one of the strongest recorded and resulted in severe drought in South Africa. As a result there were water shortages and agricultural losses which impacted on communities.

With droughts and water shortages this can impact on dam levels and water supply. Higher temperatures can raise health risks for those affected by heat stress. Reduced rain also affects food production and can influence prices locally. There is also the risk of wildfires in dry and hot conditions in rural and peri-urban areas.

‘’El Ninõ does not create new vulnerabilities, but it intensifies existing challenges such as water insecurity, food insecurity, health risks, and the impacts of poverty. Building climate resilience requires collaboration between government, communities, researchers, and the private sector to ensure effective adaptation and response measures,’’ said Prof Cathy Sutherland from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

For food security communities can grow water-wise vegetables and herbs, use mulching and rainwater harvesting to conserve water. Choose seasonal and locally produced foods; reduce food waste by planning meals and storing food correctly. Compost suitable food waste to return nutrients to the soil. Support local farmers and community food gardens. When there is water restrictions use water for essential household needs and food production.

Save water as much as possible, fix leaks, harvest rainwater. It’s also important to protect our rivers and wetlands.

When there are hot conditions in Durban stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine. Limit your outdoor activities between 11am and 3pm, wear light-coloured clothes and wide-brimmed hats and wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

‘’Encourage communities to plant trees,’’ said Mr Jotham Khumalo from the eThekwini Disaster Management Directorate in his presentation on eThekwini Municipality Disaster Preparedness. 

In your home close blinds during the day and use fans and air conditioning if available.

During hot days help children, the elderly and ill family or neighbours to stay cool and hydrated.

Look out for signs of headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, and rapid heartbeat these can be signs of heat stress. Seek medical help if the symptoms are bad.

To prepare and cope it is important to monitor weather forecasts and government alerts. Protect family and community members. Move valuable items to higher ground when heavy rain is expected. If floodwaters rise move to higher ground. Do not walk or drive through flooded roads or rivers.

Prevent fires and keep drainage systems clear of litter.

Keep an emergency kit handy with essential supplies.

Know your evacuation routes and emergency contact numbers.

The City has further enhanced its preparedness by updating its Disaster Risk and Response Management Plan and implementing lessons learned from previous flood events to ensure a more effective and coordinated response to further disasters.  

Follow warnings issued by the South African Weather Service and disaster management authorities.

Emergency services – Call 031 361 0000

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal commits R1 billion to expanding connectivity and bridging the digital divide

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 21, 2026

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal announced in October a strategic investment of R1 billion in network infrastructure for the 2027 financial year. At the moment KZN is experiencing growing demand for data and digital services, this investment shows Vodacom’s commitment to delivering world-class connectivity, enhancing customer experience, supporting economic growth and ensuring that nobody is left behind in the digital age.

Imran Khan, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal region with the Vodacom Team at the announcement of the R1 billion investment in network infrastructure. | Photo: Supplied. 

The capital expenditure will focus on expanding network coverage, increasing capacity, improving resilience and preparing the network for future technologies. The deployment includes upgrades to radio, transmission, core network, power resilience and supporting infrastructure.  You can also see some of these upgrades at the Moses Mabhida Stadium where Vodacom has increased signal capacity for fans.

Approximately R419 million, will be directed towards radio network expansion and modernisation. This includes new site builds, LTE and 5G upgrades, coverage expansion, and capacity improvements designed to deliver superior connectivity for customers across urban centres, townships, and deep rural areas throughout KZN.

The rollout is set for municipalities across KZN, including eThekwini, uMzimkhulu, Msunduzi, uMvoti, uMhlathuze, Nkandla, eMsinga, iMpendle, Richmond and eDumbe, among others. With this network coverage extension and increased capacity, this will strengthen digital inclusion, improve customer experience and enable more communities to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

Vodacom will invest more than R173 million in transmission infrastructure, including fibre and microwave network upgrades. This will strengthen network resilience, improve service quality and ensure the transport network can support growing demand for broadband and digital services in KZN.

‘’This year’s R1 billion investment builds on the R1.1 billion we invested in KwaZulu-Natal last year and demonstrates our firm commitment to connecting people, communities and businesses across the province. As we continue to modernise and expand our network, we are laying the foundation for future technologies while addressing digital inequality through wider broadband access. Our goal is clear: to create a digitally inclusive KwaZulu-Natal where everyone can participate in and benefit from the opportunity of the digital economy,’’ said Imran Khan, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal region. 

The region has set aside R63.5 million towards an energy resilience programme aimed at maintaining connectivity during power disruptions caused by localised load reduction, cable theft, municipal infrastructure failures and maintenance activities. This investment includes generators, batteries and backup power systems to help with network availability during power failures.

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal aims to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital era. This is done by using innovative products, services and customer-centric initiatives, the region continues to expand access to connectivity and the opportunities it enables for individuals, businesses and communities across KZN.

Contracts offered by Vodacom are also being transformed with a simplified RED portfolio that provides customers with more data, unlimited anytime minutes and greater flexibility at competitive price points. With the new RED Core and SIM-only packages, customers can choose plans that suit their connectivity needs and budgets.

With Just4You and Just4YourTown, customers receive personalised data and voice offerings tailored to their behaviour and location, ensuring connectivity at lower costs. KZN residents are taking up these affordable, customised packages. The Easy2Own device financing initiative enables customers to access smartphones affordably, which helps increase smartphone penetration across KZN. This helps people upgrade from 2G and 3G devices to 4G and 5G-enabled smartphones.  This unlocks access to digital services and opportunities.

Vodacom Business KwaZulu-Natal is also supporting enterprises and government, supporting digital transformation through its comprehensive digital core strategy. The division offers cloud services, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), mobile and unified communications, hosting, managed services and digital application platforms.

Their Case Management solution helps municipalities to log, track and resolve service-related queries efficiently. Several municipalities across KZN already use this platform to communicate directly with citizens to improve service delivery.

‘’Our investment in KwaZulu-Natal reflects our purpose-led commitment to connecting everyone to a better future, by enabling greater digital inclusion and ensuring that all residents can access the opportunities presented by the digital economy,’’ concluded Khan.

EThekwini Municipality Welcomed R124.58 Billion Investment Pledges

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 19, 2026

The eThekwini Municipality has welcomed R124.58 billion in investment pledges secured at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference, held alongside South African Automotive Week at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Conference Centre from 13 to 16 October.

EThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba and City Manager Musa Mbhele welcomed R124.58 billion in investment pledges secured at the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference held alongside South African Automotive Week at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Conference Centre from 13 to 16 October. | Photo: Supplied. 

Major projects announced include 18 identifiable projects linked to eThekwini, representing R38.538 billion in investment. These projects look set to drive industrial growth, strengthen local manufacturing and create job opportunities, with implementation within 36 months.

Mayor of eThekwini, Councillor Cyril Xaba reaffirmed the City’s commitment to attracting investment through infrastructure development and an improved business environment. He highlighted the City’s catalytic developments, valued at R217 billion, including the R25 billion Sibaya Precinct and the R35 billion Durban Bay and Point Waterfront development.

‘’These commitments reinforce the importance of our continuous investor engagements, Inner City Regeneration programme, and the City’s Economic Development Incentive Policy in attracting investment, unlocking development opportunities, and creating an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs,’’ said eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele.

Participating in a conference panel discussion on logistics, infrastructure, and trade competitiveness, Mbhele emphasised that the City’s priority was to translate investment commitments into tangible economic benefits, including employment, skills development, and opportunities for local businesses.

EThekwini’s strategic location, port infrastructure, and road and rail networks position Durban as a gateway for domestic, continental, and international trade. At Cornubia, investment exceeds R2.1 billion, with around 300 construction jobs created and nearly 2,000 future jobs expected.

Mbhele also noted that the City was getting ready to welcome an international delegation for the reSURGEnce Durban Conference from 24 to 28 October 2026. This conference will strengthen international partnerships and facilitate business-to-business engagements, connecting local enterprises with global opportunities while showcasing Durban’s investment potential.

‘’Durban is open for business. We remain committed to strengthening infrastructure, removing barriers to investment, and ensuring that these commitments translate into sustainable economic growth and opportunities for our residents,’’ concluded Mbhele.

Mayor Xaba Launched Durban's Summer Season with a Digital Buzz

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 6, 2026

The eThekwini Mayor Cllr Cyril Xaba launched Durban’s summer season at Tyler’s in Umdloti recently. This marked the closing of Tourism & Heritage Month and the start of a vibrant period for tourism, leisure and entertainment, while showing the City’s commitment to embracing the digital era.

Durban Summer Season is officially here! Mayor Cyril Xaba launched Durban Summer Season in the beautiful coastal setting of Umdloti, setting the tone for a vibrant season filled with unforgettable experiences, exciting events and endless opportunities to explore the city. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

At the launch there was also an unveiling of a new QR code which has been designed to provide visitors and residents with easy digital access to Durban’s tourism offerings, experiences, heritage and destination stories.

This initiative forms part of the City’s efforts to modernise the way Durban is promoted and how visitors get access to information about destinations. With a simple scan of the QR code, tourists can explore the diverse experiences that Durban has to offer, from its iconic beaches and outdoor attractions to its rich cultural heritage, entertainment, cuisine, nature and adventure attractions.

‘’Durban is a city of experiences, stories and possibilities. As we welcome visitors this summer, we want them to discover not only our beautiful beaches, but also our heritage, culture, cuisine, nature, entertainment and the many experiences that make Durban a destination worth exploring,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

Mayor Xaba said the introduction of the QR code demonstrated the City’s commitment to ensuring that tourism promotion keeps pace with changing technology and visitor expectations.

‘’Technology has changed the way people plan their journeys, discover destinations and share their experiences. We are therefore using digital platforms to bring Durban closer to visitors and ensure that our tourism offerings are accessible at their fingertips,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

The summer season looks set to provide an important boost to the local tourism economy, supporting businesses across the hospitality, entertainment, retail, transport, events and related sectors.

Mayor Xaba alongside City officials and tourism stakeholders at the launch at Tyler's Umdloti. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

The City also encouraged residents to become ambassadors for Durban by exploring local attractions, supporting tourism businesses and sharing their experiences across digital channels.

With this summer launch eThekwini further reinforced its commitment to positioning Durban as a leading tourism destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities to benefit from increased visitor activity.

Visitors are encouraged to explore Durban beyond the traditional attractions and discover the city’s stories, people, heritage, natural beauty and diverse tourism experiences.

Mayor Xaba unveiled QR codes designed to make it easier for visitors to discover Durban's tourism offerings. Scan. Discover. Explore. Experience Durban. 

As the summer season approaches the message is clear:

Durban is open. Durban is ready.

Durban welcomes you.