The renowned Durban theme park, uShaka Marine World, has received a much-needed lifeline that would prevent it from closing its doors.
UShaka, a place known for providing visitors with family-filled entertainment as well as interactive educational activities on marine animals, has been under financial distress in recent times. According to the news and entertainment publication, The South African, much has had to do with the current business model and institutional structure, which has seen them plagued with financial challenges.
Other contributing factors are also due to Durban losing its tourism appeal because of sewage spills, infrastructure decay, and crime.
To reverse this, the eThekwini metro has now included R14 million in its budget to revive the theme park, which is said to be one of the city’s biggest attractions.
In an interview with news broadcaster ENCA, Thembo Ntuli, Economic Development Chairperson, said: “We are doing it for the good cause of tourism attraction, but at the same time not to make us as an asset look bad. We are not bailing them out. We are giving money as we do to other assets of the municipality.
He added that the July 2021 unrest had greatly affected the province’s tourism decline.
“Without this funding, the park may be forced to scale down or suspend operations, putting jobs, tourism revenue, and city reputation at risk,” Thembo emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Durban Marine Theme Park (DMTP) is currently working on a turnaround strategy that will conclude at the end of July to ensure long-term sustainability.
