The Point of little progress: Ambitious plans meet reality amid corruption and crime

16 Apr 2025

Durban Point development was meant to transform what was once an inner-city wasteland, however the stalling of the project has now thrown the eThekwini Municipality into debt worth billions of rand.

Two decades ago, the Durban Point precinct was an inner-city wasteland of derelict buildings, homelessness, and illegal activity. Today, it has transformed into a hub of modernity with residential complexes, offices, and leisure spaces.

Key infrastructure upgrades spearheaded by eThekwini Municipality include an 18km promenade from Blue Lagoon to the harbour mouth, a lagoon, and improved roads and bulk water systems. Companies like Lion Match and a maritime college occupy new office spaces.

A 2017 settlement with water sports organisations resolved lease disputes, removing legal barriers and paving the way for development.

Promises and delays

The City’s ambitious R35-billion Durban Point development, backed by Malaysian investors, aimed to make the area a premier destination for tourism, property investment, and leisure. However, high-rise buildings and other features remain unrealised, delayed by environmental concerns, infrastructure limitations, and changes to original plans.

Corruption within eThekwini Municipality, the Covid-19 pandemic, July 2021 riots and looting, and service delivery failures have also undermined progress.

Contrasting realities

Philani Mgwaba, editor-in-chief of the 122-year-old Ilanga newspaper, commutes to Durban’s Point Waterfront daily.

“My car insurance premiums went up when I said I work here. The Waterfront is a great place, but getting there means passing areas rife with drugs and crime. The government must fix access for the area to thrive,” he said.

Stagnant property market

Managed by Durban Point Development Company — a public-private venture — the precinct offers clean streets and 24-hour security. But delays and crime have deterred buyers, slowing property value growth.

“Residential buyers sold at losses, moving to safer areas like northern Durban. It’s only those who want to make BnBs who are still keen,” said Judy McNicol, a Pam Golding agent.

Craig Murphy of Point Waterfront Realty echoed the sentiment: “Property prices haven’t risen as expected for 14 years. But now, buyers are picking up valuable properties at affordable prices.”

Residential properties range from R1.2-million to R18-million.

“Since February, we’ve made 10 sales and advertised 38 more,” Murphy said.

Sceptical hope

Residents have voiced frustration at stalled progress.

“We’ve heard these promises for years, but nothing changes,” said a 54-year-old Lagoon resident.

New arrivals, like a Gauteng engineer who recently purchased a two-bedroom apartment, hope for improvement.

“We moved here a year and a half ago with our kids. Neighbours say progress has been slow for years. We’ll have to wait and see,” he said.

Looking ahead

Durban Point Development Company CEO Soban Beverah was unavailable for comment, reportedly seeking investment in Malaysia. Municipal inquiries also went unanswered.

Recent plans for high-rises and a world-class promenade comparable to Copacabana show promise, but timelines remain unclear, leaving Durban Point Waterfront’s dream incomplete. DM

Read Part One and Part Two of this series focused on the state of eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.

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South Africa

Promises and delays

Contrasting realities

Stagnant property market

Sceptical hope

Looking ahead