Durban has recently joined the ranks of cultural hotspots hosting Candlelight Concerts – an immersive live music experience famed globally for its warm glow and intimate ambiance. Fans of classical and contemporary music alike are gathering in elegant settings bathed in flickering “candles” (actually safe LED-style lighting), creating magical evenings that linger in memory.

Venues:

• The Playhouse Company in central Durban offers a grand, historic setting—its ornate architecture and superb acoustics elevate performances like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Hans Zimmer-inspired compilations.

• The Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks provides an intimate, colonial-era charm. Its gracious interiors set the stage for impactful tributes to Coldplay, Queen, Phil Collins, Adele, and more.

What’s Playing and When

Here’s a curated selection of upcoming (and some recent) concerts around Durban:

• At The Playhouse Company:

  • The Best of Hans Zimmer: From R290 on 6 Sept (also 25 Oct)

  • Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More: Same dates and pricing as above

  • Tribute to Adele: 25 Oct at R290

• At The Oyster Box Hotel:

  • Tribute to Coldplay: R795, multiple dates starting 5 Oct onwards

  • Tribute to Queen: Around R600–R630, 28 Sept to 28 Dec, including 28 Sept at 6pm

  • Tribute to Phil Collins: From R600, on 5 Oct and select dates

  • Christmas Classics: 21 Dec from R600

  • Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Combo: 23 Nov from R600

For all dates and performances, click here.

If you’ve ever walked past a Build-A-Bear Workshop and thought, “That’s just for kids,” it’s time to think again. The Build-A-Bear experience is far more than just stuffing a teddy bear. it’s about creativity, connection, and making memories that last long after you leave the store with your cuddly new friend.

Whether you’re a parent, a child, a grandparent, or just young at heart, here’s why this hands-on, heartwarming experience is worth trying in Durban.

1. It’s a unique experience

At Build-A-Bear, you don’t just buy a toy off the shelf – you create it. From selecting your bear’s skin to choosing the perfect outfit, sound, and even a heart ceremony, the process is filled with thoughtful little moments. Each step feels personal and guaranteed you will love it!

2. Perfect for that special occasion

Birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries, first days of school – Build-A-Bear offers a unique way to mark those milestones. Imagine your child choosing their bear on their birthday, or you as a couple making a bear together for your soon-to-be-born baby. 

3. Teaches creativity and decision-making for kids

Kids are empowered to make choices about every aspect of their bear, from its colour to its clothing. This gives them a sense of ownership, confidence, and creativity – plus, it’s fun to accessorise!

4. Not just for children – adults too!

There’s something soothing and nostalgic about creating a teddy bear, even as an adult. Whether it’s making a bear for yourself, a partner, or a friend, Build-A-Bear taps into pure, wholesome joy. It’s also become a popular choice for quirky date activities or heartfelt gifts.

5. A thoughtful, personalised gift option

If you’re stuck on gift ideas, Build-A-Bear offers endless customisation – from recording your own voice message inside the bear to dressing it in themed outfits, from superheroes to sports teams. It’s a gift that’s both personal and playful.

Where to Try It in Durban:

Durbanites can head to Build-A-Bear Workshop at Gateway, Pavillion, Watercress Mall, Ballito Mall or uShaka Marine World.

Visit www.buildabear.co.za for more information.

In a city steadily rising as one of South Africa’s leading urban investment hubs, the Oceans Umhlanga Mixed-Use Development will officially launch its R1.4 billion North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower on Friday, 25 July in uMhlanga. The unveiling marks a significant milestone not just for the precinct, but for KwaZulu-Natal’s broader economic and social transformation.

The North Tower forms part of the R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga Mixed-Use Development, which includes the internationally award-winning Oceans Mall and the five-star Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel. Since the mall’s opening, the precinct has breathed new life into the region—creating jobs, attracting global brands, and reimagining what luxury and inclusive growth can look like side by side.

“This is not just a property launch; it’s a celebration of how far Durban has come, and a reflection of the developers’ (Vivian Reddy and Rob Alexander) tenacity and unwavering perseverance,” said Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga Development. “The Oceans Umhlanga development has brought global attention to the potential of this province. We’re proud to now open the doors to a residential offering that reflects both international luxury standards and local ownership in a way South Africa has never seen before.”

The North Tower introduces over 258 high-end luxury apartments, ranging from studios to four-bedroom units—including penthouses—all designed with ocean-facing views of one of the most iconic stretches of Africa’s East Coast. Each unit features premium finishes and direct access to Oceans Mall.

Beyond the aesthetics and amenities, the project is rooted in a powerful vision of transformation. Approximately 50% of the current North Tower workforce are young and Black South Africans—with a noticeable representation of young Black women.

Equally significant is the commercial makeup of the Oceans Umhlanga development. Half of Oceans Mall’s retail space is Black-owned, with 12 of its 14 restaurants operated by Black entrepreneurs. To date, the precinct has created over 25,000 jobs during construction, with many of those roles filled by individuals from surrounding communities including Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn—within a 5 to 10 km radius of uMhlanga. This highlights the development’s deep commitment to inclusive, community-driven growth.

Neighbouring areas such as KwaMashu, Verulam, Ntuzuma, Inanda, and Durban North—once considered distant from large-scale investment—are now part of a new chapter. Employment in sectors like retail, construction, security, cleaning, logistics, transport, and hospitality is no longer out of reach for residents in these communities.

“We are witnessing lives change in real time,” continued Mpono. “Young people are securing jobs in flagship luxury boutiques. Women are running thriving restaurants. Fathers who once struggled to find stable employment are now part of reliable teams in logistics and security. These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet—they represent families with renewed hope, dignity, and a real opportunity to participate in the economy.”

Strategically positioned on Lagoon Drive in the heart of uMhlanga, the Oceans North Tower is poised to become a landmark for long-term value and secure investment. The building includes resort-style pools, concierge services, yoga zones, children’s play areas, ducted air-conditioning, inverter readiness, and direct connectivity to Oceans Mall and the beachfront promenade.

While final statistics on the economic impact will be revealed at the launch, the project continues to anchor Durban’s post-pandemic recovery and growing national interest in KwaZulu-Natal’s property sector.

In Mpono’s words: “The completion of the Oceans Umhlanga Residential Towers is a vote of confidence from the developers—confidence in Durban, in our people, and in the kind of future we can build when world-class investment meets authentic transformation.” He also teased the announcement of a R1.3 billion leisure investment in the upcoming South Tower.

The launch event, taking place on the evening of Friday, 25 July, will host media, investors, development partners, civic leaders, and government officials including the Mayor and Premier. Guests can expect an exclusive viewing of the residential tower, live entertainment, refreshments, and formal addresses by Vivian Reddy, the Mayor, the Premier of KZN, and economic analysts.