uShaka Marine World, once Durban’s shining tourist gem, has been struggling to stay afloat financially—but the city has just stepped in with a lifeline.
A R14 million funding boost has been approved to help the iconic theme park keep its doors open.
City Council Backs Emergency Funding
The eThekwini Municipality recently gave the green light for the cash injection.
Most councillors supported the decision, which will funnel the funds into Durban Marine Theme Park (DMTP), the municipal entity that runs uShaka’s day-to-day operations.
Once hailed as a top tourist destination, the park has been facing financial pressures for years.
Its current business model and internal structure just haven’t been bringing in enough money to cover costs during quieter periods.
And while the summer holidays bring in a boost, it’s often not enough to carry the park through the rest of the year.
A “Strategic Investment,” Not a Bailout
Councillor Thembo Ntuli, who chairs the city’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, defended the funding move.
He made it clear that this isn’t just throwing money at a problem—he called it a strategic investment aimed at keeping uShaka alive and protecting jobs.
According to Ntuli, without the funding, the park might be forced to shut down parts of its operations or close entirely—risking both local jobs and the tourism revenue the city depends on.
Turnaround Plan Coming Soon
There’s more to the plan than just a cash injection.
The DMTP has committed to delivering a turnaround strategy by July 2025, which will include a detailed plan to fix inefficiencies and set the park on a path to long-term sustainability.
Officials are also looking into a new credit agreement that could help pay off the park’s historical debt, giving it more breathing room and operational flexibility.
Why uShaka Still Matters to Durban
Despite the challenges, uShaka Marine World remains a major drawcard for Durban and the wider KwaZulu-Natal region.
With its water rides, massive aquarium, and family-friendly entertainment, it still attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Not to mention, it plays a bigger role than most people realise—serving as a local economic driver and helping support marine education and conservation through partnerships with groups like the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR).
Keeping Durban’s Tourism Icon Alive
For the city, this R14 million isn’t just about saving a theme park—it’s about protecting jobs, tourism dollars, and Durban’s global image.
The hope is that, with the right support and a solid turnaround plan, uShaka Marine World can return to being a top-tier attraction and a key contributor to the local economy.