WeeklySA_AdminPOLLUTION: Most recent samples show a mixed picture of water safety. Most beaches pass the swim test but one in Cape Town and four in Durban reported to have higher than accepted bacteria levels during previous assessments…
By Own Correspondent
Cape Town and Durban are South Africa’s most popular beach destinations. Untreated sewage flowing into the ocean in both cities has led to beach closures in past years.
In the most recent sample tests, unsafe levels of Enterococci (a primary indicator of faecal pollution) have been found at several beaches. But all beaches remain open. Despite the mixed report on the state of Durban’s beaches, Durban mayor Cyril Xaba told the media this week that he was confident that the city will attract more than 1.3 million visitors during the festive season.
He added that with all 23 bathing beaches open, the City expects the number of beachgoers to increase further on December 26 and 31, as well as on January 1.
Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has recently been quoted as generally highlighting good beach water quality, with many Blue Flag beaches meeting standards. This is despite concerns persisting about river outlets like the Eerste River, with recent tests showing occasional high bacteria (Enterococci) at places like Macassar Beach, but most other areas are deemed safe for swimming, accessible via the City’s Water Quality Dashboard for real-time updates.
Cape Town’s tourism industry is soaring, with over 500 000 arrivals recorded at Cape Town International this past December, that’s a 3% year-on-year increase, according to Moneyweb report.
Cape Town
In Cape Town, water at all but one beach had safe levels of Enterococci in the most recent samples taken between the end of November and December 3. Macassar Beach, which lies at the mouth of the polluted Eerste River, had unsafe levels.
But the beach remains open. Daily Maverick reports City of Cape Town Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, as saying water quality has not been “consistently poor” at Macassar beach.
There are warning signs at beaches that have had poor water quality over the past 12 months. According to the Daily Maverick, these include: Lagoon Beach, Three Anchor Bay Beach, Barley Bay, Hout Bay Mariners Wharf, Hout Bay Chapmans Peak, Kalk Bay Harbour Beach, Sunrise Beach Parking Area, Ribbon Road Parking Area, Mnandi Beach, Monwabisi Beach, Macassar Beach and the Strand Pipe Surfing and Lifesaving Club areas.
The City advises against swimming in the ocean within 12 to 24 hours after heavy rainfall.
The most recent test results are available on the City’s water quality dashboard.
Durban
The reliability and transparency of eThekwini Municipality’s coastal water quality have been questioned recently. News reports of unsafe water quality at 15 of Durban’s beaches have been dismissed as fake news by the municipality.
Lists published on the municipality’s main website include only the most recent data on E. coli readings and not Enterococci, which the City of Cape Town uses and is seen as a more reliable indicator of sewage pollution than E. coli.
All of Durban’s beaches are safe based on the E. coli data, according to the municipality.
But another website on the municipality’s domain, which has the most recent Enterococci readings taken between the end of November and 11 December, shows a different picture. Two beaches had unsafe levels of Enterococci. Two had fair, and seven had very safe levels.
Average data on Durban’s beach water quality over the past 12 months is not available.
The municipality last week closed two beaches — Bronze Beach and Umhlanga Main Beach — as a precautionary measure after a sewage pump station failed.
Meanwhile, Cape Town has surpassed iconic cities like New York and London in global travel interest this year, marking a pivotal moment in South Africa’s record-breaking tourism year, according to the Travel And Tour World (TTW).
South Africa has experienced a record-breaking surge in tourism, welcoming over 8.56 million international visitors between January and October, with an additional 1.3 million tourists compared to the same period in 2024, TTW.
Cape Town had witnessed massive growth in 2025, with international tourists flocking to the city to enjoy its scenic beauty, iconic landmarks, and other world-class attractions.
“The city’s recognition as “Best City in the World” has resulted in a sharp increase in visitors from markets such as the USA and UK, attracted by Cape Town’s culture, history, and natural wonders like Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. Visitors are also flocking for luxury safaris, cultural experiences, and vibrant nightlife,” TTW adds. – GroundUp, additional reporting by Weekly SA Mirror, Sunday Tribune
MIRROR Briefs
INITIATION DEATHS SURGE
The death toll from the current initiation schools in the Eastern Cape has risen to 17, with authorities confirming that recent fatalities were linked to illegal initiation schools. Most deaths tied to illegal or poorly run schools, where untrained surgeons used old blades or spears without sterility.
The Customary Initiation Act required registration, medical checks and trained caregivers, but enforcement lags in rural areas. Circumcision was just one component of the full initiation ritual, during which young men of the Xhosa communities enter manhood.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) spokesperson, Pearl Maseko-Binqose has called on traditional leaders to work with government to close down illegal initiation schools.
“These tragic deaths are not caused by culture but illegal initiation schools, unqualified practitioners, neglect, dehydration and abuse among other things. The minister extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and communities who have lost their loved ones during this period of mourning and pain.” Authorities have arrested 31 people and opened 45 criminal cases for unlawful circumcisions and for breaking the law.
Meanwhile COGTA Deputy Minister, Prince Zolile Burns‑Ncamashe, conducted an urgent oversight visit to the OR Tambo District, which had recorded the highest number of deaths. – Lehlohonolo Lehana.
INTERIM MADLANGA REPORT READY
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.
The interim report was presented to the President last week.
The Madlanga Commission was established by President Ramaphosa in July 2025 and is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The Commission was appointed to investigate allegations of criminal conduct, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
“President Ramaphosa will study the interim report while the Commission, which is in recess, prepares to hear further testimony from new witnesses or persons who have previously testified.
“President Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation for the interim report as well as his expectation that the Commission will, as part of its terms of reference, refer actions thought to be criminal acts for prosecution,” The Presidency said in a statement. The Commission formed part of government’s broader efforts to strengthen the rule of law, restore public confidence in the criminal justice system and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is identified.
The inquiry was triggered by damning allegations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that there were certain officials who were captured by criminal syndicates in the criminal justice system. – SAnews.
ADVERSE WEATHER WARNING.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS), through its Disaster Risk Reduction function, has released its latest seasonal climate outlook for the 2025/26 summer season, covering the period from December 2025 to April 2026.
The forecast comes in the wake of a year marked by devastating floods and severe storms.
The forecast indicated a transition toward a weak La Niña state, which was expected to influence rainfall and temperature patterns across the country. La Niña is a climate phenomenon characterised by unusually cool sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which affects global weather patterns.
“Much of the rainfall during this period will be associated with afternoon and evening thundershowers, which may at times be accompanied by heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds,” SAWS Senior Forecaster Jacqueline Modika said during a media briefing in Pretoria.
“Climate model predictions suggest an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall over the central and eastern parts of South Africa, particularly in the north-eastern summer rainfall regions. “
These wetter-than-usual conditions were consistent with the typical impacts associated with La Niña episodes and were expected to persist into mid-to-late summer.
Modika urged vigilance and regular consultation of credible weather information.
“We wish everyone a safe, peaceful and enjoyable festive season, free from weather-related disasters, and look forward to continued cooperation in safeguarding lives and livelihoods across our country.”- Lehlohonolo Lehana.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WARNED
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has urged women and people with disabilities to remain vigilant against financial abuse during the festive season.
The department raised concern over the increased risk of financial exploitation targeting women and persons with disabilities during this period.
The department explained that financial abuse could take various forms, including controlling access to money, misusing income or social grants, forcing individuals into debt under their names and exploiting economic dependence.
According to the DWYPD, perpetrators often intensified these tactics during the festive season, leaving women and persons with disabilities financially trapped and burdened with debt.
The department emphasised that economic abuse was recognised as a form of domestic violence under South African law and urged women and persons with disabilities to remain alert.
“We must recognise that financial abuse is not only an economic violation; it is a form of control and intimidation used to silence women and persons with disabilities. During the festive season, when financial pressures increase, so does the risk,” the department said.
They also called on families and communities to remain vigilant, supportive and protective of the rights of women and persons with disabilities.
“Many are also pressured to cover holiday expenses while partners or family members misuse household funds.” – SAnews
