Durban - The CITY (4 of 4)

(4 videos)
Durban, on the East Coast of Africa on the Indian Ocean (the 3rd most populous city in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town) has been inhabited by communities since 100,000 BC (so they say). It is ethnically diverse, with large Zulu, White, Indian (largest out of India), Asian populations. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1497, the British colonized it in 1824 and Independence in 1961 in South Africa with ending the system of apartheid in 1994.

Durban is known for beautiful beaches on this side of Africa, and for Gandi arriving in Durban in 1893 as a lawyer and making his mark as a Polititian this is where Mahatma Gandi became THE Gandi. Durban’s port is the busiest port in South Africa, the 2nd busiest in Africa (after Egypt), and the 4th busiest in the Southern Hemisphere. It handles more than 60% of the country’s container traffic … so you would think most people there are successful or at least employed, but they are not. Unemployment in Durban is 44%. A major economic hurdle in Durban is that many young people graduate with qualifications that do not match what the local industries need, such as manufacturing and shipping skills. Among this very successful city with beaches and successful commerce, tourism and safaris, great diving and fishing, we saw lots of poor and closed businesses/buildings. This is another city in transition … hopefully to better times.

One fun story was our discussion with the owner of a “fleet” of custom gondolas (see photos) that take tourists on a little ride around the harbor. We learned a lot from him about Durban and South Africa and discussed/brainstormed bringing gondolas to the world ... even Central Park. To support the local economy, I even bought a new BRUCE, the shark (JAWS) T-shirt. We had a delicious dinner at Jacques, the French restaurant, this evening and topped off a great day we were entertained by “The Other Guys” (The 4 Sea Sons knockoffs). Started in 2013, this award-winning UK vocal group is best known for their highly acclaimed Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Tribute show. We ended this super day with the Chart Toppers Live with The Jaxtones ...late into the night.Read more