Oceans North Tower launch marks new chapter for luxury living and inclusive growth in uMhlanga
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers
A NEW era of luxury and inclusive growth dawned in uMhlanga on Friday evening as the Oceans North Tower was officially launched, accompanied by a surprise announcement of a strategic partnership between Oceans Umhlanga and hospitality giant Southern Sun.
The glamourous rooftop ribbon‑cutting event drew an elite gathering of politicians and dignitaries, including government ministers, politicians, eThekwini Municipal Manager, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Durban, business leaders, local celebrities, international guests as well as investors.
Guests were treated to champagne receptions, live entertainment, a lavish buffet and glittering views of the new luxury tower.
The North Tower itself marks a R1.4 billion segment of the larger R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga development, which includes the award‑winning Oceans Mall and the Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel.
Featuring 258 luxury units—from studios to four‑bedroom penthouses—with ocean‑facing views, resort‑style pools, concierge and wellness zones, and direct access to the mall, the tower sets a new benchmark for coastal residential living in KwaZulu‑Natal.
Beyond high‑end amenities, the project emphasises socio‑economic transformation. About 50 percent of the North Tower workforce comprised of young Black South Africans, with strong representation of Black women.
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Over 24,000 jobs have been created during construction, with many sourced from neighbouring communities like Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn.
Developer and businessman Vivian Reddy called the event a milestone fueled by vision, resilience, and collaboration. He said the celebration was a defining moment in a journey that has been powered by determination and extraordinary people.
"The Oceans North Tower is more than just a high rise, it is a landmark in belief that when South Africans unite in purpose we can produce something that is not only world class but something iconic. As I look at this tower I feel immense pride, not just in the architecture but in the human spirit behind over 2400 workers, artisans, engineers and professionals who brought it to life with their skills, sweat and unwavering commitment. The Tower is their triumph," said Reddy.
He lauded his co-developer Rob Alexander for his unwavering support as well as other key players including the KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund.
Speaker after speaker praised Reddy and Alexander for making the province a winning destination, recognising the value and transformative impact that the investment made on the socio economic landscape.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs represented KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, who was unable to attend, applauded the KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund for partnering with Reddy.
'The Oceans Umhlanga development stands as a beacon of progress, vision and commitment to building a prosperous economy in this province. Many of us here have had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of this landmark project from the development of Oceans Mall, one of the largest and most prominent retail centres in South Africa,' said Buthelezi.
eThekwini Municipal Manager Musa Mbhele acknowledged the project's significance within the broader urban context. Mbele spoke candidly about the dual realities of a post-apartheid city—challenges of infrastructure and service delivery on one side, and resilience and investment on the other.
'This city has faced immense challenges, from service backlogs to devastating floods. But despite it all, projects like this show our strength and determination. Developers like Vivian Reddy prove that with belief in the city and its people, great things are still possible,' Mbhele said.
At the height of the evening, Reddy revealed that Southern Sun will join the Oceans Umhlanga mixed–use precinct by taking significant equity and operational control of the upcoming South Tower hotel and residences. The sweetheart deal has been in negotiations for over a year and cements Southern Sun's long‑term investment in the development.
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