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Durban's hospitality sector is getting a major boost as Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani explained the R250-million refurbishment programme during the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) National Annual Conference Gala Dinner on Monday.
Hosted at the iconic Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani on Durban's Golden Mile, the gala dinner marked the conclusion of three days of networking, collaboration and conversations around the future of South Africa's conference and events industry.
Opening the evening, SAACI Chief Executive Officer Glenton de Kock described the occasion as less of a gala dinner and more of a "family dinner", a fitting way to conclude the conference while celebrating a unified approach and shared narrative of everything South Africa has to offer as a business events destination.
Representing Durban Tourism, Deputy Head Winile Mntungwa highlighted Durban's position as a premier ‘bleisure’ destination, where business seamlessly blends with leisure, making the city an attractive choice for conferences, corporate events and extended stays.
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Big plans for this iconic landmark
A highlight of the evening was shared by Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani General Manager Lettisha Singh, who announced the start of its R250-million refurbishment and upgrades set to be completed over the next three years.
Work officially commenced on 27 July 2026, with 11 of the hotel's more than 700 rooms taken out of service as the first phase of renovations began.
Conference delegates were also the first audience to preview concept designs showcasing the future look of the hotel's guest rooms, public spaces and conference facilities.
Reflecting on the hotel's rich history on Durban's Golden Mile, Singh celebrated the property's renewed 50-year lease with the municipality and joked, "If you want to get fit, stay with us, just look at the promenade, and you're halfway there."
She affectionately described the refurbishment as an opportunity to ‘make the old girl into a new girl’, adding that the transformation is ‘going to look spectacular’.
Time Out South Africa also caught up with Winile Mntungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism, and Phindile Makwakwa, CEO of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film, to discuss Durban's growing reputation as a leading destination for both business events and leisure travel.
Watch our Instagram reel below for a behind-the-scenes look at the evening and a first glimpse at what's next for one of Durban's most iconic hotels.
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