Blue Flag status for six RNM beaches
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor, Sikhumbuzo Mqadi welcomed the news by the Blue Flag programme.
After six beaches on the South Coast retained their Blue Flag status, the region says it is all systems go for the festive season.
The CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Phelisa Mangcu, said beaches such as Marina, Trafalgar, Southport, Umzumbe, Ramsgate, and Hibberdene will remain Blue Flag Beaches for the 2022/2023 season.
Mangcu said along with the six beaches, five other beaches on the South Coast attained pilot Blue Flag status.
She said the internationally recognised Blue Flag programme is an eco-award given to beaches that meet strict standards of excellence in safety, cleanliness, provision of amenities, environmental information and management.
“The beaches on the South Coast are not only the highest number in KwaZulu-Natal, but two of these have been noted for their longevity in the programme – Marina Beach for 21 consecutive years and Trafalgar Beach for 11 consecutive years. In addition to these, five beaches have been awarded pilot Blue Flag status at Pennington, Rocky Bay, Preston and Umthwalume in Umdoni Municipality, as well as St Michael’s Beach in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality,” said Mangcu, adding that with Blue Flag status and safe bathing conditions, the South Coast is officially ready to welcome holidaymakers this festive season.
Meanwhile, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor, Sikhumbuzo Mqadi welcomed the news by the Blue Flag programme.
Mqadi said the news augurs well for the people and visitors to the municipality, saying that the Blue Flag symbol is the guarantee that the beach is safe and environmentally sound.
He added that the municipality was one of the first municipalities awarded this status, and has maintained it for various beaches every year since the International Awards were started by the Europe-based Federation Environmental Education(FEE).
“The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. Unlike other municipalities that become part of the programme only during season, RNM beaches maintain their Blue Flag status for 365 days. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. For us achieving this, demonstrates our commitment in promoting local, domestic and international tourism and ensuring that the South Coast remains the tourist destination of choice. As RNM, we will continue working with appropriate stakeholders to ensure that we retain this prestigious status as a reflection of our commitment to quality service and sound beach management,” he said.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Fever’s Facebook page
