Durban Funworld: A Legacy of Fun and Joy on the Beachfront
For 80 years, Durban Funworld has been a beloved amusement park on the beachfront of Durban, South Africa. Generations of visitors have flocked to the park to enjoy its rides and attractions and to make memories with their families and friends. However, the park's current owner, Nic Steyn, has announced that it will cease operations on May 1, 2021.
For 80 years, Durban Funworld has been a beloved amusement park on the beachfront of Durban, South Africa. Generations of visitors have flocked to the park to enjoy its rides and attractions and to make memories with their families and friends. However, the park’s current owner, Nic Steyn, has announced that it will cease operations on May 1, 2021.
Durban Funworld was established by the Steyn family in 1940 and has been under their ownership and operation ever since. Over the years, the park has undergone many transformations and changes, evolving with the times and the needs of its visitors. Yet, despite these changes, the park has always retained its spirit of fun and joy, offering something for everyone, from thrill-seekers to young children.
Get Cape Town news in your inbox
Stay updated with the latest stories from the Mother City.
The End of an Era
The closure of Durban Funworld is a significant loss for the community, particularly for those who have grown up with the park and its traditions. It marks the end of an era and the passing of a cultural landmark that has played an essential role in Durban’s social and cultural life.
Nic Steyn, the park’s current owner, has cited several reasons for the closure, including the deteriorating state of the beachfront area and the challenges posed by operating a theme park in a changing economic environment. However, despite the challenges, he remains proud of the legacy of Durban Funworld and its contribution to the community over the years.
A Legacy of Fun and Joy
Durban Funworld has been much more than just an amusement park. It has been a community place where people of all ages and backgrounds could come together and share a common experience. It has provided a sense of belonging and identity to generations of Durbanites and helped shape the city’s cultural landscape.
The park has also been a source of inspiration and creativity. It has inspired artists and writers and has served as a backdrop for countless photographs and films. In addition, it has been a canvas for graffiti artists and street performers and a venue for music festivals and other cultural events.
Looking to the Future
While the closure of Durban Funworld is a sad moment, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the park’s legacy and look to the future. The park has left an indelible mark on the community, and its impact will be felt for many years.
As Durban continues to evolve and grow, it is essential to remember the role that cultural institutions like Durban Funworld play in shaping the city’s identity and character. So while the park may be gone, its spirit and legacy will live on, inspiring new forms of creativity and community for generations.
Liam Fortuin is a Cape Town journalist whose reporting on the city’s evolving food culture—from township kitchens to wine-land farms—captures the flavours and stories of South Africa’s many kitchens. Raised in Bo-Kaap, he still starts Saturday mornings hunting koesisters at family stalls on Wale Street, a ritual that feeds both his palate and his notebook.
View all articles →