Naturists advised not to use nudist beach

NATURISTS have been urged not to use the proposed nudist beach site, said Hibiscus Coast Municipality spokesman, Simon April, at a media briefing held at the HCM council chambers last Tuesday.

Even though the HCM Law Enforcement department will not prosecute those who use the area, the municipality has urged naturists to wait until the beach infrastructure and toilet facilities are built before using it.

He admitted that the municipality had received a request from the Concerned Citizens of Hibiscus Coast Municipality for council to reconsider the decision to approve the 500 metres of Mpenjati North as a nudist beach.

“We did receive a letter from a group of pastors requesting that council reconsiders its decision,” said HCM municipal manager Max Mbili.

He added that the application is being processed and the matter would sit in council on February 24.

“The municipality has had meetings with the group of pastors and amakhosi discussing the matter. We have even taken the group to the particular area just to show them where it is, and that this area is hardly used by the public,” said Mr Mbili.

Mr Mbili also added that the group of pastors did not represent all pastors on the South Coast. “I have received an email from one of the local pastors who said he didn’t see anything wrong with a naturist beach in the area,” he said. He added that this email would also be presented to council in February.

Reverend Mike Effanga of the Concerned Citizens of Hibiscus Coast Municipality said the group of pastors has filed the application for the rescinding of the resolution.

“We are uncompromisingly postured to ensure the confidence of the majority of the local residents of HCM in the democratic process with no loss to moral regeneration and ethical fabric,” said Rev Effanga.

He urged more public participation on this and other matters that will augment the standard of life on the South Coast.