R28 million to demolish Durban’s China Emporium

Annisa Essack | kzn@raioislam.org.za
26 August 2023 | 10:00 CAT
1 min read

Photo Credit: The Citizen

The eThekwini Municipality has decided to demolish the China Emporium building, which was damaged by fire in January 2022, and recover the costs from the developer. The building, located near the Durban University of Technology, has been declared a health hazard and an eyesore by the city.

The demolition of the building, which will cost R28 million, has been approved by the municipality’s executive committee (EXCO) on 22 August 2023. The city said the structure is unstable and poses a risk of collapse. It also noted that the building has caused traffic congestion, business disruptions, illegal dumping and unsanctioned public use.

The city obtained a court order in September 2022 to demolish the building after the owner, Zoloscore Investments (Pty) Ltd, failed to do so within six months. The owner is technically in breach of the court order, which empowers the city to demolish the building and recover the costs from the owner.

The city said demolishing the building is part of its broader strategy to create a secure urban environment and foster economic growth. It said the demolition will pave the way for new investment opportunities.

The demolition will include clearing rubble, cleaning up the property and securing the site afterwards. The city said it will announce the date and time of the demolition soon. It also said it will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption to residents and businesses during demolition.

March and March says Radio Islam’s interviews on Islamophobia spark reflection

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za 7 August 2026 | 08:26 CAT 1-minute read March and March national spokesperson Sandile Dube said that Radio Islam's questioning will prompt the organisation to reflect on criticism that it has become increasingly hostile towards the...

Ramaphosa backs Eskom grid split to drive energy reform

4 August 2026 | 15:45 CAT 2-minute read Eskom’s transmission business is being prepared to become a fully independent state-owned grid company. Generation and distribution remain burdened by debt, ageing infrastructure and unpaid municipal accounts. An independent...

Influencing Democracy

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 04 August 2026 2-minute read An article written by human rights lawyer and founder of the organization The Campaign for Free Expression Nicole Fritz claims that paid social media influencers and coordinated fake news campaigns...

A Swim To Ceuta

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 03 August 2026 2-minute read Pressures driving irregular migration and the challenges facing both Morrocco and Spain have come to the fore once again, as scores of Moroccans returned to their homeland after entering the...

Palestine Report

3 August 2026 | 11:00 CAT 3-minute read Gaza disarmament, settler violence and pressure on aid workers The reported Hamas disarmament framework, escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank and a growing international crackdown on Gaza advocates were among...

Final Registrations!

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 30 July 2026 1-minute read The President has announced the date of local elections for this year to be held on 4 November 2026. According to the IEC’s General Manager for Communications Fikile Moya, the final official voter...