Members of the Umhlali Ski Boat Club are up in arms over proposed changes to the Tinley Manor public launch site, presented at a public meeting on Monday.

Although the launch site is designated for public use, access runs through the Club Med development in Tinley Manor. The resort, expected to open in July 2026, sits on private property and vehicle movement through the area has been cited as a potential security risk.

This concern has shaped several of the proposed amendments.

Nearly 100 people attended the meeting at Adventure Church, which formed part of KwaDukuza municipality’s (KDM) formal process to amend the Operational Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) under national coastal regulations.

One key change is a proposed cap on daily launches, limiting them to 12 per day, down from the current 30.

KDM will remain the management authority, with Tinley Leisure/Club Med appointed as the site operator.

Under the proposal:

• Only the operator’s tractors would be permitted to access the beach.

• All other vehicles would park in the public parking area.

• From there, boats and trailers would be transported via Club Med’s tractors along a private road to the beach and left there for later removal.

Members of the Umhlali Ski Boat Club strongly opposed both the launch cap and operational changes. They argued that the club has successfully managed the site for years, supporting recreational and commercial fishing in the area.

They also insisted that they do not require Club Med’s assistance, as the club already owns its own equipment and employs a highly experienced safety officer, who has long overseen operations at the site.

They said they were happy with their current system and see no need for a private company to control operations.

They also refuted concerns about potential disturbance to resort guests.

“When tourists wake up, we are already far out at sea,” said one fisherman.

Members voiced fears that, if no agreement is reached, the launch site could be shut down entirely, which would severely affect both the club and the broader local fishing community.

The site was once a private launch area operated under a lease agreement between the club and Tongaat Hulett Developments. It was later converted into a public launch site under the municipality.

When Tinley Leisure acquired the land, several alternative launch locations were considered, but none proved viable. The site was closed during construction.

Public comments on the proposed changes are open until December 8.

Club secretary John van Rooyen called for greater transparency regarding the development.

“We had to find out about this through our members who picked up that it was advertised in the Courier,” said Van Rooyen.

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