Beaches across KwaDukuza and eThekwini have been closed for bathing in anticipation of rough seas.

KwaDukuza’s closure was announced yesterday afternoon and is ongoing, while eThekwini beaches – which include Umdloti and Westbrook – have been closed since Tuesday.

It is understood the closures were because of concerns around Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which hit Madagascar on Sunday and moved towards Mozambique this week.

The cyclone has since weakened into a tropical storm however, and has turned away from South African shores.

The South African Weather Service said on Wednesday that Dikeledi was not forecast to impact South Africa.

Nevertheless, shark nets have been removed from bathing beaches and rough waves and high winds are expected today.

“Please note that this is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of beach facilities and all beach users,” said the KwaDukuza Municipality in a Facebook statement.

“We have informed our lifeguards and safety gear will be reinstalled as soon as conditions improve.”

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