The KZN South Coast continues to set the benchmark for coastal excellence, boasting 8 of KwaZulu-Natal’s 20 Full Blue Flag Beaches. This is a remarkable achievement that highlights the region’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and visitor safety. We are proud that these numbers are growing each year with last year boasting 7 blue flags and 5 pilot status beaches.
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) proudly congratulate Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) and Umdoni Municipality on their exceptional achievements at the 2025 Blue Flag Award Ceremony, held on 31 October at the Royal St. Andrews Hotel in Ndlambe Municipality, Port Alfred.
* Hibberdene Beach – 10 consecutive years as a Blue Flag Beach
* Umzumbe Beach – 15 consecutive years as a Blue Flag Beach
The internationally recognised Blue Flag Programme, administered by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), represents the global gold standard in coastal management. It assures visitors that certified beaches meet the highest standards of water quality, safety, environmental education and amenities, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The addition of St Michael’s Beach to the list of Full Blue Flag Beaches marks a particularly exciting milestone. One of the KZN South Coast’s most popular family beaches, St Michael’s is renowned for its warm waters, golden sands and consistent surf, making it a favourite among swimmers, surfers, and bodyboarders. The beach’s lagoon also offers calm conditions ideal for canoeing and paddling, while its vibrant promenade and nearby eateries provide the perfect blend of relaxation and seaside fun. This new Blue Flag status further cements St Michael’s as one of the region’s signature coastal attractions.
This recognition comes at the perfect time as we approach the summer holiday season, when thousands of domestic and international visitors flock to the KZN South Coast to enjoy its sun-soaked beaches, rivers and adventure attractions. Beyond its pristine coastline, the region offers an impressive array of water-based experiences from shark cage diving at Aliwal Shoal and scuba diving in world-class dive sites to kayaking, fishing and stand-up paddling along scenic estuaries and rivers.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Oribi Gorge’s Wild 5 Adventures delivers heart-pounding thrills with abseiling, ziplining, the Wild Swing and suspension bridge walks. Inland, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching and quad biking, making the KZN South Coast a truly diverse and adventure-rich destination.
Dr. Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), said this recognition further strengthens the region’s tourism value and international appeal:
“We are immensely proud to have the majority of KwaZulu-Natal’s Blue Flag Beaches right here on the KZN South Coast. This achievement demonstrates our collective dedication to environmental stewardship, community involvement and tourism excellence. Blue Flag status not only assures visitors of a safe, clean and well-managed beach experience, but it also strengthens our positioning as a premier sustainable tourism destination. I commend both Ray Nkonyeni and Umdoni Municipalities, as well as our tourism stakeholders, for maintaining these world-class standards that inspire confidence among travellers.”
SCTIE commends the ongoing efforts of local municipalities, environmental officers, lifeguards and communities (Tidy Towns, CPF) for ensuring that the KZN South Coast remains one of the most desirable and sustainable seaside destinations in South Africa. These accolades reaffirm the region’s reputation as a top-tier coastal getaway and a leader in eco-conscious tourism development, setting the stage for an unforgettable summer season on the beautiful KZN South Coast.
Keep updated on all on South Coast activities by visiting the KZN South Coast website; 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. Check out the latest Southern Explorer Route Guide for the KZN South Coast here.
Follow the hashtags #ItsSouthCoastTime #DiscoverSouthCoast #SouthCoastVibes #EndlessSummer #CoastalAdventure #FamilyOnTheCoast #CelebrateSouthCoast
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