Let's fix the issues that tarnish tourism
Durban actor Rory Booth in the title role of KickstArt’s annual panto, Sinbad, gets into the Christmas spirit by frolicking in the waves at uShaka Beach yesterday. But Durban residents need to have reliable access to the city's beaches all year round.
Image: Shelley Kjonstad
As Durban braces for a bustling festive season, marked by strong bookings and a surge in tourism, the city faces an unsettling challenge: beach closures due to pollution. Just days into the season, Blue Lagoon, eThekwini Beach, Country Club Beach, and Battery Beach were shut to the public, highlighting ongoing struggles with the city’s sewer infrastructure.
This is becoming an annual issue that tarnishes the city's reputation as a world-class tourist destination. The recurring pollution problem underscores the urgent need for the municipality to move beyond reactive measures and adopt a more proactive, long-term approach to sewerage maintenance. It’s not enough for the city to only attend to infrastructure during peak holiday times. Residents, not just tourists, deserve reliable and clean beaches all year round.
While Durban’s beaches remain a draw for both local and international visitors, the persistence of these closures calls into question the sustainability of relying on tourism to fuel the local economy.
The spirit of Christmas, a season built on goodwill and community, is a reminder that our investments should not only focus on attracting visitors, but also on improving the daily lives of all residents. In this light, the city must prioritise the ongoing performance of its infrastructure to avoid future pollution crises.
Equally important is the need to broaden Durban’s tourism offering to foster inclusive growth. Township tourism presents a unique opportunity to enrich the city’s economic and social fabric. By highlighting authentic cultural experiences and linking them to established tourist routes, township tourism can open new avenues for local businesses, promote social cohesion, and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach communities beyond the beachfront.
As we celebrate the season, let us remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in care for all, from the pristine beaches of the city to the vibrant heart of its townships. Only by ensuring a cleaner, more inclusive city can Durban thrive as both a global destination and a place where all its residents can prosper.