Beach park closure breaks hearts
THE Durban Fun World is scheduled to close next month.
The park has been part of the tourist attractions on the Golden Mile for the past 50 years.
Nic Steyn, the owner, said the facility’s amusement rides and attractions would be sold and removed.
The third-generation operator said he spent 12 years trying to sell the amusement rides and other assets to a suitable operator that he could mentor.
But the operators were allegedly unable to secure a lease for the premises from its landlord, the eThekwini Municipality.
In a statement on Sunday, the city
said the operator wrote to the municipality about his intention to cancel his lease, effective May 31. It said the notice to cancel the lease came when eThekwini was already working on plans for future use of the site.
“The city is working on a tendering process to attract developers to upgrade the Durban Fun World site in line with the zoning of the beachfront. The entire precinct’s look is to be upgraded to meet the world-class standards of modern theme parks. The property will be going out to tender this year to invite proposals for redevelopment.”
Musa Mbhele, the city manager, said: “Our hope is that the successful developer will deliver a world-class facility, a facility that will raise the overall aesthetics of our Golden Mile.”
Some readers recalled their childhood memories at the amusement park.
Theressa Naidoo: “Going to the Durban Fun World was an occasion. All our cousins, aunties and uncles would meet at our granny’s house and make a trip there.
“I remember the cable car fondly, and specifically one night when my sandals fell into the pool from the cable car. It was exciting to be there, and afterwards we would have ice cream on those hot summer nights.
“The Durban Fun World would be missed by the Indian community. It was a part of our childhood, of those exciting moments squashed like sardines at the back of your dad’s car with your cousins, super excited to see the lights, hear the music and enjoy the rides.”
Ashmera Sewcharan:
“As a child, the Durban Fun World used to be our go-to place every second weekend. Bumper cars and the wizard were my favourites as well as eating pineapple and caramel popcorn. I have fond memories of my late dad and mom on the cable car. I remember how my mom used to blush when my dad tried to kiss her for the photos on the cable car.
“The Durban Fun World used to be a lovely place for us to enjoy, with the rides, the snacks and the environment.
“It’s sad to see another childhood memory tarnished.”
Tevin Muthusamy:
“I was saddened by the news of Durban Fun World shutting down. I remember going there as a kid, spending many school holidays happily jumping from ride to ride with my sister.
“My first rides when I entered the park would always be the bumper cars, the skycart (cable car) and the swing boat. Those rides were my absolute favourite. I also remember the atmosphere being so fun. We were always safe. It was a child’s paradise.
“We would get sick eating snacks the whole day, and we were always near to throwing up every time we came off the rides. Those memories cannot be replaced. It would have been great if the park stayed open for future generations to have fun just as we did but good things have to eventually come to an end. My Durban Fun World adventures will be greatly missed.”
Pamela Moodley: “I remember the days when I lived in Durban. It was an absolutely awesome experience and we looked forward to going to the Durban Fun World and enjoying ourselves with my cousins. The lights and the rides, not to forget the dodgem cars. It was fun running to get into the cars. At that time, it used friction and a long rod attached to the ceiling. It would make sparks which amazed us.
“Ever since I moved to Johannesburg and started my family, we always booked a Durban holiday along the Golden Mile just because we loved the activities and watching the sea on the overhead cableway. The highlights for my kids were the flying saucers and the big swing, not forgetting the dodgem cars.”
Nasreen Khan: “Our family went to the Durban Fun World on birthdays and other holidays. As a parent, I took my kids. We drove from Newcastle to Durban for the school holidays. It was clean and beautiful then.
“During the December holidays, we always went to see the Christmas lights first, then to the beachfront for ice cream and the Durban Fun World.
“Tickets were also affordable then. There was no crime. We all felt safe. It breaks my heart to see its present condition. There are no longer safe places to visit in Durban. Tourist attractions have become homes for the vagrants and havens for drug addicts as well as a dump for trash.”