Prominent Durban business people are taking exception to the characterisation of premier business and tourism destination, Umhlanga, as a “Wild West hell”.

Businessman Vivian Reddy stated that the characterisation was reckless. He was responding to comments from a councillor and the uMhlanga ratepayers group in an article that appeared in the Sunday Times.

Reddy said in a statement that he along with others was deeply concerned by the statements as reported in the Sunday paper and amplified on social media.

The statements about the concerns were raised by the  local councillor Bradley Singh and the ratepayers. 

“This irresponsible conduct undermines the very fabric of Umhlanga’s economy. Tourism, hospitality, and investment are the backbone of this region. By sensationalising isolated incidents for publicity and political point-scoring, these individuals are jeopardising billions of rands of investment, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of residents, and deterring much-needed economic growth.”

He added that, as an investor with over R5 billion committed to Umhlanga, he has personally received calls from Umhlanga hotel owners, major property owners, and business stakeholders alarmed at the fallout from the comments.

“No community is without challenges, but these are best solved through constructive dialogue and collaboration, not through public grandstanding that inflicts reputational and financial harm. The Oceans precinct and the wider Umhlanga area remain a premier tourism and lifestyle destination with world-class infrastructure, leading international hotel brands, luxury retail, and a proven record of job creation and community upliftment. The reality is that lower Umhlanga is still the safest place in Umhlanga, and the Umhlanga UIP is doing a sterling job in keeping Umhlanga safe and clean, ” he concluded.

Councillor Singh  said they will act in in the interest of the community. 

THE MERCURY

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