Exploring the Nostalgic Heart of Durban: A Deep Dive into Durban
In an era where digital archives and social media often overshadow the quiet charm of personal blogs, stumbling upon a site like this feels like uncovering a hidden gem. Titled “Durban – The days that were,” this website serves as a heartfelt tribute to the vibrant history of Durban, South Africa’s bustling coastal city in KwaZulu-Natal. It’s a nostalgic portal that transports visitors back to the city’s bygone eras, focusing on everything from iconic landmarks and cultural institutions to everyday elements that shaped local life. Whether you’re a Durban native reminiscing about your youth or a history buff eager to learn about South African urban heritage, this site offers a unique, grassroots perspective that’s both intimate and evocative.
The Vision Behind the Site
At its core, durban.jontyknine.co.za appears to be a passion project dedicated to preserving and sharing memories of Durban’s past. The site’s subtitle, “The days that were,” perfectly encapsulates its mission: to celebrate the city’s historical tapestry through stories, images, and anecdotes.
The Durban-focused domain narrows this lens to historical nostalgia, inviting users to reflect on how the city has evolved. Posts are dated as recent as September 2, 2025, suggesting the site is actively updated, though view counts remain modest (ranging from 4 to 12), indicating it’s still building an audience. There’s a sense of community involvement here and encourages submissions of vintage Durban photos, turning the site into a collaborative archive. This interactive element adds a personal touch, making it more than just a static blog; it’s a living repository of collective memories.
Navigating the Content: Sections and Categories
The site’s layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with a focus on clean, chronological presentation rather than flashy design. Key sections include:
- Main Story: This highlights featured historical spots, such as the Natural Science Museum and the Roma Revolving Restaurant. The museum post, while light on details, evokes Durban’s role as a cultural hub, potentially covering exhibits on local flora, fauna, and scientific history. The Roma Revolving Restaurant, an iconic eatery known for its panoramic views, represents the city’s mid-20th-century architectural flair and dining scene.
- Today Post: A dynamic feed of recent entries, blending cultural, historical, and entertainment topics. This section feels like a daily dose of nostalgia, with ratings (e.g., 5 (1) for some posts) and view counters adding a subtle interactive vibe.
Categories help organize the content thematically, drawing from Durban’s diverse heritage:
- Amusement Park Durban: Explores family-friendly attractions along the beachfront, like the historic amusement park on OR Tambo Parade. It mentions rides such as the Cable Car, which offered stunning views of the Golden Mile beaches, harking back to a time when Durban was a premier tourist destination.
- Busses: Delves into the Indian bus service in South Africa during the 1990s, particularly in Durban. This post highlights the Indian community’s significant involvement in public transport, shaping the city’s mobility during a transitional post-apartheid era. It’s a fascinating look at how ethnic groups contributed to urban infrastructure, with buses serving as lifelines for commuters.
- CBD (Central Business District): Covers areas like Smith Street (now Anton Lembede Street), a major artery in Durban’s CBD. Posts here might discuss the evolution of commercial hubs, including landmarks like Durban Station and the Amphitheatre.
- Cheers: This category lists trending historical topics, from hotels like the Four Seasons and Berea Hotel to cultural spots like the Playhouse and Shah Jehan (possibly referring to theaters or mosques). However, some content is protected, displaying errors like “Content is protected !!,” which might indicate ongoing development or restricted access.
Other categories touch on beaches (e.g., Blue Lagoon at the Umgeni River mouth), cemeteries (Stellawood), and even music scenes, blending social history with leisure.
Spotlight on Recent Posts: A Taste of Durban’s Yesteryears
The site’s recent updates, all posted by “admin” (likely Jonty himself), provide bite-sized glimpses into Durban’s multifaceted past. Here’s a closer look at some standout entries from early September 2025:
- Tropicale Restaurant (September 2, 2025, 6 views): This post reminisces about a beloved eatery, possibly evoking the tropical vibes of Durban’s dining scene in decades past. While details are sparse, it fits the site’s theme of celebrating lost or evolving landmarks that defined social gatherings.
- BallyHoo (September 1, 2025, 4 views): A nod to the South African rock band formed in Johannesburg in 1974. Best known for their 1981 hit “Man on the Moon,” BallyHoo released albums from 1976 to 1982 and toured extensively. Though not exclusively Durban-based, their inclusion highlights the broader South African music landscape that influenced coastal cities like Durban. The band still performs as a three-piece with original members Fergie Ferguson and Derrick Dryan, bridging past and present.
- Berea Hotel (September 1, 2025, 5 views): Focused on this historic hotel in the Berea suburb, the post likely explores its role as a social and accommodation hub, reflecting Durban’s growth as a metropolitan center.
- Sand Pebbles (September 1, 2025, 8 views): This could refer to a beachside or entertainment venue, tying into Durban’s sandy shores and recreational history.
- Isfahan (September 1, 2025, 7 views): Potentially referencing a cinema, restaurant, or cultural site named after the Iranian city, showcasing Durban’s multicultural influences.
These posts, often rated by users (e.g., 5 (1)), encourage sharing on social media, fostering a community around shared nostalgia. However, some entries are brief or protected, suggesting the site is still expanding its content library.
Why This Site Matters: Preserving Durban’s Soul
What sets durban.jontyknine.co.za apart is its unpretentious approach to history. Unlike glossy tourism sites, it’s raw and personal, drawing from Jonty’s own experiences and community input. Durban, with its rich blend of Zulu, Indian, and colonial influences, has seen dramatic changes—from apartheid-era segregation to modern urbanization. Posts on topics like the Indian bus services underscore the resilience of marginalized communities, while mentions of amusement parks and restaurants recall simpler, joy-filled times.
The site’s connection to Jonty’s broader online presence adds depth. His YouTube channels, like “Jonty’s Driver” and “Jonty (k9) Knine,” feature motovlogs exploring Durban’s streets, harbors, and social issues, often with a canine sidekick. This multimedia extension—videos of beachfront homeless challenges or harbor visits—complements the blog, creating a holistic narrative of Durban’s past and present.
In a fast-paced world, sites like this remind us of the importance of local storytelling. If you’re passionate about history, consider contributing your own old Durban photos or following Jonty on X for updates. Who knows? Your memory might become the next featured post.
Durban.jontyknine.co.za isn’t just a website—it’s a digital time capsule, keeping “the days that were” alive for generations to come. Dive in, and let the nostalgia wash over you like the Indian Ocean waves on Durban’s shores.