This is promising news for tourism and investment in the region, with local developer Renishaw Property Developments celebrating this milestone.

"The incredible beaches and natural assets of the KZN South Coast have long positioned it as a leading tourism destination, and recognition of this international stature bodes so well, both for the growth of regional tourism, as well as securing further investment in the KZN South Coast," says Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, responsible for the successful Renishaw Hills mature lifestyle village and encompassing Renishaw Coastal Precinct — a gateway to KZN's fastest-growing coastal corridor with sector-ready investment opportunities.

"It's great to see Umdoni getting the recognition it so deserves, with Pennington Beach retaining Blue Flag status for the second year, with a further four beaches receiving Pilot status, among them Scottburgh Beach," adds Van der Merwe. "This international recognition is in line with the global standards Renishaw Hills strives to achieve in quality build, world-class amenities, and exquisite coastal living."

Blue Flag Announcement

The 2025 / 26 Blue Flag and Green Coast sites were officially announced as the 2025 Blue Flag Award Ceremony on Friday, 31 October in Port Alfredy. WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) has been the national operator for the global Blue Flag eco-label in South Africa since its introduction in 2001, celebrating coastal management, environmental education and sustainable tourism, says  Renishaw Property Developments.

The programme represents a collaboration between local municipalities, tourism entities and community volunteers, supported by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).

Coastal Adventure Assets

Located near Renishaw Hills is the popular Scottburgh Main Beach, which boasts Pilot Blue Flag status. Contributing to the upkeep of this site, Renishaw Coastal Precinct has donated a sun shelter, with plans in place to hire out Renishaw Hills-branded umbrellas at the beachfront for public hire, the proceeds of which will go towards the efforts of the community-driven initiative, 'Keep Scottburgh Beautiful', adds the company.

This is also the site of the weekly Granny Grommets meet-up — a group of senior citizens who get together to bodyboard and enjoy the coastal assets of the region. Alongside Scottburgh Main Beach, the area is home to a variety of tourism assets such as Crocworld Conservation Centre, Scottburgh Golf Club, and TC Robertson Nature Reserve, all of which support the active outdoor lifestyle of Renishaw Hills’ residents, says the company.

"This is a sign of positive things to come, with key infrastructure projects and notable growth quickly positioning the KZN South Coast as the next big property investment," says Van der Merwe. "We'd like to commend the local municipalities, national departments and community volunteers for making this possible, and we look forward to more great developments on the KZN South Coast."

Blue Flag Beaches in KZN South Coast

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality:

  • Hibberdene Beach (10-year special recognition)
  • Marina Beach
  • Ramsgate Beach
  • Southport Beach
  • Trafalgar Beach
  • Umzumbe Beach (15-year special recognition), and
  • St Michael's Beach.

Umdoni Municipality:

  • Pennington Beach.

Pilot Blue Flag Beaches in KZN South Coast

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality:

  • Port Edward Beach, and
  • Mtwentweni Beach.

Umdoni Municipality:

  • Rocky Bay Beach
  • Preston Beach
  • Umthwalume Beach, and
  • Scottburgh Beach.

For more information, visit www.renishaw.co.za.

*Image courtesy of contributor