The popular Surf Riders Cafe in Durban's South Beach has closed its doors after the eThekwini municipality cancelled its lease. The restaurant, run by well-known local chef Samantha Small-Shaw, offered a diverse menu and was a favorite among locals and tourists. A notice to vacate was issued on September 1, giving the owner, Jason Caradas, a month to leave the premises. The lease had expired in March 2019, and Caradas had continued operating on a month-to-month basis.
The closure was announced on the restaurant's social media page, stating that while the South Beach location was closing, the Cabana Beach resort restaurant and Umhlanga Boulevard store would continue to operate. Small-Shaw expressed sadness over the closure but noted that all staff had been relocated to the Cabana Beach hotel in Umhlanga, which opened in June 2025 with an updated menu. The original restaurant was known for its pet-friendly atmosphere and eclectic menu offerings.
The eThekwini municipality's decision to cancel the lease is part of its business development strategy, which aims to stimulate economic activity and promote economic transformation in the property sector. In 2023, the municipality gave notice to vacate to several beachfront restaurants and entertainment businesses. According to Thapelo Mmusinyane, head of the city's real estate unit, 25 properties were advertised between May 2021 and November 2023, with 10 awards made to new lessees.
The city's strategy, adopted in September 2021, enables the municipality to be proactive in alienating surplus land and achieving its developmental objectives. The municipality claims that the new lessees are 100% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals. However, patrons of Surf Riders Cafe expressed disappointment and criticism over the closure, citing concerns about the impact on tourism in the area.
Social media users reacted to the news, with some expressing sadness and nostalgia for the restaurant. One user stated that the closure would be a loss for Durban and tourism, while another criticized the municipality for targeting white-owned businesses. Some users also questioned the municipality's motives and ability to maintain the city's infrastructure and deliver services.
The closure of Surf Riders Cafe has sparked concerns about the impact on the local community and the effectiveness of the municipality's business development strategy. While the municipality aims to promote economic transformation, some argue that its methods may be detrimental to existing businesses and the local economy. The city's response to queries was not immediate.
The future of the Surf Riders Cafe location remains uncertain, with some patrons expressing hope that a new business will take over the premises. In the meantime, the restaurant's staff and customers will continue to support the Cabana Beach resort restaurant and Umhlanga Boulevard store. The incident highlights the challenges faced by businesses operating in municipal properties and the need for effective communication between the municipality and stakeholders.
Key points
- The eThekwini municipality's cancellation of Surf Riders Cafe's lease is part of its business development strategy to promote economic transformation.
- The closure of Surf Riders Cafe has sparked concerns about the impact on tourism and the local community.
- The municipality's decision has been criticized by some patrons, who argue that it targets white-owned businesses and may not achieve its intended objectives.
