A new coastal by-law adopted by the City of Cape Town details the protocols under which a beach may be temporarily closed as well as actions that can be taken against activities that may damage the environment.

Cape Town’s coastline draws millions of visitors every year and contributes R40 billion (€2.1bn) per annum, or 10%, to South Africa’s economy.

According to the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Marian Nieuwoudt, the amendments made to the by-law through public participation include the protocols under which a beach may be closed for an emergency.

“The section about the temporary closure of beaches due to coastal emergencies, such as a whale stranding, vessel stranding and salvage operations, oil spills and pollution incidents and requisite mop-up operations was amended to clarify the process to be followed for such temporary closure.”

The by-law details behaviour and activities that may result in legal repercussions. The list of these activities has been moderated through public involvement. “For example, the clause about the use of foul and indecent language on beaches was deleted, and other clauses were amended to address concerns, and to remove any ambiguities,” said Nieuwoudt.

She also said that the by-law gave the city legislative powers to enforce the public’s right to access and enjoy the beaches. “Unfortunately, some residents are claiming beaches or parcels of land in front of their properties as their own private land  by either extending their homes or gardens, or building walkways and erecting fences with ‘no-access’ signs. Our coastline belongs to all of us, and the by-law will be used to entrench this right.”

Ultimately the by-law is a legislative tool that will ensure sustained protection and management of Cape Town’s coastal areas. Full details will be available once published in the Provincial Gazette.