THE nominations are in, the contenders are set, and now the spotlight turns to you.

Voting for Best of Durban 2026 officially opens on April 20, giving locals the chance to crown their favourites.

Durbanites came out in full force, with 28 239 people from across our community submitting nominations across nine categories and 246 sub-categories.

Just look at the numbers: 906 businesses were nominated in food and drink, 684 in health and beauty, 863 in medical, and a massive 1 190 in professional services.

Also read: Making a splash in Durban

From hidden gems to household names, the shortlist reflects the heartbeat of our communities.

In total, 6 121 nominations were recorded across all categories, including education (595), entertainment (462), motoring (484), pets (212), and shopping (725). It’s clear that Durban knows exactly who deserves the spotlight.

Now comes the exciting part. This is where you get to show some love and support the businesses that go the extra mile.

Whether it’s your go-to takeaway, trusted service provider, or favourite local hangout, every vote helps decide who takes the top spot.

Remember, the proof of the pudding is in the eating; your vote shows which businesses truly deliver.

Also read: Video: Durban ranked among world’s best travel destinations by Time Out

Best of Durban is more than just a competition, it’s a celebration of local excellence and the people behind it. It’s about recognising those who consistently deliver, uplift the community, and make Durban lekker in their own way.

So rally your friends, family, and community to get behind your favourites.

Voting is simple, so don’t hold back. If you’ve ever said, “This place deserves an award”, now’s your chance to prove it.

Voting opens on April 20 and runs until May 10. Don’t miss out, your vote could be the one that makes all the difference.

So, Durban, let’s bring the gees and show the rest of South Africa why our city is truly the best.

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