YEAR 2025 has been nothing short of news to remember. The city has experienced its fair share of highs and lows, joys and tragedies, firsts and lasts.

Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi media briefing
A day that opened a can of worms, involving the SAPS, the politicians, and the judiciary. Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, during his historical media briefing in Durban on July 6, made shocking claims about the interference of the security cluster in police operations. The allegations compelled President Cyril Ramaphosa to act, ordering the  Madlanga Commission, as well as the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee hearings.

March-And-March
A brainchild of Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the March-And-March took to the streets for the first time in March. The movement has been vocal and visible, boasting scores of marchers in their fight against illegal foreigners in Durban. It has, over time, expanded its reach to other towns and provinces. Their cause involves blocking illegal foreigners from accessing healthcare at public hospitals, and employment in local companies. The movement aims to make a bold attack on schools, come January, to ensure that local learners are admitted, denying illegal foreigners access.

Inclement weather and flooding
It may not be as devastating as 2022, but March, April, and June floods saw the uprooting of homes, infrastructure, and road accidents, and loss of lives. Some families remain displaced after losing homes and possessions.

Homeless
Durban and  surroundings have seen an increase in homeless presence and invasion. The homeless have  occupied abandoned buildings, public spaces, and traffic intersections. Residents and ratepayers have aired their frustrations, citing safety concerns and vandalism.
In an effort to mitigate the challenge, eThekwini Municipality identified a location to build the Sakhithemba homeless shelter in Ilovu. The shelter was tipped to assume operation before the year ends, and will accommodate 1000 homeless men and women who are currently on the streets or in temporary shelters.

City investments
The eThekwini Municipality announced grand plans for a world-class R1b amusement park development at the former Durban Funworld site, with completion targeted for 2027. The project will be led by Masithu Consulting and Project Managers (MCPM). The project is expected to create approximately 900 construction jobs and over 500 permanent jobs in operations, hospitality, technical services, and entertainment programming

The launch of the R3.6b Beachwood Estate development in Durban North  promises to create over 2000 sustainable jobs upon completion. This was followed by the signing of a 50-year lease agreement between eThekwini Municipality and Southern Sun Hotels for the redevelopment of the Elangeni and Maharani Towers — the twin pillars of Durban’s Golden Mile. This is a R622m reinvestment in these two towers, part of a broader R1b hospitality portfolio that re-energises the beachfront as the heartbeat of the tourism economy.

The Insimbi Ridge Project, a 350-hectare logistics and light industrial development, is aimed at improving efficiency along the N3 from Durban to Johannesburg, and to decongest the port.

Dubbed the “New City of the West”, Westown Square in Shongweni opened its gates to the public on March 27, marking the completion of its first phase. It projects R15b investment and thousands of jobs. The development aims to transform the Outer West into a new city with residential, commercial, and business precincts. eThekwini Municipality officially opened Westown Square, the first phase of the massive Westown development in Shongweni, on March 27, marking a significant economic milestone for the region.

In the courts
Durban courts have been buzzing this year, with cases making national headlines and keen interest in local communities.
Two years after the murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, on Florida Road, their murder case has been heard at the Durban Magistrate’s Court. Following the last court date on November 25, the matter was adjourned to January 9, 2026.

The accused in the case are Malusi Ndimande (Mjay), Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Lindani Ndimande, Siyanda Myeza, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, Lindokuhle Ndimande, and Siyabonga Ndimande.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has had several dramatic appearances. She faces charges of incitement of violence on social media linked to the July 2021 unrest. She is out on bail, and the case will resume on April 6, 2026 and is set for 10 days.

R320m Durban Solid Waste case involving former mayor Zandile Gumede and a former City Manager, and others has dominated the Durban High Court. The two, and others, are out on bail and will appear again in January 2026.

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