The popular Surf Riders Cafe in Durban's South Beach has been forced to close its doors after the eThekwini municipality cancelled its lease. The restaurant, run by well-known local chef Samantha Small-Shaw, had been operating on a month-to-month basis since its lease expired in March 2019. According to a notice seen by The Sunday Times, the owner, Jason Caradas, was given a month's written notice to leave the premises, with a threat to face legal action if it was not returned to the municipality in good condition.
The closure of Surf Riders Cafe has sparked concerns among patrons, who have expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media. Many have criticised the municipality's decision, saying it will negatively impact tourism on the Durban promenade. One social media user posted: "Very sad news, Durban's loss for sure. I don't know how I'm going to tell my daughter who absolutely loves Surf Riders South Beach, and we have had many a birthday party there and many breakfasts." Another user accused the municipality of targeting white-owned businesses and failing to deliver on promises to develop the properties.
According to Small-Shaw, all staff from the closed restaurant have been relocated to the branch at the Cabana's hotel in Umhlanga, which opened in June 2025 with an updated menu. She described the closure as "very sad" but noted that the new location has created more jobs and expanded the kitchen. The original restaurant was a popular spot among locals and tourists, particularly dog lovers, as it was pet-friendly.
The eThekwini municipality's decision to cancel the lease is part of a broader business development strategy aimed at promoting 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, all of which are 100% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals.
The municipality's strategy, adopted in September 2021, aims to enable the municipality to be proactive in alienating surplus land, stimulating economic activity, and promoting broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE). However, some patrons have questioned the effectiveness of this strategy, citing concerns about the municipality's ability to maintain the city's infrastructure and deliver services.
Small-Shaw's Surf Riders Cafe is not the only business to be affected by the municipality's decision. Several other beachfront restaurants and entertainment businesses have also received notices to vacate. While the municipality has promised to develop these properties, some patrons have expressed skepticism, citing a history of failed promises and abandoned projects.
As the news of the restaurant's closure continues to spread, patrons and staff are coming to terms with the loss of a beloved institution. While the Cabana Beach resort restaurant and Umhlanga Boulevard store will continue to operate, many are mourning the loss of a popular gathering spot that had become an integral part of the Durban community.
Key points
- The eThekwini municipality's cancellation of Surf Riders Cafe's lease has sparked concerns about the impact on tourism and economic development in Durban.
- The closure of Surf Riders Cafe is part of a broader business development strategy aimed at promoting economic transformation in the property sector.
- The municipality's decision has been criticised by patrons, who accuse it of targeting white-owned businesses and failing to deliver on promises to develop the properties.
