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eThekwini plans Durban superyacht marina to create 2 500 jobs

Published

The eThekwini Municipality says the KwaZulu-Natal Superyacht Marina is part of a R1.9 billion private-sector investment pipeline. Durban will host the first African edition of the YARE On Tour Symposium in November 2026.

The municipality expects the project to create more than 2 500 direct jobs by 2030. A 24-hectare site in the Port of Durban is earmarked for a proposed superyacht precinct.

The municipality says Italy-based Navigo has committed to bring 10 or more superyacht visits to Durban each year from 2028. These visits could generate about R100 million a year in fuel sales. Municipal council approved a three-year partnership with Navigo in July.

City Manager Musa Mbhele said the project goes beyond tourism to include industrial development, skills transfer and economic growth. He said the job targets complement the TNPA ship repair strategy, which is projected to support more than 25 000 employment opportunities across the sector.

Reports say a single superyacht visiting Cape Town spent about R10 million on diesel alone. Londy Ngcobo, a captain and Africa's first female dredge master, represented eThekwini at the African Boating Conference.

Key facts

Who
Musa Mbhele (eThekwini City Manager); Londy Ngcobo (Captain, Ship Navigator and Africa's First Female Dredge Master, represented…); Navigo (Italy-based company associated with the YARE programme, working with the…); eThekwini Municipality (municipality advancing the project)
What
The eThekwini Municipality is pursuing plans to position Durban as a superyacht destination and service hub, with the city set to host the first African edition of the YARE On Tour Symposium in November 2026. The project is expected to create more than 2 500 direct jobs by 2030.
When
20 October 2026
Where
Durban, Cape Town, Viareggio
Status
Reported

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