yachts in durban

Welcome to Madevu Charters

Cruise onboard the Madevu SA, Durban’s most in demand private yacht charter.

Madevu Royale (GeCat)

Durban luxury yacht hire, welcome on board our exclusive luxury yacht….

Any Corporate event is a speciality of ours. What makes this boat unique is that the whole office can board this luxury Catamaran. She holds up to 45 guests with more than enough space to move about freely. Cruise along Durban’s Beach front and in the Durban Harbour while the sun sets over the Durban’s City Skyline. Our beautiful sun is the backdrop of Durban’s city sky-line. No matter what the age, we guarantee a great time. From a 16th to a 60th, every occasion is a memorable one. Madevu SA Charters knows how to make a party happen. This stunning luxury yacht has space, freedom to move, a beautiful bar fully stocked, no under 18 yr olds will be served alcohol and friendly staff to serve you drinks. We have a menu to choose from or you can do your own. What better place to celebrate your birthday with your friends than along Durban’s beautiful coast line.

Madevu S.A (Dean Cat)

She is licensed to carry 45 guests, there will be crew on-board to run the bar, help clean up, and make this cruise an enjoyable one.

Prices for the 1 hour sea cruises on Madevu S.A

• 1hr: Adults – R160 pp
• Children – R120 pp
• Children under 2 will pay R50 bum fee.
• Children are 12 years of age and under.

She is a complete walk around boat, with seating outside, inside and for a small capacity upstairs. She is licensed to carry 35 guests.

Prices for the 1 hour sea cruises on Madevu Royale

• 1hr: Adults – R160 pp | Children – R120 pp

Prices for Harbour and Sea Cruises on JamJar

• R100 adults and R80 kids (30 min)
• R150 adults and R120 kids (1hr cruise)

Madevu Charters Weekend Public Trips

• Upmarket decor, plenty space to walk around, you not bound to a chair.
• Proper sound system throughout
• Ice Cold Beers, cold drinks available – full bar facilities (We are a licensed venue)
• Toilet facilities

Our offices: Madevu Charters inside the main building at Wilson’s Wharf look for the black and orange counters. Contact Tammy on 072 336 0450 (Private Hire) Contact Sthe on 081 470 0348 (Public Sea Cruise)

Prices for the 1 hour sea cruises on Madevu S.A at 12pm and 14h00

Prices for a 1 hour sea cruise on Royale at 12h30 and 14h30

Private Cruises

Logistic tours, corporate events.

Any Corporate event is a speciality of ours. With 2 boats to choose from we offer Madevu SA as our flagship option.

Ashes Scattering

Please note these are only private cruises, private bookings only.

Cruise in Style

Client reviews, "madevu charters has a variety of beautiful boats to choose from. and their prices are reasonable children r120 adults r160 for one hour rides. i took my girls there on the 31st december 2023 and the ride was awesome. music brought the new years eve vibe you know. the crew was amazing. friendly staff and all children were given an opportunity to drive the boat for a little while. booking was very easy. next time i will make a booking for the madevu boat, it gave that miami vibe lol.".

ZA Gihungu ★★★★★

"We chartered the Madevu SA yacht for my dads 80th birthday party this week, Its the second time I have chartered this yacht for a function it is clean and has all the amenities necessary to host a function. There is a bar with very reasonable prices, you can also bring your food platters on board, they are super punctual and overall I have had a great time both charters. This is the biggest and most attractive yacht at the wharf. I do recommend it for private charter. Hope to be onboard again soon."

Ernestine Paton ★★★★★

"Such a great experience, definitely will take a trip with Madevu Charters in the future. Friendly crew and a smooth ride overall."

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[email protected]

(+1) 786 673 68 20

Boat & Catamaran charter in Durban - Yacht Rental

Durban yacht rental.

Certainly! Here’s a detailed description in English of why Durban is an excellent sailing destination, and what makes Yachting.Rent a top-notch provider for yacht rentals in this location:

Durban, located on South Africa’s eastern coastline, is a mesmerizing destination that offers a perfect blend of a bustling city atmosphere, incredible natural landscapes, and a vast maritime playground. Yachting.Rent presents an unparalleled way to explore Durban, a city renowned for its warm subtropical climate and beautiful golden beaches, through its exceptional yacht rental services.

Durban’s coastal positioning blesses it with a wide array of sailing possibilities. The city’s international harbors and ports provide an easy gateway to the Indian Ocean, where both novice and seasoned sailors can find waters suitable for their skill levels.

The tropical weather allows for sailing throughout the year, with summer months providing warm waters perfect for swimming and water sports, and winter offering clear skies and gentle winds.

The seas around Durban teem with marine life. A sailing journey may be accompanied by dolphins, turtles, and a variety of bird species. For those interested in fishing, the waters of Durban provide an abundance of fish, offering an exciting angling experience.

Within a short sailing distance from land, one can discover numerous hidden coves, beaches, and stunning marine reserves, perfect for diving, snorkeling, or simply relaxing and taking in breathtaking vistas.

On land, Durban’s cultural richness adds another layer of intrigue to the destination. Known for its African, Indian, and colonial influences, the culinary traditions of the city are particularly prized. Sailing around Durban is not complete without tasting local dishes, easily accessible in the waterfront restaurants.

Shoppers will find chic boutiques and lively markets, and those interested in nightlife will discover vibrant bars and clubs close to the marinas.

Durban also hosts numerous maritime events and festivals, providing opportunities to connect with other sailing enthusiasts and immerse oneself in the local sailing culture.

Yachting.Rent offers an impressive fleet of yachts in Durban, from sleek and sporty vessels perfect for a day full of adventure to luxurious superyachts suitable for extended vacations. Each yacht is maintained to the highest standards, ensuring safety and comfort.

Our personalized services tailor to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, family holiday, or corporate event, Yachting.Rent can customize your sailing experience, creating unforgettable memories.

Our professional and friendly crew members know the local waters, ensuring that you not only sail safely but also discover Durban’s hidden gems that might otherwise be missed.

Yachting.Rent is committed to providing an exceptional sailing experience, with a selection of services to choose from, including catering, guided tours, and water sports equipment rentals. Our dedication to customer satisfaction sets us apart as a premier yacht rental service in Durban.

Choose Yachting.Rent for your next sailing adventure in Durban and enjoy the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and ultimate luxury that this incredible destination has to offer.

Daniel Goldman

CEO of Yachting.Rent

Boat & Catamaran charter in Durban

Bali 4.5 – 4 + 2 cab. – Adria Chicha – 2017

Lagoon 450 F – 4 + 2 cab. – Shiva – 2018

Lagoon 42 – 4 + 2 cab. – Hanselli – 2024

Lagoon 42 – 4 + 1 cab. – pirelli – 2024.

Saxdor 320 GTC – Olivia – 2022

Saxdor 320 gto – kali – 2022.

Why Choose Us

Yacht charter in Durban

Embark on an unforgettable sailing adventure with Yachting.Rent in the dynamic city of Durban, South Africa. Known for its bustling harbour, golden beaches, and warm Indian Ocean waters, Durban is a dream destination for yacht charters. Our mission at Yachting.Rent is to provide you with exceptional service, top-notch boats, and a smooth rental process, making your Durban sailing experience one for the books.

Our fleet, anchored in Durban’s premier marinas, is diverse and meticulously maintained. We offer a wide selection of sailing yachts, motor yachts, and luxury catamarans to accommodate a range of tastes, budgets, and sailing experiences. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure with friends, we have the perfect vessel to suit your needs.

Sailing enthusiasts can choose from our range of sleek, agile sailing yachts that promise an exhilarating sail on Durban’s waters. Each yacht comes equipped with all the modern conveniences and navigational technology for a safe, comfortable journey. If speed and power are what you seek, consider our motor yachts. These vessels provide an exciting ride, ideal for day trips along the coast or visits to nearby islands.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, our luxury catamarans are an excellent choice. Their dual-hull design guarantees stability, making for a relaxed, comfortable cruise. The ample deck space is perfect for soaking up the South African sun, and the spacious interiors make overnight stays a joy.

At Yachting.Rent, we understand that every customer is unique, with distinct preferences and requirements. That’s why we offer both bareboat and skippered charters. Experienced sailors can enjoy the freedom of captaining their own vessel, while those less familiar with sailing can rely on our skilled, local skippers who not only navigate the waters but also provide valuable insight into the area’s hidden gems.

Durban is a destination rich in attractions, both on and off the water. On your yacht charter, you can explore the bustling harbour, cruise along the beautiful coastline, anchor in tranquil bays, or venture further to visit the stunning surrounding islands. Back on land, don’t miss the vibrant city life, with its blend of African, Indian and colonial influences, reflected in the architecture, cuisine, and culture.

When you choose Yachting.Rent for your Durban yacht charter, you’re not just renting a boat; you’re embarking on an unparalleled journey of exploration and discovery, with service and support that are second to none. We invite you to set sail with us and experience the allure of Durban from a unique perspective.

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Featured Boats & Catamarans in Durban

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About Durban

Why is Durban a good sailing destination?

Durban, a lively city on South Africa’s eastern coastline, is synonymous with sailing and offers an unrivaled maritime experience. With its inviting subtropical climate, beautiful golden beaches, and access to the Indian Ocean’s expansive waters, Durban is a sailing destination that appeals to both seasoned sailors and beginners.

The year-round sailing opportunities in Durban are plentiful. During the summer, the warm waters become an ideal playground for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. In the winter, clear skies and gentle winds offer perfect sailing conditions.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find joy in the abundance of marine life surrounding Durban. Dolphins, turtles, and a variety of bird species often accompany sailing journeys, and the area’s fishing opportunities are renowned among angling communities.

Durban’s coastline is dotted with hidden coves, secluded beaches, and stunning marine reserves, which can only be fully explored by sailing. These locations offer unique diving experiences and picturesque spots to relax and enjoy the view.

The city itself is rich in cultural influences, with a vibrant culinary scene that combines African, Indian, and colonial traditions. Waterfront restaurants serve local dishes that must be tasted during a sailing adventure in Durban. The bustling markets and chic boutiques near the marinas offer excellent shopping experiences, and the lively bars and clubs ensure a vibrant nightlife.

Durban is also home to various maritime events and festivals throughout the year, fostering a strong sailing community and providing opportunities to connect with like-minded enthusiasts.

Yachting.Rent, a premier yacht rental service in Durban, offers a diverse fleet of yachts to suit every occasion and need. From sporty vessels for a thrilling day at sea to luxurious superyachts for extended vacations, Yachting.Rent ensures safety, comfort, and a personalized sailing experience.

With experienced and friendly crew members who know the local waters, Yachting.Rent ensures that every sailing journey in Durban is safe, enjoyable, and filled with unique discoveries. The customization options, including catering, guided tours, and water sports equipment rentals, are tailored to create unforgettable memories.

Choosing Durban as a sailing destination and Yachting.Rent as the yacht rental provider promises a world of exploration, relaxation, and luxury. The natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for adventure make Durban a must-visit sailing destination, and Yachting.Rent is committed to making every moment count.

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What Choose

Sailing boat or Catamaran, what to sail in Durban

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Contact us today for an unforgettable Boat Cruise in Durban.

Welcome to Hakuna Matata Charters Sea cruises in Durban

Hakuna Matata Charters is based in Durban, South Africa, and is proud to be the leading charter boat company. We boast two of the most comfortable 58-foot catamarans, ‘My Girl’ and ‘My Girl Too’. ‘My Girl’ was launched on 7th December 2007 and ‘My Girl Too’ on the 16th October 2008, and have since been providing countless sea-farers with memorable experiences out to sea whether it’s been for corporate events, weddings, birthday parties, and school outings.

Year End Cruises

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Have a look at some of our Exciting events hosted on our boats.

The LADIES from ESKOM getting down to MAFIKIZOLO

MY GIRL TOO

Hakuna Matata Charters

Both vessels carry 60 passengers..

‘My Girl’ and ‘My Girl Too’ both go through SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Association) inspections once a year and carry fully approved safety equipment.

‘My Girl’ and ‘My Girl Too’ are definitely Durban’s number one party boats due to their huge aft decks which can accommodate your own party setup.

Enjoy a cruise with your loved ones...

• 069 805 9436
• (+27) 086 659 6909
• [email protected]
• Durban Marina Off Victoria Embankment Durban 4000 South Africa, PO Box 552 Durban 4001
• -29,8639630, 31,0223850

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Boat Hire by the Sea

Durban boat hire and charters.

Madevu Charters: Luxury Boat Rides and Charters in Durban Harbour

Looking for a unique and unforgettable way to experience Durban Harbour? Look no further than Madevu Charters!  

We offer a variety of luxury boat rides and charters , perfect for couples, families, and groups of all sizes.

Our fleet of three stylish boats includes the Madevu Royale , the Madevu SA , and the JamJar . Each boat is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable ride, including a sundeck, a shaded area, a full bar, and a sound system.

Madevu S.A (Dean Cat)

Luxury boat hire.

• Up to 45 Passengers
• 42” Plasma Screen
• Fully Stocked Cash Bar
• Full complement of staff
• Large Open Sundeck in Front
• Chill lounge / Dining area
• Spacious, upmarket interior
• Separate bar area with seating
• Sound System with speakers throughout (USB and Bluetooth enabled)
• Ladies & Gents Facilities
• Credit Card facilities on board

Madevu Royale (GeCat)

• Up to 37 passengers
• Self-catering
• One skipper
• One crew member
• Complete walk around boat
• Seating outside
• Seating inside
• Upstairs deck seating
• 2 bathrooms, a ladies and gents
• USB and Bluetooth enabled sound system
• Adjustable night-time lighting

Passenger Ferry Boat

• Up to 11 passengers
• 30 min harbour trips
• 45 min harbour trips
• 1 hour sea cruises
• Shaded roof
• Awesome sound system
• Private hire
• Evening trips (Private)
• Scattering of Ashes

• USA +1 954 892 5009
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Yacht Charter in Durban

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Several of the key worldwide chartering events of the year.

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Best Boat Cruises Experience in Durban

Boatcruises Durban offers truly memorable experiences out at sea for young and old.

Canal Cruises

Guided Tour in Durban Point Waterfront Canals.

Luxury Fun & Great for everyone Educational

Ocean / Sea Cruises

Explore our incredible Ocean / Sea cruises offers on all sorts of boats.

Party  Family time Fishing Charter

Harbour Cruises

Durban Harbour is the Biggest and busiest harbour in the southern hemisphere.

Durban Sky-line Watch the array of birds Enjoy an educational cruise

Canal Boat Rides

Parties & special event, pedal boat rides.

Pedal Boat Rides are great fun for everyone and very inexpensive. Located on the Durban Point Waterfront Canals

Magic Night Boat Ride

Don’t miss out on this Magical Night Boat Ride on one of our beautiful gondola boats. Looking for romantic things to do in Durban?

Corporate Hospitality

Treat special clients, colleagues, or business associates. Tailor-make your corporate excursion to suit your objectives.

Fishing Charters

We specialise in fishing excursions in Durban Bay, out to the backline, or at deep-sea – depending on the weather conditions and the client’s preference.

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Book a cruise today.

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Testimonials

Happy cruisers.

Jabu & Friends

“Me and my friends had a great time on the cruise. The tour guide was really nice and friendly.”

Boatcruises Office

Directions to our office.

1. Go to Ushaka B parking lot 2. Walk into Ushaka 3. Walk to the Shop – Fun Things Durban 4. Show your booking and Get your ticket at Fun Things Durban 5. Enjoy your experience

[email protected]

Monday: 10am – 5pm

Tuesday: 10am – 5pm

Wednesday: 10am – 5pm

Thursday: 10am – 5pm

Friday: 10am – 5pm

Saturday: 9am – 5pm

Sunday: 9am – 5pm

SAILING DURBAN

South Africa’s second largest city, Durban will be a welcome contrast to the past 11 months. One of the most colourful cities in Africa having recently been crowned Africa’s best festival and event destination in 2021.

INTRODUCING

Set on the east coast of south africa, durban is known for its beaches and laid-back vibe. but there is much more to the city than just the beach. the city wears its african, indian and colonial influences easily. its full name is durban kwa-zulu natal..

The site of the city was originally named Rio de Natal in 1497 by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama on Christmas Day (Natal means Christmas in Portuguese). It was changed to Durban in honour of Sir Benjamin D’Urban, who was governor of the Cape Colony in the 1830s. The Zulu name is eThekwini, derived from the word for ‘the port’ – with good reason, today Durban is the world’s ninth largest harbour, with the busiest container port in Africa. Mahatma Ghandi started his political career as a lawyer in Durban in 1893. The city was voted Africa’s best festival and event destination in 2021 and there is plenty to keep you busy, from great shopping to arts and culture, along with some remarkable natural wonders. And back to the beach, it is also a favourite destination for surfers…

• Go on safari – this is a great chance to spot the big five in their native habitats: African elephants, Cape buffalo, leopards, lions, and, if you are lucky, the rhino.
• Sip sundowners on the terrace of the famous Oyster Box hotel overlooking Umhlanga’s golden beaches.
• Visit the African Art Centre – a not-for-profit company that preserves, develops and showcases local artists, crafts people and designers to stimulate economic and social progression.
• Explore the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Zululand and the Drakensberg for insights into South African history.

A flavour of Durban

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THE 5 BEST Durban Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in durban.

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Your Sanctuary in the Heart of Durban

• Visiting Yachts

Marina Layout

General Information

All relevant documentation for filing a flight plan and the Port Authority Taxes form can be obtained from the Marina office.

Any queries regarding the Port Taxes can be e-mailed to  [email protected] .

Draft Restrictions

• International Jetty is 3.5m during low tides
• The other walk-on’s vary in depth

Maximum Vessel Size

Vessels over exceeding 20m Length and 8m Beam, kindly contact the office at [email protected]  prior to booking.

Arriving at Durban Harbour

The Port of Durban, controlled by Transnet National Ports Authority, is a large and busy commercial harbour with specific areas set aside for pleasure craft. 

On arrival, when you are approximately one mile off the Breakwater contact the Signal Tower, call sign ‘Durban Port Control’, who keep a listing watch on VHF Channel 9 and SSB 2182 kHz, Advise them of your arrival and last port of call, and request permission to enter the harbour.

Durban is compulsory Pilotage Port, but pleasure craft are exempt under certain conditions. Lights on the Signal Tower (which is situated on top of the Bluff, south of the harbour entrance) are used to warn approaching vessels of shipping movements:

• No Light – Channel clear for use
• Red Light – Ship leaving harbour; keep clear of the entrance channel
• Green Light – Ship entering harbour, keep clear and look behind you, it’s probably approaching your transom as you peer ahead!
• Flashing Red Light – Port closed

The leading lights (Oc.4s.64m14M over Iso.R.2s22m12M) area on the bearing 215deg30min.

After having entered the harbour, alter course to Starboard and head for the Silburn Channel. On your plotter, enter the following co-ordinates: 29° 51′ 46.84″ S 31° 01′ 18.25″ E

Please phone the Marina office on 031 301 2176 for further assistance. 

Durban marina Approach

Visiting yacht initial tie up berth: 29° 51′ 46,84″ S 31° 01′ 18,25″ E If space is available, incoming yachts are to tie up at International Jetty. Come in Starboard to with Fenders on waterline.

Anchoring area:

29° 51′ 53,91″ S 31° 01′ 36,62″ E – The anchoring area is situated on the line where various catamarans are anchored. Stay well clear of the main channel. 

Procedure After Arriving at the Marina

Please report to the Durban Marina office on arrival and complete the necessary formalities for your stay in Durban. Kindly supply our office with the passports of all crew members as well as the boat registration certificate. Port Authority Taxes are applicable for yachts staying for a period of more than 30 days and the rate is determined by yacht size. The Marina office will advise accordingly of the charges applicable. Once the documentation has been completed, the Durban Marina will assist with the clearing in procedure as listed below.

Clearing In and Out Procedure

All International visitors must report to Durban Immigrations as well as the Customs office, irrespective of whether they have cleared into South Africa via another port such as Richards Bay. The Durban Marina office will assist with directions and the procedure to follow. 

Immigrations: Customs & Excise Building Cnr Victoria Embankment & Stanger Street Ground Floor, Office No: 23, Durban

Customs: Customs & Excise Building Cnr Victoria Embankment & Stanger Street Ground Floor, Office No: 20, Durban

ALL YACHTS:

• Phone Immigrations who will come to the boat and clear in the boat;  
• Skipper and crew to report to the Customs and Immigration offices with the boat’s papers, passports and crew list.
• Skipper to complete a flight plan for Port Clearance;
• Skipper reports to the Port Control office, 2nd Floor Room 219, 45 Bay Terrace;
• Skipper and crew report to Customs and Immigration offices with passports and crew list;
• Skipper phones Immigrations 3 hours before departure and they will come to the boat and clear the yacht out.

FOREIGN YACHTS:

• Phone Immigration who will come to the yacht to clear it in;
• Skipper must then report to Customs and Immigration to clear in.
• Skipper to complete a flight plan for the Port Control office, 2nd Floor, Room 219, 45 Bay Terrace;
• Skipper reports to Customs and Immigration for clearance;
• Skipper phones Immigration 3 hours before departure and Immigration will come to the boat.

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• Skipper to phone Immigration who will come to the boat (check if necessary to visit office when they come to the boat as this could vary).
• Flight plan to be completed and taken to Port Control office, 2nd Floor, Room 219, 45 Bay Terrace;
• Skipper to phone Immigration 3 hours before departure and Immigration will come to the boat.

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PLEASE NOTE: The Port Authority office is NOT open on weekends and Public Holidays, therefore clearing out should be done on the Friday morning prior to leaving the Durban to travel to the next Port.

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Home » News » South Africa » Crime

By Faizel Patel

Senior Digital Journalist

3 minute read

19 Mar 2024

Police investigating after man shot and killed in Durban

The events leading up to the shooting are unknown however saps will be investigating further..

The shooting happened on Bell Street in South Beach Durban on Monday evening. Photo: iStock

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of a man in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , ALS Paramedics said on Monday.

It is understood the man was shot multiple times on Bell Street in South Beach in Durban on Monday evening.

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said police were already at the scene they arrived.

“ALS Paramedics arrived on the scene around 8pm to find the area cornered off. Paramedics were shown to a man believed to be in his forties who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body. Unfortunately the man had sustained fatal injuries and was declared on the scene by Paramedics.

“At this stage the events leading up to the shooting in Durban South Beach are unknown however Saps will be investigating further,” Jamieson said.

Nine arrested for attack on French police station

ALSO READ: Cops nail suspected ‘blue light robberies’ mastermind in Dawn Park

Blue lights suspect

Meanwhile, Gauteng police arrested a suspect believed to be the mastermind behind “blue light robberies” after he was found with blue lights, traffic police uniform, a high calibre firearm and ammunition as well as a suspected hijacked motor vehicle.

The suspect was handcuffed at his home in Dawn Park, Ekurhuleni, in the early hours of Monday morning.

Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said National Crime Intelligence shared information about the suspect who was in possession of a suspected hijacked motor vehicle and believed to be involved in blue light robberies on freeways.

Masondo said a team of several law enforcement agencies including members from the Gauteng Traffic Police Saturation Unit, Tracker Connect, Fidelity Specialised Services and Cap Security Specialised Unit was established to carry out the takedown operation.

Masondo said the suspect was arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of hijacked motor vehicle, and possession of ammunition, among other charges.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has applauded the team of law enforcement agencies that worked with diligence to arrest the suspect.

ALSO READ: Tshwane explains dramatic high-speed chase involving VIP cop and woman

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Goats and Soda

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Q&A: Author of 'Bottled: How Coca-Cola Became African' on Coke's surprising history

A store in Monrovia, Liberia, advertises Coca-Cola. The photo is from circa 1947. Alberts/Alberts/Three Lions via Getty Images hide caption

A store in Monrovia, Liberia, advertises Coca-Cola. The photo is from circa 1947.

Author-historian Sara Byala had an epiphany about Coca-Cola's role in African life and culture in 2003. She and a group of fellow graduate students had found their way across Mali's Saharan Desert via an arduous journey that involved a broken-down jeep followed by bouts of hiking and hitchhiking.

When the exhausted group reached a Niger River ferry stop the next day, the pause that refreshes took on new meaning. "Boarding, grimy and parched, we are offered — as in a dream — ice-cold Coca-Cola," she writes in her book, Bottled: How Coca-Cola Became African.

At the time, she wondered, "How is this here ... Where was this bottled, how was it transported and, most importantly, how was this cooled?"

Good questions, all — which she pursued and now answers in her new book. After writing it, Byala, associate director of the University of Pennsylvania's Global Documentary Institute and a senior lecturer in critical writing there, has come to conclude "that an ice-cold Coke far up the Niger River was as much about Mali as it was emblematic of an American corporation's reach."

If this sounds a bit like an explanation for how the blog you are reading came to be called "Goats and Soda," you are not far off.

"The blog is aptly named," Byala affirmed in a telephone conversation about how Coca-Cola and Africa became so intertwined — and the pluses and minuses of their shared history.

Egyptian workers push Coca-Cola refrigerators through a Cairo street in 2000. Mohammed Al-Sehti/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Egyptian workers push Coca-Cola refrigerators through a Cairo street in 2000.

Byala also explained how the American multinational company made its soda seem "local" in even the most out-of-the-way areas in Africa; how the company dealt with divestment and apartheid; and how the company is addressing health and environmental challenges.

Here are excerpts from the interview, which has been edited and condensed for clarity and space:

How big is Coca-Cola's footprint in Africa?

It's huge. The company employs about 70,000 people in Africa. [Each of] these jobs in turn supports between four and ten additional people in secondary jobs, in industries providing bottles, crowns [caps], carbonic gas [for the water], advertising. This multiplier effect makes it responsible for up to 750,000 jobs.

It's also ubiquitous. You see signs advertising Coca-Cola everywhere. Being able to sell Coke came to signify modernity — because to serve it cold you need electricity and refrigeration. People also came to trust Coke as safe for consumption, which cannot always be assumed about water in remote places.

What were Coke's beginnings in Africa?

Kola nuts, native to Africa, are sorted in the Ivory Coast. The nuts were used in the original recipe for Coca-Cola and gave the soda half of its name. The company does not give out its current formula but numerous articles on Coke assert that extract of kola nuts is no longer used. Sia Kambou/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Kola nuts, native to Africa, are sorted in the Ivory Coast. The nuts were used in the original recipe for Coca-Cola and gave the soda half of its name. The company does not give out its current formula but numerous articles on Coke assert that extract of kola nuts is no longer used.

The story begins with the kola nut. It had been cultivated [in its native Africa] and used as everything from a stimulant to [medical] restorative in all parts of the continent for centuries [usually it was chewed]. By the 1880s, kola samples had reached Europe and America. Atlanta-based patent medicine maker John Pemberton formulated a non-alcoholic brew (a marketing plus for the temperance-minded) that combined carbonated water with kola, sugar, caramel and coca leaves.

According to official Coca-Cola history, the beverage itself didn't appear on the continent until 1928, but I found records of it being sold as early as 1909 at a soda fountain in Cape Town.

And as you note in the book, kola nut extract is no longer likely part of the recipe: "Somewhere along the way, the amount of kola nut that could be found in Coca-Cola became close to, if not, negligible."

How did Coke become so popular in Africa?

By becoming local. It sounds counterintuitive. But what became apparent to me in researching the book was that though it is an American product, throughout Africa it's considered local.

So in addition to Coke's appeal as a sign of modernity, it was also seen as local? In what way?

Coke exports a concentrate to two factories in Africa where it is then mixed with carbonated water and sugar and other ingredients, all provided locally. Any local bottler will be getting shipments of that concentrate and doing everything locally. There are bottling plants in the vast majority if not all of African countries — and usually several within a given country.

From there, the many distributors and distribution centers — including small, independently run depots, most of which are owned and run by women — transport Coca-Cola via large truck or bicycle or boat or small ships or mule, including to the most remote points in the continent.

Is it unusual to have women entrepreneurs in Africa?

Bottles of Coca-Cola are sold at a market in Northern Cameroon. Pierre Guillaud/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Bottles of Coca-Cola are sold at a market in Northern Cameroon.

Coke worked with NGOs, governments, and other actors to provide access to mentorship, credit and employment to women. Because female entrepreneurship is so entrenched in sub-Saharan Africa, women rapidly took advantage of these new opportunities. The work in north Africa was similar but faced a different set of cultural values.

How else did Coke become both visible and local?

Coke also found numerous ways to make the brand visible everywhere, helping to sponsor parades, beauty pageants, tournaments, sports, music concerts, public events, major and minor, throughout the continent.

A group of Rwandans waits for transportation near a Coca Cola placard. The photo is from 1994. Hector Mata/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

A group of Rwandans waits for transportation near a Coca Cola placard. The photo is from 1994.

You also see fascinating ways in which Coke waste materials get upcycled, recycled, and repurposed. I was in Uganda last summer and saw petrol being sold to drivers in Coke bottles.

Coca-Cola bottles get repurposed all over Africa in all sorts of ways. In this case, they were used to sell small amounts of petrol, presumably because that quantity is all people either needed or could afford.

You can buy numerous arts and crafts items among other objects on sale, all made from Coca-Cola bottles both plastic and glass, cans, labels, and so on.

Like the Coca-Cola picture frame with the photo of your family?

I've been collecting these kinds of items for years! Coca-Cola cans, bottle tops, and bottles are upcycled in all sorts of ways to make everything from toys and purses to trivets and frames. This means that the containers are used as mediums for artisans who produce items that are worth more than the original material. Hence, my picture frame, made out of flattened Coke bottles, and housing a family picture from my cousin`s wedding in 2013 Durban.

How did Coke respond — or not – to apartheid?

Many Coke plants resisted so-called "petty apartheid" rules such as segregating bathrooms and canteens. Still, in the 1970s the company remained reluctant to sign the "Sullivan Principles" that called for disinvestment in apartheid South Africa. That was one reason why, in 1981, American civil rights activists threatened to boycott Coke. In response, Coke promised to hire and promote Black employees in the U.S. and review how to deal with apartheid in South Africa. Coke figured out a way to simultaneously keep selling the product there while also technically divesting themselves from the country, thus depriving the apartheid state of tax revenue.

In addition, Coke funded a $10 million independent charity [based in South Africa] called the Equal Opportunity Fund to support education, housing and business development. And it allied itself with Nelson Mandela's ANC party to help end apartheid.

The EOF was based in South Africa and funded work solely in South Africa. In the book, I write about Coca-Cola's work with the ANC, Nelson Mandela's party. This work never took the form of a formal alliance. Nor was the company ever outwardly committed to working with the ANC or helping end apartheid. Still, the company played an important and never before written about role in doing just that, through funding, disinvestment and creating on-ramps to economic participation for previously disadvantaged South Africans that helped ease the transition to the post-apartheid order.

Are there costs to Coke's popularity in Africa?

First, there are threats to the human body: sugar is not good for you, and liquid sugar is worse for you.

Second: waste from packaging, leaving landfills stuffed with plastic and glass and cans.

Third: water.

Do you mean using supplies of potable water that would/should go to the general public?

Yes and no.

Coca-Cola cannot be produced without access to clean water. The environmental challenges around water are vast and include procuring enough water, making sure available water is clean and being sure to put back into the environment as much water as it uses so as not to use more than its fair share.

How does Coke address these issues?

These are threats to Coke's business as well as to humanity.

Many people in Africa lack sufficient water. In 2010 the company launched the Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) a huge umbrella project to address the water crisis throughout the continent.

A shopkeeper win Zanzibar, photographed in 2005. Marco Longari/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

A shopkeeper win Zanzibar, photographed in 2005.

In just over a decade, about six million Africans had improved water access while over one million Africans had access to better sanitation and nearly half a million hectares of land had improved water access. While critics argue that RAIN's success is but a drop in the bucket in terms of human need, it remains the case that it has done more than any other benefit scheme.

And how about sugar, and its relation to obesity and related health problems?

Coca-Cola's approach to sugar is multifold: one, reduce package size; two, expand into non-sugar and low-sugar drinks, including bottled water and juice; and, three, lower the amounts of added sugar in established brands. There are many [other] products on the market that contain high levels of added liquid sugar, like drinkable yogurts and Frappuccino's. Coca-Cola's aim is, in its breadth of products and variety of sizes, to provide options for all consumers.

And what about landfills?

Just as Coca-Cola seeded recycling in America, so too the company is at work to create mechanisms for recycling in Africa, thus reducing landfill. In the book, I detail the work of PETCO, a Coca-Cola driven consortium of PET or plastic producers in South Arica, that has successfully driven that country's recycling rate.

The company also partners with governments and NGOS to provide their technical or logistical expertise. One example is Project Last Mile , whose website asks, "If you can find a Coca-Cola product almost anywhere in Africa, why not life-saving medicines?" The group partners with other organizations (including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a funder of this blog) to get medical resources to those who lack access to necessary medicines. Coca-Cola helps apply its logistical knowledge base to help with issues of storage, distribution, marketing and delivery.

So on balance, how would you describe the benefit/harm ratio of Coke in Africa?

My book does not offer a clearcut verdict on the benefit/harm ratio of Coke in Africa. Rather, my book is a work of explanation that sets out to show how Coca-Cola became ubiquitous across Africa and to describe what this ever-presence means. In laying out this complex story, I show how the company uses resources, brands the continent and leads the rise of noncommunicable diseases. But, I also show how with the spread of Coca-Cola came the spread of electricity, human capital, employment and water. I leave it to the reader to wrestle with the verdict.

Diane Cole writes for many publications, including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She is the author of the memoir After Great Pain: A New Life Emerges. Her website is DianeJoyceCole.com .

• Bottled: How Coca-Cola Became African