Oceans Umhlanga chairman defends business precinct against negative reports

In his rebuttal to a series of negative reports labelling lower Umhlanga as a "Wild West hell," Oceans Umhlanga chairman Vivian Reddy firmly denounced such characterisations as exaggerated and misleading.

His comments come in response to statements made by a local councillor Bradley Singh and Terri MacLarty, a representatives of the local ratepayers' association, which Reddy claimed not only misrepresented the reality of the situation but also posed a significant threat to the reputation and economic stability of the Umhlanga area.

Both Sign and MacLarty raised concerns after an incident occurred recently where a video was circulated widely on social media showing a group of patrons at an Oceans Mall establishment, involved in a violent altercation.

They also made reference to other instances of loud music, noisy cars, public partying and brawls in the vicinity and characterised the area as a "Wild West Hell".

Reddy highlighted that the only significant incident at Oceans Mall involved a minor drunken brawl at one establishment, which had otherwise welcomed tens of thousands of visitors without issue.

“No weapons or serious violence were involved in this episode,” he asserted, underscoring that such incidents should not be misconstrued as reflective of pervasive disorder in the area.

He cautioned that sensationalising isolated occurrences could have serious repercussions for local businesses and tourism.

“Inflating this isolated episode into a crisis is misleading. We must question the true motive behind such damaging publicity,” Reddy remarked, in expressing concern that the portrayal of Umhlanga as unsafe may also deter potential visitors and investors.

Reddy lamented the actions of certain community leaders who propagated narratives, stressing that such conduct undermined the very fabric of the local economy.

He explained the significant implications of this rhetoric: “Tourism, hospitality, and investment are the backbone of this region.

By sensationalising isolated incidents for political gain, individuals are jeopardising billions of rands in investments and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of residents.”

Having made commitments exceeding R5 billion in Umhlanga, Reddy shared his unease regarding the calls he has received from alarmed hotel owners and property stakeholders.

Reddy indicated that some members of the media were allegedly contacted to amplify the negative narrative, hinting at a coordinated effort to sensationalise issues for personal or political motives.

"Such statements do a disservice to Umhlanga," he stated, condemning the actions of community leaders who are expected to serve the best interests of the public.

While acknowledging that no community was without challenges, Reddy called for issues to be addressed through constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than through public outbursts that bring reputational and financial harm.

“Oceans Precinct and the wider Umhlanga area remain a premier tourism and lifestyle destination with world-class infrastructure, leading international hotel brands, luxury retail, and a proven record of job creation and community upliftment.”

According to Reddy, lower Umhlanga continues to be one of the safest urban areas in South Africa, thanks in part to the efforts of the Umhlanga UIP, which diligently maintained the safety and cleanliness of the precinct.

Attempts to receive responses from Singh and MacLarty where unsuccessful at the time of publication.

DAILY NEWS