Durban - Locals are adamant that stripping down on KwaZulu-Natal’s first – but unofficially opened – nudist beach on the South Coast is in violation of municipal by-laws.
The influx of naturists at the weekend has not weakened the resolve of those determined to see the municipality’s decision to declare Mpenjati Beach nudist-friendly rescinded.
Leading the charge is the Concerned Citizens of the Hibiscus Coast Municipality, and its chairman the Reverend Mike Effanga.
Municipal spokesman Simon April is, however, adamant that naturists visiting the beach would not be prosecuted because the by-laws prohibiting nudity had been relaxed by a resolution of the municipal council.
April said it was just a matter of publishing the amendments in the Government Gazette.
Effanga yesterday said meetings with South Coast church and community leaders would be held in earnest this week to plan how to prevent the amendment.
Last week it was reported that South Coast DA caucus leader Doug Rawlins had said most of its councillors had opposed allowing naturists to use the beach.
The council had also given an undertaking to investigate submissions made by groups opposed to it.
Those against the nudist beach have argued that it would attract perverts and rapists, but the municipality countered that, after thorough research and consultation, it was convinced that it would attract national and international tourists, which would lead to job creation and economic development.
The Mercury