WHILE on his beach walkabout yesterday (December 16), eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba interacted with beachgoers who took advantage of the sunny weather to celebrate Reconciliation Day holiday. This has been the biggest crowd to flock to the Durban shores since the beginning of December.

Xaba is confident that Durban will attract over 1 300 000 visitors during the festive season. Speaking during the walkabout, he said he was satisfied with the high visibility of police patrolling entertainment areas across the city, with some officers deployed on horseback and bicycles.

He encouraged holidaymakers visiting the beach to co-operate with lifeguards and police by refraining from consuming alcohol before entering the water, as this could lead to drownings.

“I am happy that, so far, people are behaving responsibly, and there have been no major incidents reported,” said Xaba. He added that with all 23 bathing beaches open, the city expects the number of beachgoers to increase on December 26 and 31, as well as on January 1.

“The increase in visitor numbers at the beach also boosts local businesses, particularly restaurants and informal traders. Hotels have indicated that they expect higher occupancy rates compared to last year,” Xaba added.

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