Durban Welcomes the World this Weekend

 

By Fred Felton | Jun. 13, 2026

Durban is once again showing why it is Africa’s premier events and tourism destination as the City has a huge line-up of internationally acclaimed sporting and entertainment events, attracting thousands of visitors from South Africa and the globe.

Enjoy the Comrades Long Weekend Ricksha Bus Special. | Photo: Supplied.

This weekend you can witness the world-renowned Comrades Marathon and the internationally acclaimed Gas Motorshow International Festival.

These events showcase Durban’s ability to host events of a global significance while giving exceptional experiences to visitors and helping economic growth.

The 99^th Comrades Marathon takes place on Sunday 14 June.

This iconic race will attract top athletes, supporters, media, and tourists from across the world, showing Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’s reputation as a leading international sporting destination.

Residents and visitors can also enjoy the Comrades Long Weekend Ricksha Bus Special from 13 to 16 June, offering one of Durban’s most iconic sightseeing experiences all for a special rate of R56 per person.

Durban will also be hosting one of the continent’s fastest-growing entertainment shows, the Gas Motorshow International Festival, recognised among Africa’s leading automotive and lifestyle festivals.

See Hollywood actor Sung Kang at the Gas Motorshow this weekend. | Photo: Supplied. 

More than 30 000 spectators are expected as the festival has expanded onto the international stage, bringing global celebrities, international music artists, world-class stunt entertainment, and premium lifestyle experiences to the City.

International guests include Hollywood actor Sung Kang, known for his role as Han in the Fast & Furious franchise, as well as acclaimed international artists Miro from Belgium and DJ Lex from the USA.

Festival-goers can look forward to international stunt showcases, aerial displays by the Puma Energy Flying Lions Aerobatic Team, supercars, custom vehicle builds, live music, fashion activations and food experiences, and family entertainment.

‘’This remarkable weekend demonstrates Durban’s growing stature as a City capable of hosting world-class sporting, entertainment, cultural and lifestyle events. The presence of international visitors, athletes, performers and celebrities is a strong endorsement of our City’s infrastructure, hospitality offering and tourism appeal. These events contribute significantly to our local economy, support jobs, and showcase Durban as a globally competitive destination,’’ noted eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba.

These events are expected to generate substantial economic activity across the tourism value chain, benefitting accommodation establishments, transport operators, restaurants, retail businesses, and tourism attractions.

Durban is poised to deliver a memorable long weekend filled with sport, entertainment, culture and adventure.

The 2026 East Coast Radio House and Garden Show Opens June 27

 

By Fred Felton | June 1, 2026

KZN’s favourite lifestyle event is getting ready to welcome visitors to the 2026 edition on 27 June until 5 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Plenty to see and do at the event this year. | Photo: Supplied. 

‘’The theme this year is Dream, Create and Live,’’ said the Show’s new director Lara Bezuidenhout.

Look out for the latest international trends, new products, local gems and loads of entertainment.

This event is ideal for the family and for school holidays. Keep an eye out for a massive play area at the show where Peter Pan and Tinkerbell will be in Neverland. You might even bump into Dolly with her Trolley, part AI, part human.

There will also be plenty to eat and drink, pop by the Gin Garden, with live music, ice-cream vendors and Sophie’s Café for sweet treats. Delicious food will be on offer from Lawmans for Mexican, Ole Smoki, and tasty burgers from Filthy Moustache.

If you want to learn new recipes try the Hirsch Test Kitchen or get some beauty tips at Edgars’ House of Red.

There’s R100 000 worth of premium camping gear, great escapes and outdoor kit, all from Khakibush magazine.

You can also meet Mario and Luigi at the Hirsch’s Nintendo Activation Area. If you score the fastest lap time on the Mario Kart game, a Nintendo console or merchandise goodies valued at R12,500 could be yours.

Look out for the iconic Porsche 911 display at Hirsch’s and you can also win Hirsch’s big prizes from Porsche and Smeg.

If you like to braai look out The BraaiBoss Challenge, the search for SA’s ultimate Braai Boss.

Secure parking at Centrum opposite DEC/Workshop/ICC.

Tickets available at Quicket.

The City Celebrated a Successful Africa's Travel Indaba

 

By Fred Felton | May 19, 2026

The City welcomed the successful hosting of Africa’s Travel Indaba which finished on 14^th May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

As the Indaba concluded, the City also launched the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards. | Photo: Supplied. 

Africa’s Travel Indaba was hosted in partnership with South African Tourism and key industry stakeholders and has once again reaffirmed Durban’s status as a leading tourism and events destination in Africa.

Durban was filled with thousands of delegates, exhibitors, buyers, media and tourism leaders from across the world. They engaged in business discussions, forged partnerships, and showcased Africa’s many tourism offerings.

This event delivered significant economic  and tourism benefits for the City, with hotels, restaurants, transport operators, attractions, and local businesses all getting increased activity during the week.

Durban’s warm hospitality, world-class infrastructure, and vibrant tourism experiences were on full show as delegates explored Durban’s beaches, cultural attractions, township tourism offerings, adventure activities, and culinary experiences.

‘’The City has showcased its capability, hospitality, and readiness to welcome the world. We are encouraged by the positive feedback received from delegates and tourism stakeholders who experienced Durban during this important tourism showcase,’’ said eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba.

He also acknowledged the strong collaboration between government, tourism bodies, law enforcement agencies, the private sector, and communities in ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for visitors during the event.

Africa’s Travel Indaba showcased the value of destination marketing, investment promotion, networking opportunities, and tourism business growth, while further strengthening Durban’s reputation as a gateway to the African continent.

At the closing of Africa’s Travel Indaba, Durban Tourism officially launched the 5^th Durban Tourism Business Awards, an initiative aimed at recognising and celebrating excellence in the tourism sector.

The awards ceremony will take place on 18 June at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

The City also extended its gratitude to all exhibitors, buyers, delegates, organisers, sponsors, tourism partners, volunteers, and residents that helped with the success of this event.

Durban is looking forward to continuing to build tourism momentum and leveraging the partnerships and opportunities created during Africa’s Travel Indaba to drive economic growth and the creation of jobs within the tourism sector.

Municipality intensifies its winter safety campaign to prevent fires

 

Municipality intensifies its winter safety campaign to prevent fires

SANE SHANDU

ETHEKWINI Municipality’s efforts to protect residents have intensified, with a renewed focus on preventing devastating fires before tragedy strikes this winter season.

As the cold weather sets in, more households turn to heaters, candles, paraffin stoves, and electric blankets to stay warm. While these bring warmth, they also increase the risk of fire, especially in densely populated communities and informal settlements where fires can spread rapidly.

Recognising this growing danger, the Municipality’s Fire Service Directorate has rolled out an expanded winter safety campaign, taking fire prevention directly to people. The campaign is actively reaching communities, schools, and local spaces to share practical safety tips and raise awareness.

Every year, lives are lost and families are left devastated due to fires that could have been prevented. Many of these incidents are caused by everyday actions such as unattended stoves, overloading plugs, or unsafe heating methods.

Director of the Fire Services Directorate Enock Mchunu said fire safety starts with awareness and shared responsibility. ‘’Most fires begin with small mistakes. When people understand the risks and take simple precautions, we can prevent disasters and save lives,’’ he said.

Fire safety teams are working on the ground, empowering communities with knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their loved ones. The aim is to build a culture of safety. ‘’We want to work with communities and schools to ensure they are empowered with skills and tools that safeguard their homes,’’ Mchunu said.

In case of a fire emergency, residents can call 031 361 0000.

Indigent Support Programme operational

 

Indigent Support Programme operational

ROMITA HANUMAN-PILLAY

THE City’s Indigent Support Programme is fully operational, and applications are currently being processed. The Indigent Support Programme exists to protect residents facing genuine financial hardship by providing low-income and impoverished households access to free basic municipal services.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba engaged with thousands of uMlazi residents at King Zwelithini Stadium recently and outlined social relief measures for communities. Photo: Supplied. 

This basket of services is provided for in the Indigent Policy and includes support for water, electricity, refuse removal, sanitation, and other basic services. The Municipality wishes to clarify that the recent transition of the Indigent Support Programme function to the Revenue Management Directorate forms part of a broader effort to improve efficiency, accountability, and integration of services.

While this transition has revealed historical backlogs and other related challenges, it has also created an opportunity to address these issues in a structured and sustainable manner. An internal review is currently underway to assess the full extent of outstanding and incomplete applications, if any.

Immediate steps are being implemented, including:

·         Reinforcement of assessment capacity through the allocation of additional personnel

·         Prioritisation of outstanding applications, particularly those affecting vulnerable households

·         Verification and restoration of services where pre-assessed applicants and beneficiaries’ services are disconnected

·         Acceleration of plans to digitise records and modernise application tracking systems.

 

With regards to service disconnections, the City’s policies are guided by both financial sustainability and social responsibility. Where errors are identified, immediate corrective action will be taken.

EThekwini Municipality remains committed to providing beneficiaries with access to the Indigent Support Programme and those with outstanding applications are urged to approach their nearest Sizakala Centre.

Durban Fashion Fair model search returns

 

Durban Fashion Fair model search returns 

NONDUDUZO NGCONGO

THE countdown to the iconic annual Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) showcase has officially begun as the City rolls out its highly anticipated 2026 Model Scouting Roadshows across Durban.

Marking 15 years of fashion excellence, the DFF is once again opening doors for aspiring models to step into the spotlight and launch their careers on one of Africa’s leading fashion platforms.

Young people with confidence, presence, and ambition are invited to attend casting sessions taking place from 16 May to 6 June at key locations across the City.

The roadshows kick off at KwaMashu G Hall on 16 May, followed by Durban Botanic Gardens on 23 May, uMlazi Mega City on 30 May, and conclude at the Pavilion Shopping Centre on 6 June. All sessions run from 9am to 4pm.

This life changing initiative continues to produce success stories, with previous participants securing major campaigns, walking international runways, and building sustainable careers in the fashion industry.

Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, said the programme is a catalyst for youth empowerment and economic inclusion.

‘’Through these roadshows, we are taking opportunities directly to communities and ensuring that undiscovered talent is given a platform to shine. We call on all aspiring models to attend these roadshows.’’

To audition, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, with a minimum height of 1.75m for females and 1.84m for males. Attendees must arrive makeup-free, and bring their original or certified copy of their ID.

For enquiries, call 031 311 4500 or email nondumiso.mthembu@durban.gov.za

Opportunity for Women in Tourism

 

By Fred Felton | May 13, 2026

There is a new opportunity for women that work in the tourism sector to reach greater heights with a 6 month mentorship programme created by UN Tourism with the support of the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee (WITLAC).

Photo: Pixabay

This programme aims to help women with leadership, assist with entrepreneurship and aid professional growth. This programme is open to women of all ages and any kind of professional background.

Young applicants are also encouraged to apply, along with leaders that are starting out, mid-career tourism professionals, entrepreneurs and women in rural areas.

The focus of the programme will be on leadership development, helping women to step into senior leadership roles in tourism, help with entrepreneurship, assistance with launching tourism businesses and management support.

The programme will also look to assist with digital innovation, professional and personal growth, skills development, education and career support, and building up the women’s voice in tourism policy.

Criteria for selection:

Those who apply must be currently working in or studying or aspiring to build a career in the tourism industry in Africa. This can cover travel, hospitality, heritage, eco-tourism, cultural tourism, academia or event planning.

They should also be looking to advance tourism development in Africa. They should also be willing to work with a mentor and be able to handle feedback.

All applicants must be able to show citizenship of one of the 51 UN Tourism African Member States.

For more information visit www.untourism.int/africa