In a significant move to bolster its tourism and business sectors, the eThekwini Municipality is set to approve a R5 million sponsorship for the prestigious Investec SA Open Golf Championship. The 114th edition of this iconic tournament will take place at the Durban Country Club in March, with promises of economic benefits, global exposure, and local business support.
The municipality’s full council will deliberate on the sponsorship this Thursday, but its Executive Committee has already hinted at the strategic benefits of co-hosting the event. The sponsorship deal includes Durban’s participation in four major programmes:
- Official Host City Status
- Golf Business and Lifestyle Convention
- Sunshine Tour Golf Tournament
- Swing Through Africa Magazine TV Series
Global Exposure and Local Gains
This partnership promises a whopping 1.25 billion global viewers over a five-month period, bringing sustained attention to Durban. According to city manager Musa Mbhele, the initiative aligns perfectly with eThekwini’s goals to regenerate the city’s infrastructure and attract trade and investment.
Durban is also eyeing synergies between professional golf tours and its emerging super-yachting and marina industries. With an additional R2 million investment, eThekwini will showcase these opportunities at the YARE super-yacht event in Italy this March.
Mbhele emphasized the importance of leveraging the Durban Country Club site and nearby yacht marinas as part of the city’s broader development strategy. Plans for a private jet terminal at King Shaka International Airport are also on the table, adding an air of exclusivity to Durban’s future as a business and leisure hub.
Golf Meets Tourism: A Strategic Pairing
Running parallel to the SA Open, the Golf Business and Lifestyle Convention will focus on networking and investment opportunities, while the Sunshine Tour Golf Tournament in May will bring together 156 professional golfers competing for a share of a R2 million prize pool. The tournament will coincide with Africa’s Travel Indaba, one of the continent’s largest tourism expos, further solidifying Durban’s role as a top-tier destination.
A highlight of this initiative is the “Swing Through Africa” TV series, a lifestyle and travel show showcasing the beauty of Durban’s golf courses, cultural attractions, and business opportunities. Mbhele described the show as a blend of high-end leisure and local flavor, aimed at drawing viewers from South Africa and beyond into the magic of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.
Collaboration Across Sectors
The project involves multiple stakeholders, including Investec Durban, the Parks Recreation Culture Unit, the Business Support, Markets, Tourism, and Agri Unit, and the Durban Film Office. Together, these organizations aim to drive local business spending, with 40% of the event’s R61 million budget earmarked for local partnerships.
While eThekwini leads the charge with R5 million, discussions are ongoing with national and provincial governments to secure the remaining R5 million needed to make the event a success.
“By hosting the SA Open Golf Championship and its associated events, Durban is positioning itself as a global leader in business tourism and sports entertainment,” Mbhele stated.
A Hole-in-One for Durban’s Future
Durban’s R5 million investment is more than just a sponsorship—it’s a declaration of the city’s ambition to become a hub for international events, tourism, and business opportunities. With golf, tourism, and culture seamlessly intertwined, the SA Open promises to be a game-changer for Durban’s economy and global image.
