The #summervibes have arrived and now is the time to start planning the ultimate #familyadventure in the great outdoors. The KZN South Coast has, once again, launched its exciting Summer Sizzle programme with family-friendly activities taking place on beaches and within the hinterland of this beautiful region.
“We understand that it’s been a really stressful year for everyone and now is the time to unwind with family in a beautiful location,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT). “With our tourism establishments encouraged to follow stringent Covid-19 protocols, and our many nature-based options, KZN South Coast is well-positioned to receive tourists this holiday season.
“We’ve also just announced our exciting Summer Sizzle programme that gives visitors the chance to engage in fun beachside and hinterland activities throughout their stay here. We’re also looking forward to welcoming visitors with our annual Mayoral Roadblock on 15 December and the highly-anticipated Simon Mbhele Street Soccer Tournament on 27 December.”
KZN South Coast Summer Sizzle Programme
Dates: Monday, 13 December 2021 to Thursday, 6 January 2022 (except Christmas and New Year’s days)
Times: 10am to 2pm daily
Beach venues: St Michael’s Main Beach, Ramsgate Main Beach, Marina Main Beach, Scottburgh Main Beach, Margate Main Beach, Sunwich Port Main Beach, Wild Coast Sun Beach, Port Edward Main Beach, Southbroom Main Beach, Uvongo Main Beach.
Hinterland
venues: SMME Centre in KwaLangqengqe, KwaMachi; Amandawe Sportsfield in Umdoni; KwaNzimakwe; and Ntelezi Msani Cultural Centre in Umzumbe.
*Please note that Summer Sizzle activations will happen at different venues daily.
Programme organiser, Michael Bester of One Way Productions, said there were a number of exciting daily activities planned: “We’re planning a programme in line with Covid-19 regulations to ensure a fun yet safe holiday for all families on the KZN South Coast. This includes adjusting the sports’ competitions so that only those in a family or friend bubble can challenge each other, with constant mask wearing and sanitising at all times.”
Some of the Summer Sizzle adventures include:
· Sandcastle-building competitions
· Treasure hunts
· Hula hoop competitions
· Volleyball, touch rugby, soccer and rounders
· Beach games including balancing and hoop toss
“There will be music to create a festive vibe with everything geared towards making this as amazing an experience for coastal visitors as possible,” said Bester. “Everyone is a winner at the Summer Sizzle with some fantastic prizes donated by Ugu South Coast Tourism and our many sponsors. We want everyone to have an amazing, fun-filled and safe time this holiday.”
The KZN South Coast, which has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, prioritises visitor safety throughout the season. Visitors are urged to practice water safety measures when at the beach, and adhere to instructions from lifeguards on duty at all times.
Visitor safety and experience have also been enhanced with the deployment of Tourism Monitors at various KZN South Coast beaches. The Tourism Monitors Programme, run by the National Department of Tourism (NDT) in partnership with AGB Group, trains youth who will patrol the beaches, report crimes and provide tourists with information throughout the summer season.
The KZN South Coast also launched its innovative Rickshaw Ride at Margate Beach in November which will be running throughout the season. This initiative, which has the support of the Margate Business Association (MBA), Margate Area Committee and Singatha Incubation Centre, gives visitors the chance to enjoy a unique beachside experience while supporting local operators.
KZN South Coast is also hosting the fourth annual 5-a-side Simon Mbhele Street Soccer Tournament hosted at Gamalakhe’s KwaMasengeni Taxi Rank on Monday, 27 December. This is a fun, one-day knockout tournament featuring a total of 20 men’s and women’s teams. The tournament will be preceded by an awareness campaign and then the official draw on Friday, 24 December. Alongside the tournament, there will also be quad bike rides, shisanyama, a beer garden and live music. Registration for the event is open until Monday, 20 December via WhatsApp on 068 218 6182 at a cost of R100 per team. The winning side takes home a whopping R10 000.
For the full Summer Sizzle programme and more details on the Simon Mbhele Street Soccer Tournament, as well as the list of KZN South Coast’s outdoor venues, activities and sites, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores, or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. Alternatively, check out ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook or YouTube, @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram, or ‘Info Ugu South Coast Tourism’ on LinkedIn. Follow the hashtags #KZNsouthcoast #summervibes #gosouth #summerishere #familyadventure #kidfriendly #adventuretravel #extendyourstay.
