GQEBERHA – Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has retained Blue Flag status for King’s Beach, Humewood Beach and Hobie Beach for the 2026/27 season, reinforcing the metro’s reputation as a leading coastal tourism destination.
Humewood Beach marks 25 consecutive years in the international Blue Flag Programme, recognising the municipality’s ongoing commitment to beach management, environmental protection and visitor safety.
The achievements were recognised at the national Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards held at Grotto Beach in Hermanus on 8 October 2026.
The event also marked 100 years of environmental action by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and 25 years of Blue Flag South Africa.
Beaches maintain Blue Flag status
Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, said the retained status reflected the municipality’s investment in maintaining beaches to international standards.
“We are a Metro that has identified its beaches as one of the critical enablers of our economic growth, specifically through international water sports events and tourism in general,” Lobishe said.
She added that the municipality was encouraged by the pilot status awarded to Bluewater Bay and Wells Estate beaches, which will work towards full accreditation.
Blue Flag status is awarded annually and requires compliance with international criteria covering water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility, visitor facilities and environmental education.
Requirements include regular water testing, beach cleaning, trained lifeguards and the maintenance of public facilities.
R5.6m beach investment
The municipality has allocated R5.6 million in the current financial year for beach maintenance and upgrades.
Planned projects include improvements to the Kings Beach kiosk, a new balustrade at Wells Estate, restoration of ablution facilities at Sardinia Bay, and fencing and facility upgrades at Maitlands and Brighton beaches.
The city’s Beach Safety Programme has also trained young people as peace officers to patrol the Humewood and Summerstrand beachfronts.
Coastal tourism and major sporting events continue to contribute to the local economy.
Sporting events drive growth
The ISUZU IRONMAN African Championship, held at Hobie Beach in April 2026, was estimated to have generated more than R87 million in economic activity and over 20,787 verified overnight stays.
King’s Beach will host a key part of the Lifesaving World Championships from 25 November to 13 December 2026.
The event is expected to attract more than 2,500 competitors, alongside crews and supporters, and generate an estimated R350 million in economic activity.
“Every Blue Flag that flies over our beaches represents a guesthouse that is fully booked, a surf school that is busy, a beachfront trader who makes a sale and a young lifeguard who has a job,” Lobishe said.
Cruise tourism adds R111m
Nelson Mandela Bay also welcomed 39 international cruise vessels during the 2025/26 season, carrying 59,077 passengers and 22,994 crew members.
The season contributed an estimated R111 million to the local economy, up from R96.5 million the previous season.
The municipality said coastal tourism supports accommodation providers, restaurants, tour operators, beachfront traders, transport operators and small businesses, creating employment and economic opportunities across surrounding communities.
Lobishe encouraged holidaymakers to choose Nelson Mandela Bay for the summer season, highlighting its beaches and the hospitality of its residents.
The municipality has urged residents and visitors to swim only where lifeguards are on duty and to help protect the coastal environment.
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