City in full swing to host a safe and memorable festive season

This includes beefing up the staff complement as well as increased police visibility at tourism precincts and along the beachfront.

This commitment was made by the eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, during the official launch of the festive season on November 29, at Wahooz at uShaka Marine World, Durban beachfront. Mayor Kaunda said all systems were in place to welcome holidaymakers.

“We have worked hard to ensure that residents and visitors will have a wonderful stay in Durban. The hotel occupancy rate is anticipated to be 75 percent compared to the 57 percent achieved last year,” said Mayor Kaunda.

He said 65 beach guides will be stationed across the various Durban beaches to aid visitors. An additional 160 seasonal lifeguards have also been deployed to beaches to prevent drownings.

Of the city’s 53 swimming pools, 34 pools are currently operational. The construction of the Durban Children’s Amusement Centre along the beachfront is currently underway and is expected to be completed by mid-December.

Law enforcement will also be out in full force with about 168 contract security personnel employed for the duration of the festive season. Metro police officers, SAPS, security personnel and Durban Beach Law Enforcement Officers will conduct regular patrols around the city, including on beaches.

“About 62 new metro police vehicles were unveiled and will be used to patrol the streets during the festive season and beyond to keep our communities safe,” said Mayor Kaunda.

He said 200 000 wristbands have been procured. They will be used to tag children visiting the beaches. The tags will contain the contact details of parents or guardians to ensure quick reunification if a child is separated from their parents.

To control traffic along the beachfront, certain roads leading to the beachfront will be boom gate controlled. The park and ride facility is available at no cost and will be operational from 07:00 to 24:00. Road safety campaigns have been also planned to ensure that unroadworthy vehicles, drunken driving and irresponsible conduct on the road is reduced.

To ensure the city remains clean, the Durban Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit has appointed 135 additional litter pickers.

To ensure that visitors and residents enjoy their holidays in eThekwini, the city has partnered with several event organisers for the staging of signature entertainment events. These include the Gagasi FM Beachfest themed ‘SibanikaLeSummer’, Any Given Sunday, Music is King, Durban Underground, Durban Jazz Festival, Woz’eDurban Picnic, Endless Summer, and the Annual Xmas Kasi Cultural Experience and more.

Mayor Kaunda appealed to visitors and residents to work with law enforcement to ensure a safe and incident-free festive season. “While residents and visitors enjoy their holidays, we appeal to the public to continue adhering to safety precautions and by-laws,” he said.

This includes not swimming at night when there are no lifeguards on duty, not swimming under the influence of alcohol or swimming at non-bathing beaches where there are no lifeguards. Mayor Kaunda said there are designated areas for spiritual activities, reiterating that the slaughtering of animals, needles and burning of candles at the City’s beaches is prohibited.

Mayor Kaunda encouraged the public to enjoy the holidays and create memories with their loved ones in a considerate and responsible manner.