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Cape Town – Public debate on turning part of a KwaZulu-Natal south coast beach into a nudist or naturalist beach to benefit tourism has been met with mounting opposition from residents.
The majority of the community surrounding the Blue Flag Trafalgar Beach, which has been identified as a proposed naturist spot to attract tourists to the area, says it will increase moral decay and crime close to an area frequented by families and children.
On the contrary, the KZN Naturist association, whose members initiated the proposal, say they believe it will create an economic spin-off by attracting more international visitors who enjoy nudists beaches.
The initial application for the portion of beach between Port Shepstone and Port Edward to be declared nudist friendly was submitted to the Hibiscus Coast Municipality earlier in the year.
Hibiscus Coast Municipality spokesperson Simon Sobhoyise confirmed the public have until Monday, 29 September to submit commentary on the matter, which will then be decided at the next municipal sitting on 30 September.
Earlier in August, public opinion showed only 20% of the community supported the idea of a naturist beach in the area, according to Sobhoyise. However, the municipality says it is neither against or in favour of the proposal and ultimately residents will decide.
Members of the public have been invited to email info@hcm.gov.za to voice their opinion.
While there are currently no beaches in South Africa where the right to bathe nude is protected, there are a few spots where naturism is widely accepted/tolerated. Take a look.
Sandy Bay, Cape Town – semi-legal nude beach
Even though it's not 100% legal, Sandy Bay is probably South Africa's quintessential nude beach. Relatively secluded and located in a picturesque location somewhere between Llandudno and Hout Bay, it's a popular spot for naturists, as well as those with just a spot of naughty curiosity. If you're not comfortable going nude, costumes are welcome!
Umhlanga Lagoon, North of Durban – unofficial nude beach
Located in the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, at the mouth of the Ohlanga Lagoon, this secluded beach has been a popular spot for naturists for decades. In recent years, however, there have been an influx of complaints, as more non-nudist walkers and families have been visiting the area on walks and hikes.
Secrets Beach, close to Shelley Beach in Port Elizabeth
Driving along Marine Drive, out of the city in the direction of Sardinia Bay, you will find an unobtrusive parking lot looking back over Cape Recife lighthouse. While it's unclear how popular the beach still is among naturists, it used to be quite the spot to get rid of those tanlines.
Lighthouse Beach, Great Fish River between Port Alfred and East London
According to iswimnu.de the beach is not well used by anyone and provides a wide choice of spots to skinny dip.
