Durban’s uShaka Marine World, once celebrated as Africa’s largest marine theme park and a flagship project for the city’s Point Precinct, is now battling severe financial strain two decades after opening.
The R700 million facility, launched in April 2004, was positioned as both a tourist spot and a driver of urban renewal.
Since then, it has welcomed over 15 million visitors, offering attractions such as the world’s fifth-largest aquarium, the Wet-n-Wild water park, uShaka Beach, and the Village Walk shopping centre. But its latest financials reveal a stark reality.
Iconic Durban tourist spot struggles to stay afloat
According to the latest annual report, for the 2023/24 financial year, the park generated an average annual revenue of R202 million against operating expenses of R264 million.
The gap is being plugged by the eThekwini municipality, which now contributes nearly half of uShaka’s income. Last year alone, the city provided a grant of R127.3 million and approved a further R14 million cash injection to keep operations running at the tourist spot during off-peak months.
CEO Ndabo Khoza attributes the problem to high running costs, saying price hikes to cover expenses would make tickets unaffordable for most South Africans. This challenge is only compounded by a weak economy that limits disposable income for leisure and travel.
The park has also been forced to underspend on maintenance, creating future risks as ageing infrastructure deteriorates. Visitor numbers grew only 2.28% last year, below projections, with losses blamed on poor holiday weather and a month-long closure during industrial action in early 2024.
Although a wage dispute has since been resolved, staff costs remain one of uShaka Marine World’s heaviest burdens. Without major restructuring or sustained municipal support, the once-celebrated attraction may find it increasingly difficult to stay afloat.
Do you think this famous Durban spot could ever close?
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