Easter holidays are here

The Easter weekend is finally here and locals are hoping it will be a bumper one. On the back of the final week of 2022, which saw Ugu District come out tops provincially with an occupancy rate of 97 percent, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) has gotten off to a good start this holiday season with all beaches along the South Coast open and safe for bathing.

Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE, said that, while numbers were still coming in, so far the local tourism establishments are optimistic about the positive upturn. This is welcome news following some of the most challenging years in tourism history.

This year, visitors are being treated to the annual Easter Festival, which runs across a number of key locations, free of charge.

Outdoor family activities are taking place at beach and hinterland venues until April 10, and everyone is welcome to participate. There are also various Easter programmes and specials being organised by tourism establishments that have further enticed visitors.

SCTIE has also developed local tourism offerings, having launched KZN South Coast’s Agri-CULTURE Tours last year to give visitors a ‘taste’ of local farm life, as well as the latest attraction – the Mission Tourism Route that gives visitors a tour of religious sites dating back to the 1800s.

These guided tours touch on the history of Roman Catholic Mission Stations in the region and the interesting story of the Trappist monks, stopping in at The Capuchin Adoration Convent in Pumula; Maris Stella Mission at Oshabeni; Assisi Mission at Oshabeni; and Maria Trost Mission in St Faiths.

Port Shepstone Lions will be hosting an Easter Night Market at the Port Shepstone Country Club on Friday, April 7 from 17:00.

The 3 Rs and Rescue, a non-profit company that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes small animals on the coast, will there with their critters, so bring a bag of food and come hug a bunny or three. All Lions proceeds will be donated to charity.

Gather your family and friends and hop on over to Spiller’s Wharf fair happening on Saturday, April 8.
From the classic Easter egg hunt to thrilling river kayaking and boat trips, there’s something for everyone at the fair. And if you prefer a more laid-back experience, they will have market stalls with an array of tasty treats and handmade crafts.

Celebrate Easter with song and scripture while the sun rises at St Michaels beach on Sunday, April 9. The annual traditional Easter Sunday Sunrise Service is held at St Mike’s main beach at 05:30. Everyone welcome.
On the public holiday, Monday, April 10 – the father and daughter duo, Adrian and Emma-Jean will host an Easter Concert at St Margaret’s Anglican Church in Margate.

Then, in the afternoon, take your family and friends to Margate Mardi Gras by Tidy Towns Shelly to Margate, along the beachfront which starts at 17:00. Food stalls and non-stop live music and entertainment for everyone until 22:00.

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