Safe for swimming: eThekwini mayor takes an ocean dip [watch]

Mayor Kaunda getting ready to dive right in. Photo: Youtube screenshot

eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda jumped right into Durban’s ocean yesterday, to prove that the waters are now perfectly safe for swimming.

Mayor Kaunda getting ready to dive right in. Photo: Youtube screenshot

Durban mayor takes a dip

Complete with a pair of swimming goggles and boadshorts, eThekwini mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda headed to Durban’s North Beach yesterday, 1 December, to show just how safe sea water conditions now were, after registering sky-high E.coli levels from the continuous sewage crisis.

According to Getaway, Kaunda told the Northglen News that they were pleased with the quality of the water at the beaches.

“We have partnered with a reputable, independent laboratory, Talbot, to constantly test the quality of our water and share the results publicly. This morning, we conducted an assessment from Umhlanga’s Main and Bronze beaches and we are pleased the quality of the water has improved.” Kaunda said.

Take a look at the swimming mayor below:

The eThekwini mayor also claimed that he would also be prioritising safety this festive season, declaring ‘zero tolerance on crime and lawlessness as (their) law enforcement officers will maintain high visibility to save lives and ensure visitors have a safe and joyous festive season.’.

ALSO READ: KZN North Coast: Beautiful beaches you HAVE to visit

Durban beaches are now open

The majority of eThekwini beaches were only recently reopened for public use, after they were effectively shut down since August because of an E.coli scare.

Here is the list of beaches that are open:

Point beach
uShaka beach
Addington beach
North beach
Brighton beach
South beach
Wedge beach
Bay of Plenty beach
Battery beach
Country Club beach
Reunion beach
Pipeline beach
Toti Main beach
Warner beach
Winkelspruit beach

ALSO READ: Here are all of South Africa’s Blue Flag beaches

ALSO READ: Five ways to keep cool during a summer heatwave

ALSO READ: WATCH: Here’s how to spot and avoid rip currents at the beach

Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.