Beach clean-ups across the South Coast [Pics]
Efforts along Isipingo's beaches and at Umbogintwini beach were but a few happening for this year's International Coastal Clean-up day.
FOOT traffic across beaches on the Sapphire Coast rivalled that of the December holidays as scores of people, from schoolchildren to municipal workers and private companies to families gathered in unison to commemorate International Coastal Clean-up day on September 20.
Also read: Fisherfolk make a stand at Isipingo Beach
On one side of the Umbogintwini River, Clean Surf Project hosted a clean-up, joined by Sapphire Coast Tourism, 1st Umbogintwini Scouts, Amanzimtoti Primary School, the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti and countless members of the community. On the other side, the eThekwini Municipality’s Waste Management Directorate partnered with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), alongside key stakeholders for a large-scale clean-up from Isipingo Beach River Mouth, Tiger Rocks Beach and Dakota Beach, to Reunion Park Beach.
The programme included messages of support from Mondi, South African Breweries, Toyota South Africa, Plastics SA, and Cataler SA.
Spokesperson of the eThekwini Municipality, Gugu Sisilana, said that the initiative, which was led by DFFE’s deputy minister, Narend Singh, and the City’s deputy mayor, Zandile Myeni, covered the city’s coastline from north to south.
“The campaign aims to protect and restore marine ecosystems by removing litter and harmful debris. These efforts support marine life, human health, and local economies by enhancing beach safety and aesthetics. Clean-up data also helps shape effective environmental policies and raises awareness about the ongoing challenge of marine pollution,” said Sisilana.
Councillor Cyril Xaba, eThekwini mayor, made a special appearance during the programme as keynote speaker. Following this, KZN Sharks Board carried out an educational shark dissection and a commemorative tree was planted to conclude the event.
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