It is business as usual, stated some tenants at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium (MMS), while major refurbishments are underway at the stadium. 

The refurbishment of MMS is expected to be completed in another 30 months, costing an estimated R284 million. 

Maia Magnussen, Segway Moses Mabhida manager, said she was happy about the stadium refurbishment and tourism attractions for both local and international visitors. 

“I feel good about it. We have a positive feeling about everything that is happening around the stadium,” she said.

Also anticipating the changes was Jenesh Vidiasagar, Cuba Lounge group manager. He was looking forward to the proposed Sky Car attraction and a planned zipline connecting the stadium to People’s Park.  Vidiasagar hoped the refurbishment could be completed expeditiously. Both Cuba Lounge and Segway have been tenants at the stadium for over a decade. 

“The hype around the refurbishment will bring in foot traffic to the precinct. It is certainly going to bring the stadium attractions back to life. Being an event venue, we host some star attractions, and having tourism features at the stadium is a bonus. The spin-off from these attractions would be beneficial to both business and tourism,” he said. 

Dumisani Thuladu, manager of Fresh Food with Thuladu, said that upon completion of the stadium refurbishment, it would add value to the retail outlets. 

“The renovations have been beneficial to my business because the contractors and their employees are purchasing meals from us. So we have seen a slight spin-off from it,” he said. 

The refurbishment of the MMS started on March 28, 2024, and is due to end on September 28, 2025. On May 31, 2025, the city aimed to extend the contract for 30 months due to the identified structural complications and risks.

The request for the extension of the contract to conduct emergency remedial work on the concrete and roof structure for MMS was noted at the eThekwini Community Services Committee (CSC) on July 17, subject to approval from the eThekwini council.

The municipality stated that some projects were delayed as priority was provided to foundation packages that are the backbone, while the remaining packages envisaged for completion in the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 financial years.

While the renovations are underway, the tenants have not been affected in any way. 

The renovation will also see the introduction of the following new features to ensure the stadium remains a premier tourist destination:

• New Viewing Platform with 60% increase in floor area featuring a cantilevered glass floor for an “Air Walk” experience.
• New Sky Car with increased travel time, which will be accessible to people with disabilities.
• New Big Swing with improved access to the launch platform.
• New Zip Line, which ends at the People’s Park.
• Compression Ring Walk, which provides panoramic views with a sea-facing bungee jump option

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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