There was a collective sigh of relief from Dolphin Coast residents and beachgoers at the strong police presence over the weekend. 

Concerns have been mounting, following unchecked drunkenness, stabbings and unruly behaviour last year and earlier this month, that the Dolphin Coast was not ready to host thousands of holidaymakers over the festive season. 

The action follows growing public pressure and the threat by business owners to mount a rates boycott if by-laws were not enforced.

There was a fear that if not stopped, public drunkenness and violence would drive holidaymakers away.

Business owners in particular are hoping that the festive season will help them recover from the crippling blow of lockdown. 

However, law enforcement was out in full force over the weekend ensuring by-laws were not violated. 

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KwaDukuza’s plan was outlined at Ballito’s integrated development plan (IDP) presentation last week.

Community Safety executive director, Cecil Viramuthu said the municipality and other stakeholders would ensure law and order prevailed.

The joint operation with Saps and the road traffic inspectorate (RTI) will see additional officers deployed to the southern areas, road closures, public transport diverted at various points and vehicle check points.

Precinct monitors will also be at hot spots. 

Umhlali Saps spokesperson Vinny Pillay, said their strategy would be a joint operation with the Urban Improvement Precinct programme, community policing forum, KDM and security companies.

Roadblocks would be intensified. 

Representing the KwaDukuza Residents Forum, Riaan Verster said they were delighted with the strong police presence to prevent people from drinking in public. 

“Community members reported that all beaches were peaceful and that tourists could enjoy the amenities without being intimidated by drunken revelry.

We commend the KwaDukuza municipality on its efforts in this regard and ask that this be maintained thoughout the festive season and into January next year.” 

Verster said they were prepared to help where needed.

“We stand ready for any requests from the municipality and we really want to lend our support where we can,” he said. 

Ballito resident Gaby Lyle said: “What a pleasure to get down to Thompson’s beach early in the morning with no drunk people around and it didn’t look like a rubbish dump. Thank you to everyone for their efforts.” 

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Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association chairman, Deon Viljoen said they were pleased with the measures to enforce by-laws. 

“The planning has been a couple of months in the making and the early arrival of some revelers caught everyone by surprise.

We trust this action will be sustained throughout the season and the impending Rage weeks will be a good test.

Docrra will persist with its initiative to get a dedicated beach by-law for KDM, modelled on the one at eThekwini, complete with clear fine parameters and consequences for those not complying.”