By Allan Jackson - 2 January 2006

Twenty Eight Views of Durban - The Playground of South Africa is a modest little booklet which recently came into my possession. It was published by the Central News Agency of 369 Smith Street and, although I can't find a date on it, it must have been published during WWII for sale as a souvenir to the hordes of troops who passed through the city during those years. The cover carries the hand-written message "With Fondest Love, Fred" and must have been bought by him to send to his family.

There are, as you might have guessed, 28 photographs of the city and environs included in the booklet. These were mostly taken by well-known local photographer Lynn Acutt, a member of one of Durban's oldest families. What strikes me immediately about the photographs is that you would never guess, by looking at them, that there was a world war currently on the go. You will see by the photo of the Empress of Britain entering the harbour, below, that the harbour is practically deserted and I'm pretty sure that it never was so empty during the war. I believe that the picture, and some of the others, must have been taken before the war; there are no defences visible on the beaches, for example.

	The Empress of Britain enters harbour.
Click on the image to view an enlarged version

Another indication that the publishers were avoiding printing anything which might potentially be useful to the enemy is the fact that there is a picture of a military parade but that the unit is not named. The caption merely states that it is a famous South African Regiment and I notice that the men are apparently all wearing the orange shoulder flash, denoting that they had volunteered for service outside South Africa. Their embarkation parade, perhap??

In addition to the photographs, the booklet contains a useful map showing the locations of the servicmen's clubs and canteens. The map and pictures of some of the clubs are included below. There is also a brief list of where to go in Durban and some general information including a summary of the charges for taxis and rickshas.

Click on the images to view enlarged versions

Among the things to do in Durban were:

• The Old Fort
• The Mitchell Park Zoo
• The Botanic Gardens
• The museum, art gallery and library
• Monkeys at Riverside and the Stella Bush
• The municipal golf course, bowling green and swimming bath

Beer is not mentioned in the guide even once, although I shouldn't think the servicemen would have had any difficulty finding a suitable pub.

The population of Durban was given as:

• Natives (black) - 67000
• Europeans (white) - 90500
• Asiatic and Coloured (mixed race) - 92000

Transport Costs

The ricksha fares were sixpence per person per mile or two shilings per hour per per person. The fares were doubled between the hours of 11pm and 5am. The maximum taxi fare for one to four persons was one shilling for the first mile and ninepence for each additional half mile, or part thereof. Municipal busses and trams were free for servicemen and women in uniform.

The other pictures in the booklet include the picture of the flying boat, above left, over Durban harbour, and the amphitheatre on the beachfront. Click the images to view enlargements.