KZN South Coast Signals Summer Readiness with Mayoral Welcome Roadblock and Beach Flag Milestones
For Immediate Attention
15 December 2025
KZN South Coast Signals Summer Readiness with Mayoral Welcome Roadblock and Beach Flag Milestones
The KZN South Coast reaffirmed its readiness for the peak summer holiday season on Friday, 12 December, through a series of high impact engagements led by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) and the South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), showcasing the destination’s tourism excellence and investment appeal.
The day commenced with the annual Mayoral Welcome Roadblock at the Oribi Toll Plaza, where RNM Mayor Cllr Zodwa Mzindle, together with SCTIE CEO Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, welcomed holidaymakers arriving on the coast. Visitors received festive goodie bags and essential travel information, while law enforcement agencies ensured the safe and smooth flow of traffic into the region. SCTIE Board Directors were also in attendance, demonstrating unified leadership and collective commitment to destination readiness.
Following the roadblock, the Mayor undertook a special visit to Leisure Bay, where the beach was officially recognised with WESSA Green Flag status for the first time. This achievement highlights Leisure Bay’s compliance with strict environmental management, safety and sustainability standards, reinforcing the South Coast’s commitment to responsible coastal tourism and conservation.
The day’s programme concluded at St Michael’s Beach, where the official Blue Flag hoisting ceremony took place, celebrating the beach’s first-ever Blue Flag status. This milestone further strengthens the KZN South Coast’s standing as the province with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches. Key stakeholders, including Tidy Towns, attended the ceremony, underscoring the strong partnerships that support internationally recognised beach management and environmental standards.
Beyond tourism appeal, these accolades significantly enhance property and investment confidence along the KZN South Coast. Both Blue Flag and Green Flag statuses are globally recognised indicators of quality infrastructure, environmental governance and safety key factors influencing residential, mixed-use and hospitality investment decisions. Combined with the region’s lifestyle offering, established golf estates, coastal developments and year-round visitor economy, the South Coast continues to attract growing interest from property investors seeking long term value and sustainable returns.
CEO Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya said: “These engagements reflect more than festive season readiness. They demonstrate how strategic destination management, environmental excellence and strong partnerships work together to drive tourism growth and investor confidence. From welcoming our visitors to celebrating new Green and Blue Flag achievements, we are reinforcing the KZN South Coast as a destination of choice for tourism, property investment and sustainable economic development.”
With beaches open for bathing and a diverse mix of coastal, lifestyle and cultural experiences on offer, the KZN South Coast is well positioned to welcome visitors and investors throughout the summer season and beyond.
Visitors are encouraged to browse SCTIE’s full holiday events calendar at www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za for more festive-season happenings.
Unlock More on the KZN South Coast!
The KZN South Coast is a premier beach destination offering a diverse array of tourism experiences. With the most Blue Flag beaches and tidal pools in the province, it’s perfect for seaside relaxation, while world-class dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks provide thrilling marine adventures alongside deep-sea fishing. The region is a golfer’s paradise, featuring 11 top-quality courses and welcoming clubhouses.
Unlock adventure on the KZN South Coast with hiking, mountain biking, 4×4 trails, and extreme sports like ziplining and gorge swinging in the scenic hinterland. Nature lovers can explore vast reserves and the Wellness Way Route, while cultural and heritage attractions include township tours, the Mission Tourism Route, and many hiking excursions.
Agri-tourism flourishes with farm visits and rural outings, and motorsport enthusiasts can head to Dezzi Raceway for high-octane action. The area also supports business tourism and event hosting with great MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) facilities in a breathtaking coastal setting.
Get in Touch!
Unlock adventure on the KZN South Coast! Unlock more by downloading the Explore KZN South Coast app, visiting the KZN South Coast website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube, @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram, and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why the KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
Follow the hashtags #visitkznsouthcoast #unlockadventure #kznsouthcoast #itssummertime
/ENDS
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Mayoral Welcome Roadblock at Oribi Plaza Toll Gate
Mayoral Welcome Roadblock at Oribi Plaza Toll Gate
Mayoral Welcome Roadblock at Oribi Plaza Toll Gate
WESSA Green Flag status at Leisure Bay
Celebration of St Michael’s Beach Blue Flag Status
About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.
For more information please contact:
Vanessa Gounden
Email: vanessa@sctie.co.za
