The eThekwini Municipality’s council has approved the disbursement of R134 million for the Durban Marine Theme Park (DMTP), which includes uShaka Marine World, in an effort to boost local tourism. The decision was passed during a council meeting on Wednesday, September 3, and was supported by various political parties, despite concerns over financial management and the city’s broader issues.
ActionSA councillor, Saneli Zuma, voiced strong reservations, stating that the municipality must first address persistent sewerage issues, a lack of cleanliness, and crime, as these are the primary reasons tourists and investors are staying away. “Year after year, we continue to inject funds into this entity without addressing the real and urgent issues that keep tourists and investors away,” Zuma said. “Until these are fixed, no theme park can reach its full potential because the environment around it will remain unattractive.”
Zuma also highlighted concerns about financial accountability, noting the write-off of over R1.6 million in irregular expenditure from the theme park. She said: “How can we justify allocating more money without demanding accountability and change?” While supporting the fund transfer, Zuma urged the municipality to ensure that this is the only allocation for the financial year and that the park implements sound management.
DA councillor Heinz de Boer echoed Zuma’s concerns, noting that the overall facility is rundown and requires extensive maintenance. He said: “The issue is very complex because although the SAAMBR does well with the aquarium and research side, the overall facility has been run down to the point where extensive maintenance is required.” He emphasised that the park urgently needs to become profitable and cannot continue to be bailed out.
United Independent Movement (UIM) councillor, Jay Singh, also conditioned his party’s support on greater accountability. He described the request as a “serious contradiction,” highlighting the approval of the grant while also noting the R1.6 million irregular expenditure write-off. Singh said: “We cannot, in good conscience, pour public money into a leaking bucket. Our residents demand accountability.”
Speaking on behalf of the municipality, Economic Development and Planning chairperson, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, detailed the allocation of the budget. The committee recommended approving R79.4 million for the Durban Marine Theme Park’s operations in the 2025/2026 financial year, to be disbursed quarterly to the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR).
These quarterly disbursements are R18.9 million for August, R22.75 million for October, R18.9 million for January 2026, and R18.85 million for April 2026. Additionally, the council approved other funds on a reimbursable basis: R7 million for repairs and maintenance, over R14.4 million for capital projects, and over R10.6 million for other maintenance and repairs. Council also approved the payment of operating grants, with R12 million in August, R6.5 million in September, and R4 million in March 2026, subject to the city manager’s authority to disburse the funds.
