KwaDukuza is prioritising alcohol-free beaches and preventing public drinking as key components of its festive season operation plan.

The municipality, in collaboration with Saps, private security companies and emergency response companies, launched the high-season safety plan at Stanger High School last Thursday. All resources are geared up to ensure the safety of residents and holidaymakers.

Mayor Ali Ngidi outlined a comprehensive strategy to combat crime, prevent accidents, and ensure prompt medical responses. This includes increased police visibility, surveillance and strategic deployment of private and public personnel.

“We have identified high-risk areas and will implement targeted interventions to address specific safety concerns. We are working closely with community leaders and local organisations to prevent crime,” said Ngidi.

Beach safety has historically been a challenge. Notable incidents included the tragic 2016 stabbing at Blythedale Beach, where gridlocked roads and threats from unruly partygoers delayed emergency responders. In 2020, frustrations peaked in Ballito, where businesses threatened to withhold rates unless urgent action was taken to enforce by-laws.

Roadblocks and search points were then successfully introduced, and will again be implemented this year.

Ballito Neighbourhood Watch chairperson, Morné Steffens, said the 5th festive season beach management initiative, spearheaded by the Ballito and Salt Rock neighbourhood watches, the iLembe Chamber of Commerce and the KDM Ward 22 councillor, began on Saturday. The initiative spans beaches from Clarke Bay in the south to Christmas Bay in the north.

“The KZN North Coast is a premium holiday destination and tourism is an economic asset that we need to care for and maintain. This can only be done by ensuring a pleasant and safe time on our beaches. We once again focus on ensuring adherence to KDM by-laws, specifically preventing alcohol being taken onto our beaches, drinking in public and the making of open fires,” said Steffens.

He said the initiative is operationally made possible through the support of private security companies and Wards 6 and Ward 22 community policing forum members, as well as private donations. Security companies supporting this year’s initiative are IPSS Security, Marshall Security, Fidelity ADT and IGS Security.

Manned control points are set up at Thompson’s Bay, Rock Lane, Chaka’s Rock Tidal Pool, Salt Rock Main Beach, Salt Rock’s Granny’s Pool and Tiffanys Beach. Beach control points will be in place from 8am to 8pm over weekends, public holidays and selected weekdays until mid-January.

The Rise Up Movement is also running a wristband initiative to protect children at beaches on busy days such as December 26 and January 1.

Report by-law breakers to the KDM control room at 032 946 2711.

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