Bathing at KwaDukuza’s beaches has resumed after a temporary closure over the weekend caused by an unidentified oil spill along the coastline.

KwaDukuza Lifeguard Superintendent Bongani Xulu confirmed that Salt Rock Main Beach, Thompson’s Bay and Willard Beach were inspected, cleared and reopened to the public by midday on Monday.

Swimming was suspended after oil was detected in the water at all three Blue Flag beaches. Authorities closed the beaches as a precautionary measure.

Xulu said investigations into the source of the oil spill are still ongoing, with no confirmed cause identified at this stage.

“It was not only KwaDukuza that was affected, but part of Umdloti also experienced the same issue,” said Xulu.

He added that the oil could possibly have originated from a vessel passing offshore, but emphasised that this remains unconfirmed.

During the closure, the Blue Flag status at the affected beaches was temporarily lowered as a safety precaution. With conditions now normalised, beach operations have returned to standard procedures.