THE city has closed Toti Main Beach as lifeguards have been on a go slow since Friday, 14 August.
The Sun queried the matter with eThekwini Municipality, which manages the lifeguards and beach safety.
“The city is aware of a go-slow by Amanzimtoti lifeguards. In the interim, while the relevant unit is dealing with the matter, and in the interest of safety, the beach is temporarily closed.
The city notes allegations that the lifeguards have been mistreated by their manager. The matter has been heard by senior management and the unit head who will ensure that the unit has not violated any council practices,” said eThekwini head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa.
“There are two lifeguards vacancies in the south, which are in the process of being filled. To increase personnel, the department has introduced a learnership programme to engage women lifeguards as part of the city’s development programme.
Lifeguards have raised concerns about equipment. We are currently following supply chain management processes and we envisage that the equipment will be available in the next three months.
Safety on all our beaches is a priority, and beaches generally have three to four permanent lifeguards working on each swimming beach.”
