Vusi Thembekwayo says Durban's decline is unjustified given its economic potential

The dire state of Durban has come under fire.

This time, from well known South African entrepreneur and author Vusi Thembekwayo.

He took to TikTok to query why a city, that had the potential to be world class, was failing - badly.

In a candid TikTok video, Thembekwayo expressed his disappointment with the current state of the city, juxtaposing its economic potential with its present aesthetics and functionality.

“Do you know that Durban has an economic output higher than some countries in Africa? There’s actually no reason why Durban should be in the state it’s in. It’s the most extraordinary thing for me…

"I don’t understand why it looks the way that it looks. It makes no sense to me," he said.

His frustration stems from a perceived disconnect between the city's economic capabilities and its physical environment.

Durban’s city centre has been on a road to decay, say some.

Electing not to venture into politics, he elaborated on the importance of a well-maintained city centre, stating, “The city centre is more than just the heart of a city - it’s the place that sets the tone for everything around it...

"A strong, vibrant city centre breathes life into the surrounding neighbourhoods, and in turn, the city itself fuels the strength of the wider state.”

Durban has always held a significant economic and cultural role in South Africa and beyond.

Thembekwayo said the city's port and its strategic business possibilities made it a viable city.

“To think of Durban as simply a city is to miss its larger role - it is a vital engine for the state, a bridge between local communities and global markets.”

His comments reflect the potential that many believe is still untapped.

Thembekwayo's video resonated with several netizens.

@nireshnb said, “KZN can be a giant in Africa due to our ports and road rail network, just like Singapore, with a lot of potential to unlock.”

@rux995 commented, “Nothing chokes economic potential like poor planning. Most African states are poor when it comes to planning for development and industrialisation.”

@zwayil said, “I'm a resident of Durban. The city centre isn't that bad; however, the issue of hawkers all over the place needs to be relooked at.”

@nolan_786 remarked, “The government could actually make more money and attract a lot more positive investments if they just ran things properly compared to just stealing every cent possible.”

While @tigerlover9377 stated, “As a Durbanite, I fully agree. I'll never understand why they let Durban go to that extent.”