THERE is growing concern about the newly established KZN Maritime School of Excellence among some North Beach residents and ratepayers, who say that it places residents, learners, and businesses in jeopardy, undermining the stability and character of the area.

“North Beach is a high-density tourism and residential precinct already struggling with rising petty theft, robberies and violent crime; prostitution and human trafficking activity; drug-related incidents; vagrancy and informal encampments; congestion during peak seasons; increased pressure on law enforcement services; limited SAPS and Metro Police deployment.

“Introducing a boarding facility with unsupervised or semi-supervised youth into an area already under pressure carries significant risks, including increased opportunity for targeting by criminals. Youths living in hostels become easy targets for drug syndicates, pimps, criminal recruiters, and gangs operating in the vicinity,” shared one resident.

He also highlighted the elevated risk of disorder, noise disturbances, and unsupervised movement, causing conflict with existing residents.
Another resident saw a brighter side, “Let’s overlook the maritime school as a problem site. Its admission requirements are high with a level 6 Maths pass, and the school accommodates 60 (not sure if that’s the total school capacity). High academic achievers are tomorrow’s leaders, so give them a chance to grow.”

Also read: Unique maritime school breathes life into North Beach

The residents further demanded confirmation on zoning rights permitting a boarding facility; fire, safety, and residential occupancy certificates; building regulations compliance; bulk service capacity (water, sewer, electrical); traffic and parking impact planning; emergency response planning; and internal security and access control measures. “If such documentation has not been produced, this project cannot lawfully open,” they said.

The spokesperson for KZN DOE, Muzi Mahlambi, defended the construction of the school. “What the North Beach residents should know is that before the erection of any structure/building, one must have a plan that the municipality must approve.

“They (residents) are raising the social issues that are engulfing their area, with or without the maritime school. What the residents are not aware of is that next to the school, there is George Campbell School of Technology which has been there for years with much larger enrollment than the new school. They must just channel the energy that they have in fighting the social ills that they are currently facing.”

The first-of-its-kind specialised ocean-focused school is currently tying up the registration processes and is due to open in 2026.

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