EThekwini Mayor Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda appeals to the public to enjoy holidays responsibly and be mindful of the fact the pandemic is not on holiday.

 

Kaunda is grateful that multitudes of holiday makers continue to choose eThekwini as their home away from home despite Covid-19 challenges.

Over the past week, 16-22 December, the City recorded 262 283 beach goers and 779 089 promenade visitors. Over 4000 cases of non-compliance to safety precautions and bylaws were reported on the beaches.

 

There are 32 cases of sexual harassment. The Municipality is proud to announce that the culprits were apprehended immediately after cases were reported. There are 42 beach rescue operations that have been executed since start of the festive seasons and no drownings.

Bathing is allowed from 06h00-18h00 on all beaches. This with the exception of the days where beaches are going to be closed completely. The public urged not to bathe at night nor at beaches that are not manned by lifeguards.

 

Once at the beachfront, parents are encouraged to ensure that children are tagged with wristbands bearing contact details of parents. This idea of wristbands has proven to be instrumental in uniting parents with children in the event of separation.

 

Child minders and beach buddies are allocated in seven beaches stations namely: Addington, South, Wedge, North, Bay; Battery and Laguna. For the past week a total number of 31 children were separated but were all united with their parents or guardians.

 

The city calls on the public not to litter by disposing of trash in garbage bins. There are 85 seasonal temporal workers who are working night shift to clean the City.

 

The following are to be observed whilst enjoying our public spaces.

 

• Liquor is not allowed at beaches and public spaces.

• Beaches are closed on 25, 26 and 31 December 2020 as well as 1,2 and 3 January 2021.

• Public is advised to observe Covid-19 health protocols. They must wear masks all the time in public spaces, practice social distancing, wash hands regularly, obey the curfew.

• Bathing and surfing hours are between 06h00 and 18h00. Lifeguards are on site to monitor and ensure there are no drownings on the beaches.

• The Park and Ride facility is available at no cost and will adhere with all the regulations including the updated

• The curfew will be strictly enforced, and no persons are allowed to sleep overnight in public spaces buses, taxis and cars;

• Any loud music whether live or otherwise will be prohibited

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For media enquiries contact Municipality’s Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220