More nude beach objections voiced
Members of the public aired their views on the proposed nudist beach.
VARIOUS South Coast role players from different sectors of society gathered at Marburg Haven last Sunday to voice their concerns about the proposed nudist beach, from Mpenjati beach north of the lagoon up to Trafalgar beach.
Reverend Danny Chetty called on all present to use the forum to raise their concerns and proactively participate in the matter on the table. Most comments from those present were negative, many of them saying ‘NO’ to this practice.
Hibiscus Coast municipal manager Max Mbili said that he regarded public participation as a cornerstone of our democracy. “Local government is everyone’s business, so raising your voice tells us that this is democracy at its best.
“When we received an application from the KwaZulu-Natal Naturist Association (KZNNA) for a nudist beach, all of us were shocked. However, our constitution states that we should not discriminate against people who want to practise their beliefs and so we decided to consider the application,” said Mr Mbili.
“In terms of our research on the nudist beach in Cape Town, no incidents of rape or crime were reported, hotels close to the nudist beach recorded increased occupancy and more employment was created,” explained Mr Mbili. He added that a standard code of conduct which governs the existing nude beaches was given to HCM and committed that this would be strictly adhered to.
“Council has taken the decision to consider this application pending approval by the Department of Environmental Affairs for HCM to build toilet facilities in that area and for the KZNNA to foot the bill in terms of that building infrastructure as council has not allocated a budget for this task.”
Mr Mbili posed the question to the attendees that if this nudist beach in the Hibiscus Coast municipal area was such a bad thing, then why did they not raise their voices against all other nudist beaches throughout South Africa. “You must not be judgmental on our decision on this beach.”
When pressed for a Practical Ministries’ position on this matter, Reverend Chetty said, “As our membership reaches out to Sweden, Norway, Europe and many other countries, I would have to consult broadly and they may therefore have a different position. I would say, however, regarding a nudist beach here, my answer would be no!” He urged the Hibiscus Coast Municipality to allow further debate regarding this matter, which will affect our society in generations to come.
Coordinator of this meeting, Pastor Reggie John said that the seashore act simply says that the seashores of the beaches of South Africa belong to the state president and the people of this country.
“We are simply saying that we cannot take what is public and give it to a minority. According to this act, which this government has supported and which is part of our constitution, will it be fair to demarcate a certain spot of this beach to take all your clothes off?” asked Mr John.
A protest against the establishment of the nudist beach takes place at Mpenjati beach this Sunday, November 30, at 2pm.
A prayer meeting will be held, and all are welcome. For more information, call 039 3135704 or 072 6509053.
