Residents and holidaymakers planning to visit Strand Beach this festive season are advised of a temporary closure affecting the popular Mosterd’s Bay section.
The City of Cape Town has announced that the area will be closed to the public as a precautionary measure from Monday 15 December to Thursday 15 January 2026.
The restricted zone spans the section of the beach between the Strand Municipal Swimming Pool and Norman Road. This decision is directly linked to the ongoing construction of the second phase of the Strand seawall project.
While the project is a vital infrastructure development intended to protect the coastline, the current activity on the site presents safety concerns that necessitate a full closure during the busy holiday period.
To ensure visitors can still enjoy the coast, neighbourhood watch members and security personnel will be stationed on-site throughout the holidays. Their primary role will be to guide beachgoers to the nearest safe alternatives. Visitors hoping to swim are advised to move to the area in the vicinity of the Strand Surf Lifesaving Club, where they should strictly bathe between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty. Conversely, those looking to fish or walk their dogs are directed to the stretch of beach east of Norman Road, near Greenways.
Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, appealed to the public for their cooperation regarding the logistics of the closure.
“We ask locals and visitors to please adhere to this closure as this is for your own safety and security,” he urged. “I also want to thank the public for their ongoing support and understanding as we are working on this seawall that is intended to protect this pristine beach for generations to come.”
In addition to the closure notice, local officials are using this opportunity to reinforce water safety awareness. Chantal Cerfontein, Subcouncil 8 chairperson and Ward 85 councillor, reminded the public of the “four golden rules” for water safety.
She urged visitors to only swim where lifeguards are on duty, remain vigilant regarding rip currents, never swim under the influence of alcohol, and always actively monitor children when they are in or around the water.
Meanwhile, local shop owners affected by the construction and the upcoming holiday road closure have shared mixed feelings. One business owner expressed concern: “Business has been going down ever since they started construction, and
I’m sure it will only worsen as a result of the road closure during the holidays.”
Another was more optimistic: “We have our regular customers, so I’m sure it’ll be a decent holiday season in terms of business. We’re really looking forward to the completion of the project, which will really improve things again.”
The City requested that all visitors pay close attention to public advisory signage placed along the beachfront for further information. A complete schedule of lifeguarded beaches can be accessed online at the City’s designated portal.
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