Four KwaDukuza beaches obtain full Blue Flag status




Blythedale Beach, Willard Beach, Salt Rock Main Beach, and Thompson Bay Beach are the four KwaDukuza beaches to have been granted full Blue Flag status.


The Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) was accrediting top performing South African municipalities and entities at the annual WESSA National Blue Flag & Green Coast Awards held in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape earlier today, 31 October 2025.

 

The Blue Flag is an iconic coastal tourism status which symbolises sound adherence to international standards and best practices, environmental education, sustainability, and beach safety.

 

KwaDukuza, Ray Nkonyeni, and Umzumbe are the only three municipalities in the province to have received such recognition for the 2025-2026 season.

 

The thrilled KwaDukuza mayor S’duduzo Gumede will be hoisting the flags as a launch pad into the festive season. He remarked, “This coveted status does not only underlines 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.


Indeed, KwaDukuza is steadily becoming the face of the province as it isn’t just a destination but the tourism heartbeat of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline. 

 

I must also point out that we will be hoisting the four flags along our shores as part of the festive season activation and as an expression of confidence knowing that our beaches will now be completing in the global market”.

 

Blue Flag is the world’s most prestigious and most recognised symbol awarded to coastal sites and entities. Blue Flag is an international accreditation with 4500 sites in over 45 countries.

 

The four awards mean that KwaDukuza has sound controls in terms of environmental conservation and maintenance, offering safe bathing conditions, cleanliness and follows international best practices to achieve tourism excellence.

 

Ends

 

Enquiries: Sphe Ngobese | 073 784 7822 | sphelelon@kwadukuza.gov.za 

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