Blue Flag raised at St Mike’s Beach
Locals gathered to witness the moment, celebrating the beach’s new status as one of South Africa’s top coastal destinations.
St Mike’s Beach marked a proud milestone on Monday last week with the official raising of its Blue Flag – an internationally recognised symbol of environmental excellence.
Stephen Herbst of Tidy Towns Shelly Beach to Margate said the achievement was the result of “unwavering commitment, consistency and years of hard work”. He praised the St Mike’s Tidy Towns’ volunteer team led by Marcus Bengsch, whose “perseverance over more than four years turned a dream into reality”.
Locals including fishermen, surfers, conservancy members and beachgoers gathered to watch the flag go up.
Herbst said the team is incredibly proud of this achievement. “We are grateful to everyone who has supported and walked this journey with us. Tidy Towns Shelly Beach to Margate has many projects on the go, but this has certainly been one of the most rewarding. The Blue Flag is a powerful reminder that no dream is ever too far out of reach.”
St Mike’s, already known for hosting the 2022 and 2023 South African Surfing Championships, is now officially counted among South Africa’s top coastal destinations.
Former surfing world champion, Ant Brodowicz, who has regularly surfed St Mike’s over the decades, said so many emotions were running though his heart and brain. “What this means is that there are surfers and the public in our society who are concerned about the beach, and want the best for it. For Tidy Towns to achieve the Blue Flag status I think is absolutely amazing. This beach will always be close to my heart. Well done, Tidy Towns!”
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