Umdoni shines with international Blue Flag recognition, highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism and world-class standards
The KZN South Coast has once again emerged as the region with the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, boasting 8 with full Blue Flag status and 6 with Pilot status. This is promising news for tourism and investment in the region, with local developer Renishaw Property Developments celebrating this milestone.
“The incredible beaches and natural assets of the KZN South Coast have long positioned it as a leading tourism destination, and recognition of this international stature bodes so well, both for the growth of regional tourism, as well as securing further investment in the KZN South Coast,” commented Barto van der Merwe, MD of Renishaw Property Developments, responsible for the successful Renishaw Hills mature lifestyle village and encompassing Renishaw Coastal Precinct – a gateway to KZN’s fastest-growing coastal corridor with sector-ready investment opportunities.
“It’s great to see Umdoni getting the recognition it so deserves, with Pennington Beach retaining Blue Flag status for the second year, with a further four beaches receiving Pilot status, among them Scottburgh Beach,” continued Van der Merwe. “This international recognition is in line with the global standards Renishaw Hills strives to achieve in quality build, world-class amenities, and exquisite coastal living.”
Blue Flag Announcement
The 2025/26 Blue Flag and Green Coast sites were officially announced as the 2025 Blue Flag Award Ceremony on Friday (31 October) in Port Alfredy. WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) has been the national operator for the global Blue Flag eco-label in South Africa since its introduction in 2001, celebrating coastal management, environmental education, and sustainable tourism.
The programme represents a collaboration between local municipalities, tourism entities, and community volunteers, supported by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).
Coastal Adventure Assets
Located near Renishaw Hills is the popular Scottburgh Main Beach, which boasts Pilot Blue Flag status. Contributing to the upkeep of this site, Renishaw Coastal Precinct has donated a sun shelter, with plans in place to hire out Renishaw Hills-branded umbrellas at the beachfront for public hire, the proceeds of which will go towards the efforts of the community-driven initiative, Keep Scottburgh Beautiful.
This is also the site of the weekly Granny Grommets meet-up – a group of adventurous senior citizens who get together to bodyboard and enjoy the coastal assets of the region. Alongside Scottburgh Main Beach, the area is home to a variety of tourism assets such as Crocworld Conservation Centre, Scottburgh Golf Club, and TC Robertson Nature Reserve, all of which support the active outdoor lifestyle of Renishaw Hills’ residents.
“This is a sign of positive things to come, with key infrastructure projects and notable growth quickly positioning the KZN South Coast as the next big property investment,” said Van der Merwe. “We’d like to commend the local municipalities, national departments, and community volunteers for making this possible, and we look forward to more great developments on the KZN South Coast.”
Blue Flag Beaches in KZN South Coast
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality:
· Hibberdene Beach (10-year special recognition)
· Marina Beach
· Ramsgate Beach
· Southport Beach
· Trafalgar Beach
· Umzumbe Beach (15-year special recognition)
· St Michael’s Beach
Umdoni Municipality:
· Pennington Beach
Pilot Blue Flag Beaches in KZN South Coast
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality:
· Port Edward Beach
· Mtwentweni Beach
Umdoni Municipality:
· Rocky Bay Beach
· Preston Beach
· Umthwalume Beach
· Scottburgh Beach
Get in touch!
Far from being just an active retirement community, Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast is a premier mature lifestyle estate for individuals over 50, offering a vibrant, active lifestyle. For more details about Renishaw Hills or to arrange a tour, contact Kelly at 064 198 2693, email sales@renishawhills.co.za, or visit www.renishawhills.co.za.