EThekwini Municipality notes the social media posts regarding a notice to vacate, addressed to Lebotrax (PTY) LTD, trading as Surf Riders Café, a business establishment located on the Durban Beachfront Promenade.
The post has attracted comments and speculation, and the Municipality wishes to provide context and clarity regarding the circumstances.
The tenant was operating under a monthly lease after the expiry of the initial lease period awarded pursuant to a public bidding process in 2013.
Following appropriate notice, the tenant was called upon to vacate the premises. In any event, the tenant had indicated its willingness to vacate the premises on 31 August 2026, subject to certain unrelated issues.
The Municipality has instructed its attorneys to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of outstanding rental charges, together with applicable interest. The amount outstanding is substantial and runs into millions of rands.
The premises were subsequently advertised in November 2024 in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Finance Management Act, which requires the leasing of municipal properties to be conducted through a fair, equitable, transparent and competitive process.
Following the conclusion of that process, the premises were awarded to another successful tenant, who is expected to take occupation shortly.
The Municipality therefore wishes to place these facts on record in the interests of transparency and to ensure that the public is properly informed regarding the circumstances surrounding the vacation of the premises.
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