South African hospitality group Southern Sun is investing ZAR1 billion to upgrade and develop a number of its hotels along Durban’s beachfront.

The investment follows the signing of a 50-year extension of its leases for its Elangeni and Maharani Towers hotel, reports Moneyweb.

The Elangeni hotel, which was opened in 1971 and is recognisable for its its wave-shaped facade, was combined with the adjacent Maharani hotel in 2012, and the two hotels are run as one 734-room hotel.

The new investment will cover ZAR622 million for upgrades to the landmark hotel on the city’s Golden Mile, ZAR348 million for another two hotels owned by Southern Sun and ZAR157 million for movable assets.

According to IOL, the group will also spend ZAR5 million will be directed towards improving the Sunken Gardens municipal park, which is opposite the hotels.

‘The integrity of the Golden Mile depends on these hotels. They are not just structures, they are symbols of Durban’s identity, resilience, and ambition,’ said Thembo Ntuli, chair of the municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee.

4 November 2025
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