Decades-old businesses in Durban's Central Business District (CBD) are urging the eThekwini Municipality to take immediate action to address the area's decline, marked by poor service delivery, crime, and neglect. Businesses such as Safey Bazaar, which has been operating since 1958, have witnessed a significant decline in the area's fortunes over the years. According to Yunus Kamroodeen, the family business has survived despite the challenges, but the situation has become unbearable. The CBD's decline is evident in unkempt roads and pavements, unresolved infrastructure problems, crime, and congestion.
The decline of the CBD has resulted in many local businesses leaving the area or closing down. However, some business owners, like Kamroodeen, have opted to remain, citing their long history in the area and the difficulty of relocating. Kamroodeen emphasized that any attempt to revive the inner city must start with basic municipal services, including fixing roads and pavements and combating crime. He expressed hope that the recent local government elections would bring about change, but was skeptical about the effectiveness of the municipality's plans.
Other business owners, such as Naiem Hasshaum, whose family owns an electronics store on Denis Hurley Street, share similar concerns about crime and poor service delivery. Hasshaum noted that previously, there was more foot traffic in the CBD, making it quieter and safer. However, with the current situation, people are afraid to come out, and there is not much police visibility. Billy Patel, owner of RD Patel and Sons, which has operated in the CBD for 49 years, also highlighted the challenges posed by poor service delivery, including irregular refuse collection and the presence of vagrants.
The decline of the CBD has been gradual, with street cleanliness, infrastructure, and security deteriorating over the years. A long-standing hardware store owner, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled when the city centre was cleaner and safer, with municipal workers washing the streets in the evenings. He also noted that the drainage system was not properly maintained, leading to flooding during heavy rainfall. The businessman emphasized that restoring the CBD's economy required a broad approach, including addressing the concerns of businesses and improving police visibility.
The eThekwini Municipality has acknowledged the concerns raised by CBD businesses and has invested in various initiatives to revive the city centre. According to Senzelwe Mzila, the city's marketing and communications spokesperson, the municipality invested approximately R127.9 million in 2025/26 to rehabilitate 13 strategic roads in and around the inner city. The municipality has also prioritized maintenance and intensified intelligence-led operations to address illegal dumping, illegal structures, and unlawful use of public spaces.
Despite these efforts, business owners remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the municipality's plans. Patel expressed doubt that much would change, while Kamroodeen emphasized that the municipality should provide basic services that are better than what is currently available. The business owners stressed that the revival of the CBD requires a sustained effort and a commitment to addressing the area's challenges.
The concerns raised by CBD businesses highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to address the decline of the area. The municipality's plans to establish a dedicated entity to revive the city centre and restore its economic potential are a step in the right direction. However, business owners emphasize that tangible action is needed to address the pressing concerns of crime, neglect, and poor service delivery.
Key points
- Decades-old businesses in Durban's CBD are calling for action on crime, neglect, and poor service delivery.
- The eThekwini Municipality has invested in various initiatives to revive the city centre, including road rehabilitation and intensified operations against illegal dumping.
- Business owners remain skeptical about the effectiveness of the municipality's plans, emphasizing the need for sustained effort and tangible action.
