Durban is not called the winning city for nothing! It is the current holder of the Vuna Award, which recognises municipalities that go beyond standards to give their communities excellent service and governance. Durban is also officially the Cleanest City in the country. Right now, the city is gloating because of a successful A1 grand prix, which had Durban on front pages and TV screens internationally.

Durban maintains a dominant position in the domestic tourism market, generating 3 Billion rand annually.

By and large, residents agree that Durban is a good place to be. A recent survey showed more than half of residents were optimistic about the city and felt there was a steady growth and upgrade of city infrastructure. About 14% are pessimistic about the city, citing they are dissatisfied with the rate of economic growth and with poor job opportunities.

Amongst the unhappy ones must be over 200-thousand families, who still live in informal settlements. Though the city says it’s working hard at building 16-thousand houses per year, for some the wait has been too long. 

With local government elections looming, Durbanites are speculating over whether mayor Obed Mlaba may be granted a third term. Also on the cards is the possibility that the Ethekwini Municipality may fall in line with other ANC-led Metro’s which have an executive mayor, not an executive mayoral committee. Durban’s current structure allows opposition parties to have a say, but this may change.      

Fokus looks at the many ups and some of the downs of Durban by the sea!