UPDATE: Smooth sailing at Blythedale beach festival

Blythedale residents were pleasantly surprised when the notorious Blythedale 2018 Beach festival went off without a hitch last month.

In previous years residents have endured loud music, all night partying, sex on their driveways and uncontrollable traffic, at the annual festival organised by KwaDukuza municipality on December 26 and 27.

Budgeted for R300 000, last year the festival boasted activities which include a fashion show, music entertainment, sporting activities, food courts and indigenous games.

Although KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu promised to move the festival to Nonoti Beach two years ago, KDM did not have the budget to refurbish the beach which is currently unsuitable for large crowds of visitors.

Despite this, the Blythedale Ratepayers Association (BBRA) spokesperson said that this December, the festival was well planned and stricter control measures were enforced. The crowd numbers decreased from about 10 000 to about 5 000.

“The efforts of KDM director Mr Prinsloo and the teams under his control are to be complimented. These men and women toiled long hours in very hot conditions, were subjected to considerable abuse by unreasonable visitors, yet they executed their tasks and duties in a commendable manner.”

The spokesperson said that despite a few minor incidents, the festival was enjoyed by all.

“BBRA also engaged K9 Security to assist the law enforcement agencies if the need arose. Velocity Security and G 4 S, who operate in Blythedale, were also effective in maintaining a safe environment. The community places on record its appreciation to everyone involved in ensuring that the 2018 festive season went on without incident and inconvenience to residents and visitors was minimal.”

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