#Reportback: Calm prevails as Ballito navigates holiday demands

Now that the festive season is behind us and our beaches can finally catch their breath, I would like to commend law enforcement, Saps, private security, the Ballito UIP and the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch for their outstanding efforts in keeping our beaches safe.

Their firm but friendly approach to crowd control and public drinking ensured that festive fun did not turn into festive trouble.

I am also exceptionally proud of the KwaDukuza lifeguards, who worked tirelessly – often enduring shifts of up to 14 hours – to keep swimmers safe. While many of us were counting waves, they were counting heads.

Sadly, a drowning occurred at Thompson’s Bay before lifeguards had reported for duty and the body has not yet been recovered.

IPSS Medical Rescue, Saps, and private security continue to sweep the coastline in an ongoing effort to recover the body.

There was also an incident on Leonora Drive involving the assault of a woman, reported via the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch incident group.

Thanks to the swift response from private security, the suspect was quickly apprehended and handed over to Umhlali Saps.

It is reassuring to know that help arrived faster than most people could unlock their phones.

Umhlali police further demonstrated their dedication by promptly responding to a report of a stranded woman and infant in Ballito. Both were safely collected and taken to a place of safety, reminding us that policing is not only about enforcement, but also compassion.

While the festive season was largely successful, a few concerns remain.

One is the ongoing lack of parking along our beaches, a problem that returns every year with the tide.

Another major challenge was the water supply in Ballito over the festive period. Water interruptions placed strain on residents, visitors and businesses, particularly during peak holiday demand.

While efforts were made to manage the situation, this issue requires urgent, long-term solutions to ensure Ballito can comfortably host large numbers of visitors in future festive seasons.

It is my hope that new strategies can be explored, including free public transport or shuttle services from central points to the beaches to ease congestion, as well as strengthened water infrastructure planning ahead of peak periods.

I wish everyone a safe and prosperous New Year, and I thank all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it possible.

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