Safe beaches and family-friendly attractions this festive season

WHILE the call of the warm Indian Ocean remains a key drawcard for holidaymakers this festive season, KwaZulu-Natal is offering a broader, more confident welcome than it has in years.

- KAREN SINGH

From the revitalised beaches of Durbn to the sprawling natural beauty of the Drakensberg and Zululand, the province is poised to deliver a diverse and memorable holiday experience.

For years, the status of Durban's bathing beaches has dominated headlines, casting a shadow over the city's tourism prospects following the challenges posed by high E. coli levels.

But this year, the narrative has shifted dramatically. The eThekwini municipality is signalling a major turnaround, rooted in diligent infrastructure repair and renewed commitment to coastal management.

Mayor Cyril Xaba recently unveiled the City's Festive Season Management Plan, delivering the crucial news that water quality tests have confirmed all 23 of Durban's bathing beaches are now safe for swimming.

"This is not just a report; it is a declaration of confidence in our city," mayor Xaba stated.

"We are now welcoming visitors back to our coastline with the assurance of safety, and we are even eyeing the prestigious Blue Flag status to cement this progress," he said.