Durban Beachfront piers remain open with enhanced safety measures this festive season

Piers along the Durban Beachfront will remain open throughout the festive season, allowing tourists to take in the city's sights. 

The issue surrounding the piers and their safety was discussed at an eThekwini Municipality Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting when the Municipal Festive Season Management Committee (FESMAC) presented its plan on Tuesday.

Bonga Mthembu, a senior manager in the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit, explained that the plan is coordinated by identifying potential service delivery, public safety, and security risks to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

He said that 135 additional security guards are on the ground as of December 1, 2025. The breakdown of guards includes:

• Central beaches have 61;
• The Bluff beaches 18; and
• Umhlanga 16. 

At the EXCO meeting, FESMAC stated that they were considering closing the piers due to the increasing number of deaths caused by people jumping off them, which puts significant pressure on lifeguards and emergency services. 

Mthembu was also concerned about the seriousness of the issue and the impact the closure would have on tourism.

Andre Beetge, DA councillor and Exco member, said that the piers were an integrated part of the beachfront and a tourism drawcard. 

“The piers are unique to Durban because visitors from inland enjoy them,” he said. 

Nkosenhle Madlala, ANC councillor and Exco member, said the Durban piers should be spruced up to make them more appealing to tourists, including being painted with different colours.

Madlala said the Umhlanga Whalebone design pier was an attraction in its own right that could be replicated on the central beach piers. 

“We must create a vibe around the Durban beachfront piers. We must find creative ways of enhancing the beachfront, including a section where there is 24-hour activity without causing public disturbance,” he said. 

Mthembu stated that the FESMAC's plan is based on operational and safety plans from municipal departments and key stakeholders. It is then implemented to ensure the safety of communities, tourists, and the municipal infrastructure during the festive season.

“We are focusing primarily on issues of safety and security, tourism, and the coordination of public events.” 

He stated that municipal departments and other key stakeholders had finalised their operational plans, which will form part of one municipal festive season plan.

Mthembu said there were various programmes and activities to ensure the municipality’s level of preparedness is already in motion, showcasing what Durban has to offer.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za