PICS: Durban’s iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium levels up for the future
The upgrades to the iconic stadium, which has been in operation for 15 years, have been strategically phased to minimise disruptions to scheduled activities and public access.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers.
The refurbishment project at Moses Mabhida Stadium is steadily making headway, aimed at preserving the stadium's world-class status and enhancing its functionality for both local and international events.
Launched last year, this ambitious initiative underscored the City’s commitment to maintaining key infrastructure, with a keen focus on safety, accessibility, and delivering an improved visitor experience.
The iconic stadium, which has been operational for 15 years, is undergoing upgrades that are strategically phased to minimise disruptions to scheduled activities and public access.
Significant progress is being recorded on the emergency rehabilitation of the concrete and roof structure, addressing major identified structural defects that have accumulated over time.
Built ahead of the 2010 World Cup, the stadium is currently undergoing upgrades and refurbishments that aim to attract visitors to the site.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers.
A new sky car, new viewing platform, sea facing bungee jumping and a new big swing; these are just some of the many new attractions to Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers.
Budget breakdown
The extension aims to ensure the continued progress of critical repairs necessary to maintain the structural integrity and safety of the facility.
It is envisaged that the remaining rehabilitation work will be completed in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.
The proposed three-year budget amounts to R284.7 million.
The budget breakdown tabled in the report to EXCO is as follows:
Civil: Moses Mabhida structural steel painting: R19.4 million
Electrical: Sky car upgrade: R25 million
Civil: Infrastructure upgrade expansion joints: R35.5 million
Civil: Infrastructure upgrade cables and canvas roof system: R135.5 million
Lighting: Upgrade of floodlight to LED: R55.3 million
Civil: Replacement of arch cladding: R2 million
Building improvement: Upgrade of Moses Mabhida Stadium and audio-visual system: R6 million
Building improvement: Upgrade of big swing, zipline, and adventure walk: R4 million
Building improvement: Upgrade of viewing platform: R2 million
The refurbishment project at the Moses Mabhida Stadium is progressing well.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers.
The refurbishment introduces several new exciting features designed to bolster its status as a premier tourist destination, including:
- A new Viewing Platform with a 60% increase in floor area featuring a cantilevered glass floor for an “Air Walk” experience
- A new Sky Car with extended travel time accessible to people with disabilities
- A new Big Swing, improving access to the launch platform
- A new Zip Line ending at the People’s Park
- A Compression Ring Walk, offering panoramic views along with an option for a sea-facing bungee jump
Progress is being made on the emergency rehabilitation of the concrete and roof structure, focusing on major identified structural defects.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers.
The ongoing refurbishment reflects eThekwini Municipality’s unwavering efforts to invest in infrastructure that cultivates tourism, economic growth, and community pride.
IOL