Blue Flag status for five South Coast beaches
The beaches are Marina Beach, Trafalgar, Southport, Umzumbe and Hibberdene.
Five beaches in the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality have been awarded full Blue Flag Status for 2020/2021.
The beaches are Marina Beach, Trafalgar, Southport, Umzumbe and Hibberdene.
The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the national operator for the Blue Flag officially launched the 2020/21 Blue Flag Season in Durban last week.
Overall 21 beaches from three municipalities – eThekwini, Ray Nkonyeni and KwaDukuza were awarded Blue Flag status.
MEC for Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ravi Pillay said: “We must do more to bring to the attention of beachgoers everywhere that we have in KwaZulu-Natal, not only outstanding beaches, but beaches which have been recognised internationally for the qualities every holidaymaker desires… water quality, facilities and safety.”
“The Blue Flag attribute goes hand-in-glove with our idyllic sub-tropical climate and year-round sunny weather, making KwaZulu-Natal the ideal beach holiday destination, nationally and, of course, globally,” he said.
The MEC also referred to the Covid-19 pandemic and how it had devastated communities and disrupted the economy, however he was positive that even with the estimated 10 percent to 26 percent decrease in holidaymakers, the province still achieved more than the traditional base of 600 000 visitors during the 2020 season.
He also said “the province was quietly confident about attracting some 750 000 domestic visitors to experience it all – the natural backdrops, diverse cultures, the taste of our unique range of cuisine, the myriad of attractions and – of course – our glorious Blue Flag and many other stunning beaches, for which it is so widely renowned.’’
This year, Blue Flag South Africa is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
In 2001, South Africa was the first country outside of Europe to join the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) on the Blue Flag programme.
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