Possible Review of Beach Driving Ban

Speaking at Thula Thula Private Game Reserve on Thursday 16 February on numerous conservation issues, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO, Dr Bandile Mkhize, aired his opinion on the controversial 4x4 beach driving ban implemented in January 2002.  “I don’t believe it can’t be done” was his exact phrase when referring to this matter. 

While exact locations were not disclosed, Dr Mkhize said that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife would look into the most suitable places where beach vehicle access would have the “least negative impact on flora and fauna” but warned that lobbyists would have to provide thorough motivations if they wish to see this ban overturned.  He confirmed that he is indeed in favour of “responsible and scientifically justified beach vehicle access” but that the issue is to do it sustainably, reported the Zululand Observer in its leading article this morning.

Dr Mkhize went on to say that he hoped there would be a “meeting of minds” between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Isimangaliso Wetland Park Authority to discuss this matter.  As KZN Wildlife’s attitude is “conservation rather than preservation”, the conservation body would seek an outcome beneficial to both communities and the environment.

Lobbyist Ivan Hartley, who, for years has led the angling community’s attempts to reinstate 4x4 access to beaches, welcomes this news and open mindedness but is aware of the need to furnish Dr Mkhize with “solid facts” for him to present to higher authorities.

The Coastal Management Act which implies the need to promote access to coastal zones prompted the founding of the Beach Access Forum in Richards Bay in 2009.  This forum’s focus has been concentrated on access to beaches in the uMhlathuze and uThungulu areas of jurisdiction.

It is thought that even a partial lifting of the ban would produce significant boosts for tourism and recreation as well as radically improve 4x4 sales which slumped dramatically following the implementation of the ban.

Anglers within the St Lucia Community welcome discussions of a long overdue review, citing it as an economic boost for the town as well as providing easier access to currently difficult-to-get-to fishing hotspots.  It is, at this stage however, unknown whether or not St Lucia’s beaches will be included in any future overturning of this ban; that is up to Isimangaliso, the authority governing our beaches.