KwaDukuza festive beach policing applauded

A bumper festive season on the North Coast has come to an end, drawing to a close more than a month of successful policing and beach safety.

However, reports of unruly behaviour have been increasing since the high-season police presence at local beaches ended.

From mid-December until last Monday, when extra temporary workers employed by the KwaDukuza municipality ended their contracts, no drownings or serious incidents were reported at local beaches.

Residents and councillors in Ballito and Salt Rock praised the work of stakeholders, including the municipality, Saps, the Ballito UIP, Ballito Neighbourhood Watch and security companies.

“The operational teams were fantastic throughout the season when they were forced to deal with a major influx of people as a result of good weather and beach closures further south,” said Ward 22 councillor, Privi Makhan.

In cases where litter marred the landscape, teams had often already cleared it the next morning by the time tourists or locals arrived at the beaches, she said.

KwaDukuza lifeguard superintendent Bongani Xulu said his teams often saw three or four times the number of people arrive compared to the pre-Covid festive seasons.

But working extra hours and with the support of stakeholders that slowed the flow of alcohol onto the beaches, incidents were kept to a minimum.

Limiting alcohol consumption also kept the crowds orderly.

“We were grateful to experience no major incidents at the hotspots, thanks to roadblocks, visible policing and work in conjunction with all relevant stakeholders in the operational plan,” said Umhlali Saps spokesperson, captain Vinny Pillay.

However, there have since been ongoing reports of beach revelry at Tinley Manor beach and sporadic issues in Salt Rock since the withdrawal of teams last week.

On Sunday, multiple reports of litter left after Saturday night parties, particularly at Salt Rock main beach, were received, along with complaints of noise and public urination.

“It must be highlighted that these were isolated incidents, but it does confirm again that Ballito and Salt Rock are no longer seasonal towns. We need ongoing measures year round,” said Makhan.

To help with the clean-up on Sunday, KwaDukuza lifeguards got their hands dirty, diving in to join the effort and ensure a pristine coastline.

“This behaviour needs to stop. In fact, I’m disgusted by the amount of litter and rubbish on the beach this morning which is disrespectful to our beautiful environment and needs to be condemned. Thank you to my ‘A team’ who didn’t ask questions when I requested that we get the job done,” said Xulu on Sunday.

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