Visitors from across the country and beyond have begun to flock to Durban’s beaches, many of them to collect “holy” water. These people are here not simply seeking enjoyment but for spiritual purification and to collect seawater for their rituals. Equipped with 2lbottles, 5lcontainers and even cooler boxes, they make their way to the beach from as early as 5am and stay until the evening.
The tradition of collecting seawater for personal use is longstanding. “My family has been coming to the beach for cleansing since the time of my ancestors,” said Dineo Phasha from Gauteng. “Most of us are not here just for leisure; we seek to rejuvenate ourselves, both spiritually and physically.
We aim to rid ourselves of all 2025 curses as we prepare to welcome the new year. “This is the holy water. We take it home to drink and for various rituals.” A group of enterprising homeless men have recognised a business opportunity.
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They sell water containers for R15 each and offer to fetch water for an extra R5. “I rise early and stay up late searching for these containers in bins around the city, in nearby neighbourhoods and along the beach. Sometimes I find them among the debris washed ashore,” said Lucky Nzama, one of the sellers.
“There is significant competition as many of us engage in this business. Being friendly with potential customers is essential to encourage them to purchase from you.“ With the money they earn they buy food and pay for shelter. “Most of us use the money to buy food and pay for accommodation.
I don’t make much on a day but it is enough to sustain me till the next day,” said another seller, Malusi Ngidi. The presence of homeless people and their informal business has elicited mixed feelings, with some street vendors claiming they negatively impact the number of visitors to the beach.
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