By Celani Sikhakhane
- eThekwini expects 1.3-million visitors this festive season after last year’s beach closures.
- The city will move homeless people to shelters and add 500 new police officers for safety.
Durban is hoping for a successful December holiday season and is leaving nothing to chance regarding safety and security.
The country’s popular domestic holiday destination is preparing for its biggest holiday season in years, with plans to make beaches safer and cleaner for visitors.
Mayor Cyril Xaba said on Wednesday that they are working to help homeless people off the streets and into shelters.
“We are making every effort to direct people living on the streets to three shelters in the city—Block AK, Jewish Club, and Strollers. This is crucial because some, especially those who use drugs, end up turning to crime,” said Xaba.
This will be Durban’s first proper December season since sewage problems forced the city to close many beaches last year.
Most beaches in Durban were unsafe to swim in because of sewage problems. Only three beaches out of nine were safe enough to swim in.
The issues came from old, broken pipes and poor management, made worse by floods in 2022. The dirty water was dangerous for people’s health and sea life and hurt tourism.
The city has brought in extra help to keep visitors safe. Metro Police will work with SAPS, traffic officers, and security companies to monitor tourism spots and crime hotspots.
Some roads to the beach will be controlled, but free buses will run to the beachfront every 30 minutes.
“Our officers will crack down on drunk driving and dangerous behaviour on roads. We’ll have roadblocks throughout the city to fight crime,” Xaba said.
The city is adding 500 new Metro Police officers and has bought 170 new police cars. Some officers will patrol on horses and bicycles, assisted by CCTV cameras.
The city is also hiring 540 holiday workers, including:
- 135 people to pick up litter
- 104 beach guides to help visitors
- 105 pool guards to watch swimmers
To help keep children safe, the city has purchased 200,000 armbands and will set up seven tents along the beach for children who get lost. There is also a place where lost children can stay overnight.
Pictured above: For the first time, the eThekwini beachfront will be safer for tourists with better cleaning and security this festive season.
Source: Thuli Dlamini: eThekwini Municipality
