Businesses that have operated in the Durban city center for decades are observing the eThekwini municipality's plans to create a specialized structure for revitalizing the center and restoring its economic potential.
Earlier this year, the municipality announced its intention that the proposed City Centre Development Company would accelerate the regeneration of Durban CBD and surrounding areas. This would be achieved through improved service delivery, attracting investment, utilizing public-private partnerships, and creating a more vibrant and inclusive urban center.
However, business owners who have endured in the city center for decades stated that they have already experienced years of decline while the city develops its plans.
Yunus Kamruddin, representing the family business Safey Bazaar on Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street, said that this company, which specializes in sportswear and footwear, has been operating since 1958. It was initially located on Field Street and later moved to Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street (formerly Grey Street).
Kamruddin noted that the city center 30 or 40 years ago was drastically different from today. He recalled that back then, the store attracted customers from all over Durban, including Phoenix, Chatsworth, and KwaMashu, and weekends were so busy that there was barely time to eat or socialize with friends. However, the situation changed, and the city center declined.
He pointed out that the decline manifested in poorly maintained roads and pavements, unresolved infrastructure problems, crime, and overcrowding. Kamruddin gave an example where a side road section opposite their store was closed for over a month to repair a burst water pipe, which remained open and leaking until now.
According to Kamruddin, the drop in quality of life led many local businesses to leave the city center, and others closed down. Nevertheless, his family decided to stay. They explained that they cannot close because they have been here for many years, and they only have a few more years left to run the business, as the younger generation has chosen different career paths.
Despite this, they want to see changes, emphasizing that any attempt to revitalize the inner city must start with basic municipal services. The municipality must improve services such as road and pavement repairs and crime fighting, which should be a priority.
Kamruddin expressed hope after the local elections (LGE) on November 4th, noting that they have gone through many elections and promises, and can now only hope for the best.
Naim Hassoum, whose family owns an electronics store on Denis Hurley Street (formerly Queen Street), reported that there used to be more pedestrian traffic, making the city center quieter. He expressed concern about crime, noting that people are afraid to go out, and police visibility is insufficient. He added that metropolitan employees mostly stand at traffic lights, which does not benefit businesses on the inner streets.
Billy Patel, owner of RD Patel and Sons on Bertha Mkhize Street (formerly Victoria Street), stated that the family business has been operating in the city center for 49 years. He compared the level of service to when it started, noting that the streets used to be clean, and trash was rarely seen near the store or on the roads. Now, garbage is collected only three times a week, and due to stray animals, big bags tear, leaving the remaining waste as an unpleasant sight and source of odor.
Despite the difficulties, Patel believes that moving is not a simple option because their business serves a specialized market dependent on the neighboring herb market, which requires the packaging provided by their store. Furthermore, they have established relationships with their customers.
Another owner of an old general store, who wished to remain unnamed, shared that his family has also run a business in the city center for decades, calling Durban CBD home. He recalled times when the center was cleaner and safer, when one could leave keys in the car and enter the store knowing everything would be in place, and when one could walk late into the night, which is now feared.
He noted the gradual deterioration of street cleanliness, infrastructure, and safety. Unlike in the past, when municipal workers washed the streets in the evenings, this no longer happens. The businessman also pointed out drainage system issues: during heavy rainfall, water rises in the streets due to clogged manholes, which could lead to shop flooding.
Safety remains a serious issue. He remembered times when businesses cooperated with the police, and the camera system helped combat crime, but this system has not functioned for about 15 years. He believes that restoring the economy of the center requires a comprehensive approach, and changes will not happen just because of elections and one party's promises.
Senzelwe Mzila, the city's press secretary for marketing and communications, stated that the municipality acknowledges the problems raised by the businesses. He specified that in 2025/26, the municipality invested approximately 127.9 million rand in the rehabilitation of 13 strategic roads in the city center, modernizing about 65 kilometers of lanes. These roads included Umgeni Road, Dr Packley ka Sembe Street, Margaret Mnkadi Avenue, Soldiers Way, and M4, with improvements to stormwater drainage and pedestrian safety.
He also added that further maintenance will be prioritized based on condition, urgency, and technical assessment. Weekly multi-sector operations are aimed at combating illegal dumpsites, illegal constructions, and misuse of public spaces. Metropolitan police have increased intelligence operations, and the CCTV infrastructure is being repaired and upgraded, with new camera locations identified in high-crime areas.
