The old Surf Riders spot on Durban’s South Beach has a new tenant

Durban’s South Beach is getting a new hospitality destination.

It’s taking over a much-loved spot on the Golden Mile.

And it comes from a homegrown Durban brand that started out as a township car wash.

Here’s what we know: Durban-born hospitality brand Mojo’s has secured a lease for the municipal property at 17 Erskine Terrace, South Beach.

The property was previously home to Surf Riders Cafe.

The eThekwini Municipality announced the news on Tuesday, 13 October.

WHAT THE SOUTH BEACH LEASE INCLUDES

According to the municipality, Mojo’s Investment CC won the lease after a competitive bidding process.

The lease runs for nine years and 11 months.

The bidding process began in November 2023.

The award was delayed after an unsuccessful bidder appealed the outcome.

An independent appeal authority dismissed the appeal and upheld the original decision.

The unsuccessful bidder then launched a court challenge.

But on 1 October 2026, it filed a notice to withdraw the case at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg, clearing the way for the lease to go ahead.

WHO IS MOJO’S?

Mojo’s has been operating for about 20 years.

It started as a modest car wash in Chesterville, a township in Durban, before growing into Mojo’s Carwash & Shisanyama.

It has since expanded to Mojo’s on Davenport in Glenwood.

The municipality described the move to South Beach as an important milestone for a homegrown Durban hospitality and lifestyle brand.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR DURBAN SOUTH BEACH

The municipality says the new venue will bring more variety to the beachfront.

“The move will add to the diversity of food, hospitality, entertainment, and leisure experiences available along the Golden Mile and introduce the Mojo’s concept to a broader market of residents and visitors,” the municipality said.

It says the lease is part of its strategy to attract private investment and revitalise underutilised municipal properties along Durban’s beachfront.

Municipal spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said the deal forms part of a growing pipeline of property transactions bringing new businesses and economic activity to the beachfront.

He said these investments are part of the municipality’s “broader approach to optimising the economic and development potential of strategically located properties.”

MORE INVESTMENT ON THE GOLDEN MILE

It’s not the first beachfront deal.

In 2024, the municipality named Southern Sun as the preferred bidder for a 50-year lease to redevelop the Elangeni and Maharani hotels.

Including refurbishments at two of its other beachfront hotels, Southern Sun’s investment was estimated at R1 billion.

Another R70 million private development is also planned at 137 Lower Marine Parade.

According to the municipality, construction is set to begin in January 2027, with the aim of opening during the 2027/28 festive season.

WHAT ABOUT SURF RIDERS?

Surf Riders Cafe was a familiar stop for locals, surfers and visitors on South Beach.

Its South Beach chapter has now ended. But fans can still find Surf Riders at Umhlanga Cabanas and Gateway Boulevard.

WHEN WILL IT OPEN?

There’s no opening date yet.

The municipality says it will work with Mojo’s to get the business up and running as soon as possible.

Details about the menu, layout and offering at the new South Beach venue haven’t been released yet.