KZN beaches ready for World Cup visitors

KwaZulu-Natal beaches are ready for the influx of tourists and locals during the Soccer World Cup in June, tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu said on Thursday.

Mabuyakhulu joined a team of KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board members to install shark nets on Durban beaches to protect bathers from shark attacks.

He said KwaZulu-Natal beaches were more than ready for World Cup visitors with 17 triple nets to protect bathers from shark attacks.

"In view of the expected increase of beach visitors during the World Cup, we have taken extraordinary measures to ensure their safety. Over and above meshing the nets once a day, we will dispatch Sharks Board officials to patrol our beaches and be on standby to constantly ensure beach safety," said Mabuyakhulu.

A group of journalists accompanied Mabuyakhulu and his team during the installation which took about two hours.

While at sea one could admire the beautiful Durban scenery with the iconic Moses Mabhida soccer stadium central to the view.

Debbie Hargreaves of the Sharks Board said the nets were checked everyday.

If a net was pulled or heavy, it meant there was a shark in it, and they would immediately release the shark, even if it meant cutting the net.

"As the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board we want to show our readiness of the province. All the preparations are done for the influx of the soccer fans to our beaches to assure safety," Hargreaves said.

Mabuyakhulu said his department, working with the eThekwini Municipality, would increase the number of lifeguards and police patrols at fan parks at Durban's North beach. - Sapa