Blue Flags to fly high at KZN beaches this 2025/26 beach season
Eleven beaches in KZN have achieved full Blue Flag status, placing them among SA’s top coastal destinations for the 2025/26 season.
Three KwaZulu-Natal municipalities have secured full Blue Flag status for their beaches for the 2025/2026 season, cementing their place among South Africa’s leading coastal tourism destinations.
The KwaDukuza, Ray Nkonyeni, and Umdoni municipalities were recognised at the National Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards held in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, on Friday.
The annual awards, hosted by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), honour excellence in coastal management, safety, and sustainability.
Which KZN beaches?
KwaDukuza leads the province’s north coast with four Blue Flag beaches: Blythedale, Willard, Salt Rock Main, and Thompson Bay.
On the south coast, Umdoni earned recognition for Pennington Beach, while Ray Nkonyeni Municipality celebrated seven Blue Flag beaches: Hibberdene, Marina, Ramsgate, Southport, Trafalgar, Umzumbe, and New St Michaels.
KwaDukuza Mayor S’duduzo Gumede welcomed the achievement, calling it a milestone for local tourism.
“This coveted status does not only underline that we are passionate about sustainable tourism but also highlights the fact that we are a leading coastal destination that cares about public safety and the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems,” Gumede said.
This recognition places KwaZulu-Natal among the country’s top-performing provinces for clean, safe, and environmentally responsible beaches, reinforcing the province’s growing reputation as a premier coastal getaway.
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