Blue Flag Beaches on the KZN South Coast 25/26 – Celebrating Coastal Excellence
The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast continues to shine as one of South Africa’s premier coastal regions, with its beaches once again earning top recognition under the internationally acclaimed Blue Flag Programme. The 2025 Blue Flag Award Ceremony, held on 31 October at the Royal St. Andrews Hotel in Ndlambe Municipality, saw the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality proudly receiving multiple awards for its outstanding coastal management and commitment to sustainable tourism.
What the Blue Flag Means
The Blue Flag is a global eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict international standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, and education. In South Africa, the programme is managed by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA). Blue Flag status reflects a beach’s consistent excellence — from clean water and lifeguard presence to proper waste management and public awareness initiatives.
Full Blue Flag Beaches – 2024/2025 Season
For the 2024/2025 season, seven beaches along the KZN South Coast were awarded full Blue Flag status, demonstrating their world-class quality and dedication to visitor safety and environmental responsibility:
- Trafalgar Beach
- Marina Beach
- Ramsgate Beach
- St. Michaels Beach (first-time awardee)
- Umzumbe Beach
- Southport Beach
- Hibberdene Beach
- Pennington Beach
Each of these beaches offers clean waters, lifeguard supervision, and excellent facilities, ensuring visitors can enjoy the coast with confidence and comfort.
Pilot Blue Flag Beaches
Two additional South Coast beaches were honoured under the Pilot Blue Flag Programme, which recognises sites actively working toward full compliance with international Blue Flag standards:
- Port Edward
- Umtentweni
- Rocky Bay Beach
- Preston Beach
- Umthwalume Beach
- Scottburgh Beach
These beaches are undergoing ongoing upgrades and environmental education efforts, showcasing the municipality’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Special Recognition Awards
Several South Coast beaches received Special Recognition Awards for their remarkable consistency and long-term environmental commitment:
- Hibberdene Beach – 10 consecutive years as a Blue Flag Beach
- Umzumbe Beach – 15 consecutive years as a Blue Flag Beach
These milestones underscore the long-term dedication of local teams and volunteers who maintain world-class standards year after year.
Green Coast Awards
In addition to the Blue Flag recognitions, two sites received Green Coast Awards for successfully balancing tourism with conservation and community involvement:
- Trafalgar Marine & Surrounds
- Leisure Beach
These areas are celebrated for protecting vital ecosystems while promoting responsible tourism activities.
A Message of Pride from Ray Nkonyeni Municipality
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Mayor, Cllr Zodwa Mzindle, congratulated all municipal teams, environmental partners, and community stakeholders for their ongoing dedication to beach management and sustainability. She highlighted that this achievement further positions the South Coast as a leading tourism destination and a true game changer in sustainable coastal development.
The South Coast Advantage
With its combination of Blue Flag beaches, pilot sites, and conservation zones, the KZN South Coast offers visitors a coastline where natural beauty meets exceptional management. From the family-friendly shores of St. Michaels and Southport to the tranquil stretches of Trafalgar and Marina, every beach tells a story of environmental care and community pride.
Whether you’re looking to swim, surf, or simply enjoy a peaceful coastal walk, the South Coast delivers some of the safest, cleanest, and most scenic beaches in the country.
