Bumper New Year for Durbs
Durban has enjoyed a bumper festive season with thousands of visitors flocking to its beaches.
eTHEKWINI enjoyed a bumper Christmas and New Year season with thousands of visitors from across the country flocking to Durban to celebrate and enjoy the holidays.
Although the beaches were packed to capacity, the crowds were generally well behaved except for a few challenges that were caused by patrons under the influence of alcohol.
Between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, 324 135 people visited various Durban beaches, 42 rescues were carried out and 973 people received first aid for various medical reasons.
About 688 people received warnings for transgressions, including vagrants, vendors, drunken patrons, fighting, illegal braaing and alcohol use.
City employees handed out 9350 armbands so that separated children could easily be reunited with their guardians. There were 223 cases of children separated from their parents over the two days, and all, except three children, were re-united with their families.
Festive Season Management Committee (FESMAC) Chairperson, Christo Swart acknowledged Municipal staff and officials who had dedicated their time to ensure safety at the beaches.
“We appreciate the co-operation between Law Enforcement Officers, staff and thousands of people who visited our City,” said Swart.
