PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
7 July 2025

Pennington Makes it to the Finals in 2025 kykNET Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar competition

It’s been an exciting lead-up to the 2025 kykNET Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar [Town of the Year] competition, and a KwaZulu-Natal-based town has a chance of winning. On Sunday, 6 July, the beautiful coastal town of Pennington on the KZN South Coast was announced as the KZN finalist in the competition – and it’s now down to the voting public to push Pennington into first position.

The competition celebrates the best towns in the 9 regions across South Africa and Namibia, in towns home to under 500,000 inhabitants. Three KZN towns were nominated – Scottburgh, Paulpietersburg, and Pennington. Tidy Towns Pennington NPO was responsible for entering the town, with SMS voting by the public ensuring Pennington had a place in the finals.

The Dorp van die Jaar will not only earn this illustrious title, but also a whopping R1 million from Lottoland, which will be administered by Tidy Towns Pennington NPO to further enhance the region. In addition, the winning town gets another R1 million in publicity across DSTv, as well as the Makietie town party worth R250 000 to celebrate.

“Spearheading this exciting project on behalf of Pennington has not only been exciting, but an honour,” commented Viv Sandwith, Chairperson of Tidy Towns NPO. “It was easy to celebrate Pennington, as we have so much going on! It’s no wonder holidaymakers keep flocking back to our little dorp to feel the love. Visitors always leave with an emotional attachment to this little town.”

Some of these key attractions include:

·         Pennington Main Beach, which has Blue Flag status

·         Beach Café

·         The Doghouse

·         Selborne Golf Club

·         Umdoni Park Golf Club, including forest trails

·         PenValley Golf Club and DuckPond Restaurant

·         Uncle Bob’s Pub

·         Pennington Ski Boat Club

·         Happy Wanderers Resort

·         Great BnBs and Lodges

“We’re appealing to residents, everyone on the KZN South Coast, throughout the province and country, to stand behind us and vote for Pennington. Let’s put the KZN South Coast on the map – after all, it’s the most beautiful part of the country to call home!” concluded Sandwith.

How You Can Vote for Pennington

Watch Kyknet [DSTv channel 144] on Sunday, 13 July, where the 9 finalists will be showcased. From 13 to 18 July, you can get voting!

·         Voting opens 8pm on Sunday 13 July.

·         SMS ‘Pennington’ to 33157.

·         Cost is R1.50 per SMS.

·         You can vote up to 30 times per cellphone number and qualify for a lucky draw.

·         Voting closes 12pm on 18 July.

“We’re thrilled that the KZN South Coast is getting the recognition it deserves as one of the most inviting regions, with beautiful towns, welcoming communities, and immense natural beauty,” commented Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “We’re encouraging everyone to vote for Pennington in the kykNET Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar competition so that we can rightly take up our position as top town in the country!”

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 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 KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.

Follow the hashtags #unlockmore #unlockadventure

/ENDS

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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)

Caption: Pennington on the KZN South Coast, recently awarded Blue Flag status by WESSA for
meeting international standards of water quality, safety, and environmental management, has
made it to the finals of the 2025 kykNET Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar competition. Known for its
natural beauty, vibrant community, and top local attractions, Pennington is now in the running for
the national title. Let’s rally together and vote to bring it home.

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.

Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za