KZN South Coast shines brighter than ever at the 2025/26 Blue Flag Awards

Last year the KZN South Coast made waves when it secured seven Blue Flag Beaches, a milestone that placed our coastline shoulder to shoulder with some of South Africa’s top coastal regions.

This year we didn’t just keep up. We levelled up.

At the 2025 Blue Flag Award Ceremony held on 31 October at the Royal St Andrews Hotel in Port Alfred, all eyes were once again on KwaZulu-Natal, and the South Coast stole the show.

With eight Full Blue Flag Beaches, six Pilot Blue Flag Beaches, and two Green Coast Awards, the South Coast now represents nearly half of KwaZulu-Natal’s total Blue Flag sites. It’s proof that this stretch of shoreline remains one of the most naturally beautiful and carefully managed regions in the country.

From 2024 to 2025  – What changed

In 2024/25 KwaZulu-Natal celebrated seven Blue Flag Beaches in total, six under Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and one under Umdoni Municipality in Pennington.

This year’s results show real growth.
The South Coast now proudly boasts eight Full Blue Flag Beaches, including the return of Ramsgate and the exciting first-time addition of St Michael’s Beach.

Why it matters

These awards aren’t just flags on the sand.
They represent ongoing care, reliable safety, cleaner water, and a shared effort that keeps our coastline alive and proud.

Every clean-up, every lifeguard on duty, every visitor who swims, surfs, or supports a local business plays a part in this win.

The bigger picture

The Blue Flag programme, run by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), sets a global standard for beaches, marinas, and tourism boats that protect nature while welcoming people. To earn that flag, beaches must meet strict environmental, educational, and safety standards that show long-term commitment and heart.

It’s a stamp of excellence, one that the South Coast continues to wear with pride.

The South Coast isn’t just holding its place on the map.
It’s showing the rest of the country what happens when local care, teamwork, and pride come together.

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