KwaDukuza mayor Lindile Nhaca will be hoisting three Blue Flags along the shores of the north coast into the upcoming festive season and far beyond. The Blue Flag is an iconic coastal tourism status symbolising sound adherence to international standards and best practices, environmental education, sustainability, and beach safety.
Blythedale, Thompson’s Bay and Willard beach obtained the Blue Flag status earlier this week from the Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) under the auspices of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
Mayor Nhaca this morning, 10 November 2022, said she will have the honour to hoist the flags along our shores – pointing out that KwaDukuza is amongst thirteen other South African municipalities to have received such recognition and one of two in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
“KwaDukuza claimed three of the cleanest and safest beaches within 51 South African sites to have obtained this coveted status. We approach the festive season with confidence knowing that three of KwaDukuza beaches are in the global market, we are stoked and more than ready to host holiday makers from all walks of life.
KwaDukuza continues to be exceptional in the province of KwaZulu-Natal despite the calamities and ruins of the recent floods which commanded abnormal economic setbacks. Following a period of tight Covid-19 restrictions; thousands of holiday makers will be heading to our shores to enjoy our pristine beaches, flora, fauna, and other offering in the north coast this season.
I am thrilled about progress that we are making for our people and contributions towards improving the economy of the province. Such accolades are indeed attractive and form part of our long-term goal of repositioning KwaDukuza to become the face of the province and the preferred tourism destination in the country. This will be achieved by unleashing our strong tourism potential to compete with the rest of the world.
When I came to office a year ago, one of my priorities was to ensure that KwaDukuza is open for business. We expect more activity along the coastal strip from now until mid-January 2023,” said Nhaca.
Blue Flag is the world’s most prestigious and most recognised symbol awarded to coastal sites and entities. KwaDukuza met a total of 33 international standards across four categories; water quality, provision of decent services, safety & security, and environmental education.
Mayor Nhaca described the FEE criterion, “The three awards mean that we have sound controls in terms of environmental conservation and maintenance; we offer safe bathing conditions, cleanliness and we follow international best practices to achieve tourism excellence.
We are indeed on the rise once again after many difficulties over the last two years. You will recall that our tourism and hospitality industry was badly affected by Covid-19 in 2020, and we also suffered the ruins of the heavy downpours in April 2022. These awards add more chapters to our goal of rebuilding our economy and adds more hope towards sustainable tourism and a better economic future,” said Nhaca.
Earlier this week, Nhaca launched the first phase of the Nonoti Beach node facility, another catalyst project to be unlocked in 2023 in order to cushion KwaDukuza and its people towards greater economic opportunities and excellence in the tourism space. The project will propel KwaDukuza to stand way above other municipalities and continue to lead in many faculties in the province.
KwaDukuza and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality were the only two municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal to be accorded Blue Flags for the 2022-2023 season. Blue Flag is an international accreditation with 4500 sites in over 45 countries.
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Issued by KwaDukuza Municipality Office of the Mayor. For inquiries please contact:
Mr. Sphelelo Ngobese
Manager: Intergovernmental Relations and Protocol
T: 032 437 5133 | C: 073 784 7822
E: SpheleloN@kwadukuza.gov.za
