Sparkling summer season creates optimism
People seemed more relaxed and it was wonderful to see them enjoying their holiday
Season has come, and mostly gone, and by all accounts seems to have been a much better, more positive one compared to last year.
There’s still work to be done, of course, but the mood is one of optimism.
ALSO READ : Fright night rules at Village Tavern
Margate Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (MRRA) organised a Light up Margate competition, aimed at creating a festive vibe in the town.
The competition was won by Village Tavern, owned by Kevin Krummeck.
Kevin felt the season had been a great one. “We had an absolute cracker, way over expectation. Everyone loved it down here,” he said.
Others agreed.
Barry Smit (MRRA chairman) said it had been a tremendous season.
“It’s been one of the best for years and the hard work the various associations and groups have put in is starting to bear fruit. There have been positive changes. People seemed more relaxed and it was wonderful to see them enjoying their holiday.”
He thanked law enforcement, his board and the various sponsors of the competition for their contributions and efforts.
Jo-Anne Wentzel (Margate Business Association chairman) said the season had been more productive, with sales definitely increasing for most estate agencies.
“General feedback from holidaymakers was that they could see a marked improvement in the town. They said it was cleaner and they felt safer with all the visible policing,” she said.
She admitted the crowd control on New Year’s Day would need to be addressed, but felt that much had improved with a pro-active approach from everyone.
“This was the first December season with the new bylaws in place and we foresee definite improvements in years to come.”
Simon April (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesman) said that ‘by the looks of things, we can say people still love our South Coast’.
The beaches filled up from December 16 and were extremely full on January 1, especially at St Michael’s, Margate, Hibberdene, Port Edward, Southbroom and Port Shepstone, though all 21 of them were as busy as expected.
“Our waste minimisation and cleaning staff, together with contractors, had a lot of work to do as they were cleaning the beaches and the areas around them. They cleared away tons of litter each day,” he said.
On January 1 there was a lot of littering by beach-goers.
“Law enforcement agencies were visible trying to limit incidents of lawlessness and they did a very good job.”
He was saddened to hear about two reported drownings. “It is very sad that these happened either in an area not designated for swimming or before lifeguards were on duty.”
Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism said that despite season being impacted by a short school holiday, early indications are that the majority of Ugu Tourism’s members had reported high occupancy rates and visitation during the holidays.
“One of the highlights was the collaboration between stakeholders in ensuring the season was a success, plus the summer beach events, and visitors experiencing attractions and activities inland. Overall there was a positive visitor feedback,” she said.
“For 2019, we will continue our active promotion of the South Coast’s great qualities, with the added impetus of implementing a dynamic new vision for destination growth.”
Vicky Wentzel (Wozani Africa Events) said the summer season met all expectations in terms of visitor numbers and that beaches were very busy, especially at Ramsgate, Southbroom and Scottburgh.
Corporate clients were thrilled with the South Coast’s big visitor number turnout, amid reports that competitive coastal towns north of the Ugu district were drastically down in visitor numbers.
The Southbroom New Year’s Eve party went ahead without incident and was well supported.
She thanked the lifeguards, Saps and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality’s traffic department for a sterling job, delivered under difficult and overcrowded circumstances.
Traders at the various Christmas markets also reported increased turnover.
The police were asked to provide festive season crime stats but had not responded at the time of going to print.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
