Words: Anne Schauffer
In so many respects, The Point Waterfront is a glorious corner of Durban… and for those who live there, they certainly consider themselves privileged. You’re one, maybe two steps away from the beach and waves, you practically live inside the view, the reflections of the harbour lights and non-stop maritime activity is captivating, and it’s one of the best-secured corners of the city.
Until recently, Durbanites had a grumpy relationship with the precinct, primarily because of the stop-start, agonising pace of the planned development, and the negative perceptions about Mahatma Ghandi/Point Road, the access route, itself. So much of the city’s historic architecture is around this area, and some has been exquisitely restored by heritage architects such as Emmett Architects.
But today, this massive mixed-use project – a joint-venture between eThekwini Municipality and a Malaysian consortium – is back on track, and the R30 million extension to Durban’s Promenade is now underway. This extension is expected to be completed by June next year, and is considered a catalyst for the R35 billion Durban Point Waterfront Development. Light is flickering at the end of this tunnel.
A few decades ago, British-born Tom Hewitt established an organisation called Surfers Not Street Children, in the Point area. Today, he’s still deeply hands-on with the project, but he also travels extensively fund-raising – he was awarded an MBE for the work he’s done. He explained: “Surfers Not Street Children focusses on children in the Point area, so for me, living close to the project means I can maximise time with the team and children. We empower youngsters who have found themselves on the streets, or are at risk. We fuse surfing with mentorship and psychosocial care.” This ground-breaking project linking surfing to homelessness, has been phenomenally successful.
Home Sweet Home
Tom, wife Bulelwa, and their three sons, Sabelo, Siyanda and Sese, live in an apartment at the Point Waterfront. Tom laughs, “I’m a beach boy and always will be! I really love Durban’s Golden Mile and have lived on it for over 20 years. My sons all surf, so being next to the beach is crucial for us. My middle son, Siyanda, competes in surfing overseas, but can’t wait to get back to Durban!”
Bulelwa, too, loves where they live. As Tom says, “She loves the beach, but she also has friends in the precinct, so it’s a truly happy place for her. It’s ultra-convenient for us all, as it’s only a short hop to other amenities too.” For Tom, that connection he feels to the ocean makes this the perfect place to live: “Sometimes it really feels like an island there. We sit on the balcony watching the waves or the ships coming by – the views are superb. A busy port is really fascinating to watch – at night you see the ships on the horizon waiting to come in, and sometimes you see the massive cruise ships coming right past you.
“Our balcony is my favourite space. I love watching the world go by. Especially dolphins and whales. How do you top that?”
Hidden gems
For Tom, the Point Waterfront represents both work and play: “I like being near the ocean, and I love that it’s super safe – my children can roam free to the beach. For me it’s a unique neighbourhood as it’s both close to the beach, and to where I run Surfers Not Street Children. I make use of the whole beach – I surf the piers, paddleboard between uShaka and New Pier, and even skate carver boards along the promenade. I did an ad for Durban Tourism doing these things and it’s literally what I love.”
The Point is crisscrossed with functional canals, and Tom makes use of them: “Did you know you can go paddle boarding on the canals if you get a permit? So even if the ocean is rough, you have a relaxing place to SUP among the palm trees.”
Tom’s favourite restaurant is Ciao Bella Cafe: “It’s magic and the staff are awesome.” He adds, “The Chairman is also impressive.”
Perfect Sunday
“Sundays for me are about surfing and lazing on the beach,” says Tom. “Sometimes I take my boys and snorkel the reef in front of the old Durban Undersea Club (DUC). You see some very cool fish there, just don’t touch the reef as it’s razor sharp.” He grins, “Surfers know that!”
Tom couldn’t resist the story of a really perfect day: “One of the most fun days I’ve had in this area is when I brought HRH Prince Harry to the beach to watch the Surfers Not Street Children kids surfing. The people on the beach and at Surf Riders Cafe got quite a shock. It was so much fun for the kids in our project.” He shrugs, “The Prince was due to try surfing, but the surf was huge and there were bluebottles! But that didn’t put off the kids in our programme who had a chance to impress royalty. We had a great day with Prince Harry, and he was such an encouragement to the kids.”
In nature
- uShaka Beach for swimming, surfing, kayaking and kitesurfing
- Living the dream Surf School
- Vetch’s Pier: prime scuba diving spot
Do
- The Chairman jazz club
- uShaka Marine World
- uShaka Wet ’n Wild
- Studio 3 – print and art classes
- Xpression on the Beach – hire bike and other toys
Eat
- Ciao Bella: great for pizzas with the kids
- Durban Undersea Club: social activities club with meals
- Surfriders Cafe: good, straightforward chow
- The Cargo Hold @ uShaka Marine World: dine on the Phantom Ship in full view of the sharks