The eThekwini Municipality has ordered opular Durban beachfront cafe Surf Riders to vacate its premises by Wednesday, September 30.
Surf Riders Café is situated on Durban’s beachfront at South Beach, close to the promenade and uShaka Marine World.
The cafe is known for its relaxed surf-inspired atmosphere, ocean views and casual food, and has become a familiar stop for locals and visitors.
The cafe is particularly associated with Durban’s surf culture and laid-back beachfront lifestyle, offering diners a place to eat and relax close to the sea.
But its future at the South Beach premises is now in question after the municipality issued a formal notice to Lebotrax (Pty) Ltd, trading as Surf Riders Café.
Lease expired years ago
According to a letter from the municipality, the lease agreement between eThekwini and Lebotrax expired on March 31, 2019.
The cafe continued occupying the premises on a month-to-month basis after the lease expired.
“You are hereby given one calendar month’s written notice to vacate the premises and deliver vacant occupation to eThekwini Municipality by no later than September 30,” the municipality said.
Cafe must leave premises in good condition
The municipality said the premises must be returned in the condition required under the original lease agreement.
“The premises must be left clean, tidy, sanitary and in good repair,” it said.
The municipality said any broken or damaged features, fixtures, fittings, windows, doors, panels or shopfronts must be repaired or replaced at the cafe’s expense.
Any damage or defacement must also be repaired before the premises are handed back.
The cafe has also been warned not to damage the property while removing its belongings, equipment or signage.
Everything must be removed
The municipality said the cafe must remove all people, belongings and equipment from the premises and ensure anyone occupying the property through the business has left.
“You must also remove all persons, belongings and equipment from the premises; ensure that anyone occupying through you has vacated; and return all original and duplicate keys and access devices to the Municipality,” it said.
A joint inspection will be conducted before the formal handover, with the date and time to be arranged with the municipality.
Legal action could follow
The municipality also made it clear that the notice does not affect any other claims it may have against the cafe.
“This notice does not waive any of the municipality’s rights or claims, including its right to recover outstanding rental, interest, damages, legal costs and any other amounts due,” it said.
The municipality warned that failing to vacate by the deadline could lead to legal action.
“Should you fail to vacate and deliver the premises in the required condition by September 30, the municipality reserves the right to institute or continue with the necessary legal proceedings,” it said.
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