DEAR Editor,-
The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, has welcomed the awarding of Blue Flag status to nine beaches in KwaZulu-Natal as a much-needed positive boon for the province’s tourism prospects.
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Seven beaches in the Ray Nkonyeni to the south of the province and two beaches in the eThekwini Municipality were given Blue Flag status.
In order for a beach to be awarded this prestigious status, it must comply with a set of stringent criteria as set out by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, including water quality, environmental management, safety and security, environmental education and information.
MEC Zikalala comments that for nine beaches in KZN to make the cut is ample proof that our strategy of enhancing the status of the province as a world class tourism destination that upholds the highest standards is paying dividends.
An additional seven beaches under the KwaDukuza and eThekwini municipalities were awarded pilot Blue Flag status.
The province would continue to upgrade and maintain its beach recreational facilities and maintain the highest environmental standards in order to meet and even surpass Blue Flag standards.
MEC Zikalala stated that being awarded a Blue Flag status beach means that we are all playing our part towards protecting our environment from pollution and man-made degradation whilst simultaneously ensuring we do not compromise our reputation as the most preferred domestic tourism destination.
Looking ahead, we want to ensure that we expand our Blue Flag beaches by converting the status of those beaches identified as pilot sites.
Beaches that have received Blue Flag status are: Marina, Trafalgar, Lucien, Southport, Umzumbe, Hibberdene and Ramsgate in RNM and Ushaka and Westbrook in Ethekwini.
BONGANI SHISA TEMBE
Director, Media Liaison
Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, KZN
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