Mxolisi Kaunda: How Africa’s longest beachfront promenade will boost Durban tourism

Durban, a coastal city in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is gearing up for a bustling festive season despite recent weather challenges. Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has announced plans to enhance tourism and attract investments to the city, particularly through the completion of Africa's longest beachfront promenade. The promenade, spanning 750 meters and costing 380 million rands, is a strategic move by the municipality to entice investors and revitalize the beachfront area. Kaunda highlighted the positive response from investors, who are committing significant capital to the development. Projects include a 29-storey building, a 5-star hotel with an accompanying mall, and the creation of over 500 job opportunities. The municipality has also allocated 136 million rands to support emerging companies involved in the promenade's construction. In addition to the beachfront development, Durban is focusing on diversifying its tourist attractions beyond the ocean. Efforts are underway to create tourism packages that showcase deep rural areas and historical landmarks, linking heritage sites in a comprehensive visitor experience. The city aims to position itself as a globally competitive destination, appealing to a diverse range of travelers. The promenade project is expected to attract a total of 3.5 billion rands in investments initially, with a long-term vision of drawing 35 billion rands across different phases. Kaunda emphasized the importance of safety for visitors and locals, outlining plans to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and invest in technology for enhanced surveillance and security. As part of Durban's transition to a smart city, free Wi-Fi will be provided along the promenade, reflecting the city's commitment to technological advancement and public accessibility. The promenade's role in Durban's broader strategy is paramount, aligning with the city's efforts to boost various sectors of its economy, including finance, tourism, manufacturing, and technology. Despite challenges in municipal operations, Kaunda emphasized the importance of community engagement and cooperation with stakeholders in addressing issues such as service delivery and economic development. Plans are underway to establish an Economic Council to facilitate collaboration between businesses, academia, civil society, and government, ensuring a coordinated approach to city development. Kaunda underscored the city's commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and addressing concerns raised by investors. By streamlining processes and offering tailored support to businesses, Durban aims to attract more investments, stimulate economic growth, and generate employment opportunities for its residents. In conclusion, Durban's investment in the beachfront promenade signals a significant step towards enhancing tourism, attracting investments, and positioning the city as a vibrant and inclusive destination for visitors and businesses alike.