The KZN South Coast is famous for its stunning beaches, lush forests, and warm hospitality — but it’s also home to communities working together to keep our towns clean, green, and welcoming. At the heart of this movement is the Tidy Towns initiative, powered by local volunteers, businesses, and residents who take pride in their coastal home.

What Is Tidy Towns?

Tidy Towns is a community-led clean-up and beautification programme that focuses on:

• Restoring public spaces
• Removing litter and illegal dumping
• Maintaining gardens and green belts
• Reviving tourism areas with fresh paint, signage, and landscaping

It’s about more than just cleaning up — it’s about creating a safe, beautiful environment that attracts visitors, supports local business, and strengthens community spirit.

Tidy Towns Across the KZN South Coast

Multiple towns on the KZN South Coast have active Tidy Towns groups, each with its own Facebook page where volunteers and residents can get involved:

• Tidy Towns Margate – One of the largest and most active groups, focusing on beachfront and CBD clean-ups.
• Tidy Towns Ramsgate – Known for their beachfront beautification and garden projects.
• Tidy Towns Uvongo – Regularly organises litter patrols and promenade upgrades.
• Tidy Towns Port Shepstone – Works on riverfront and town centre revitalisation.
• Tidy Towns Hibberdene – Focuses on beach clean-ups, park maintenance, and community greening.
• Tidy Towns Pennington – Active in both beachfront maintenance and village beautification.
• Tidy Towns Umkomaas – Maintains beach access points, public gardens, and local tourism areas.

These groups coordinate through social media, sharing event dates, project updates, and volunteer opportunities.

Projects Making a Visible Difference

1. Beachfront Revamps

Repainting railings, repairing benches, and adding colourful murals have transformed tired spaces into inviting community hubs.

2. Public Garden Maintenance

From indigenous plantings to flower displays, public spaces are greener, brighter, and more welcoming.

3. Litter Patrols & Recycling Drives

Weekly clean-up events and recycling education help reduce waste and keep streets and beaches pristine.

4. Restoring Public Facilities

Playgrounds, restrooms, and picnic areas are repaired, repainted, and brought back to life.

Why Tidy Towns Matters for Tourism

A well-kept town:

• Makes a lasting impression on visitors
• Encourages repeat tourism
• Supports local businesses by attracting foot traffic
• Strengthens community pride

With tourism a major economic driver on the South Coast, Tidy Towns directly supports jobs and local growth.

How You Can Get Involved

• Join your local Tidy Towns Facebook group to stay updated on events
• Volunteer your time for clean-up days
• Donate paint, plants, or tools
• Sponsor a project if you’re a local business
• Share their work on social media to inspire others

Final Word

The Tidy Towns initiative proves what’s possible when communities unite for a shared goal. Across the KZN South Coast, volunteers are restoring pride in our towns, one project at a time.

If you love the South Coast, connect with your nearest Tidy Towns group on Facebook and join the movement to keep our slice of paradise clean, green, and welcoming.