Durban - Plans for KwaZulu-Natal’s first nudist beach on the South Coast, which was due to open next month, could hit a snag if the Hibiscus Coast Municipality agrees with the objections of a citizens’ group.
The municipality will hear objections from the Concerned Citizens’ Group and announce its decision at a full council meeting on March 31. The group sent an appeal to the council to reconsider its initial decision.
The group said it was made up of various religious organisations, social and welfare organisations, businesses, and traditional councils.
In October last year, the municipality granted an application by the South African National Naturist Association (Sanna) to declare a 500m portion of Mpenjati Beach, near the Blue Flag Trafalgar Beach, nudist-friendly.
In a signed document submitted to the municipality, the Concerned Citizens group claimed the municipality had not properly engaged the public about the planned beach.
“This matter, which affects the moral fibre of our community, is one that should have been given widespread engagement,” the group said.
The group said it was concerned about the dangers of setting new legal and operational precedents.
It claimed that the information Sanna presented was misleading.
“We question whether the council too time to study the constitution of Sanna and its code of conduct.
“Deeper examinations reveal a significant negative effect on a society that is striving for wholesome lifestyles and a stronger community fabric,” it said.
“This resolution was also based on imperfect and misleading research and motivation.”
It suggested that it would have been more appropriate for a task team of local experts to undertake a study, debate its findings, and make a full and balanced presentation.
There was also a concern that permitting the nudists to have their own public space would open a door for other organisations with “questionable” practices.
“The Rastafarians believe in smoking dagga, an act which is against existing laws. What stops them from also applying for a section of municipal land or beachfront where they can smoke under municipal protection?” it questioned.
The group said the beach that had been earmarked formed part of the Trafalgar Marine Protected Area.
According to the Marine Living Resources Act No 18 of 1998, no person shall in any marine protected area construct or erect any building or other structure on or over any land or water within such a marine protected area unless permission is granted by the environmental affairs minister.
“The erection of facilities will effectively breach the above conditions… we advise the municipality that the necessary environmental impact assessment must first be undertaken to inform the minister accordingly.”
The municipality was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.
Sanna spokesman Serge Pavlovic said they were aware of the opposing group and that the matter had been referred to the council.
They would not attend the full council meeting on March 31 as they would “be at the beach”.
The Mercury