George Municipality retains Blue Flag status for three beaches and celebrates coastal milestones
Full Blue Flag status for the 2026-27 season: Receiving the 2026/27 Blue Flag award for George Municipality’s beaches are (from left) Cindy-Lee Cloete (WESSA Chief Executive Officer), Thandiwe Mayile (Superintendent: Beaches and Public Ablution Facilities, George Municipality), Sisanda Velembo (Superintendent: Parks and Recreation, George Municipality), Kathy Young (Foundation for Environmental Education International board member), and Jansen Davies (WESSA board Chairperson).
George Municipality is pleased to announce that Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay and Wilderness beaches have retained their full Blue Flag status for the 2026/27 season, while Leentjiesklip Beach continues as a pilot Blue Flag site. Gwaing Beach has also received the WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) Green Coast Award for 2026/27 for the third consecutive year.
The awards ceremony took place at Grotto Beach in Hermanus on 8 October 2026, co-hosted by Overstrand Municipality. The event marked 25 years of the Blue Flag Programme in South Africa and WESSA’s centenary. Sisanda Velembo, Superintendent: Parks and Recreation, and Thandiwe Mayile, Superintendent: Beaches and Public Ablution Facilities, attended the ceremony on behalf of George Municipality to receive the award certificates.
Victoria Bay received additional recognition for maintaining Blue Flag status continuously for five years, highlighting the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to responsible coastal management, environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
Blue Flag is an internationally recognised environmental award programme that assesses beaches against criteria covering bathing-water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility and environmental education. Maintaining the status requires ongoing compliance with these standards, including regular water-quality monitoring and appropriate beach facilities and safety measures.
Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Browen Johnson, commended the officials responsible for coastal management for their continued efforts. “The continued recognition reflects the ongoing work required to maintain our coastal assets, promote environmental awareness and provide safe, clean and well-managed beaches for residents and visitors. We commend the officials involved for their contribution to protecting George’s coastline for current and future generations,” said Alderman Johnson.
Gwaing Beach recognised for coastal conservation
The WESSA Green Coast Programme recognises coastal sites that demonstrate effective conservation management, community participation, environmental education and responsible tourism. Gwaing Beach’s third consecutive year of recognition highlights the continued importance of protecting natural coastal environments while promoting their responsible use and appreciation.
Green Coast Award: Celebrating Gwaing Beach’s third consecutive WESSA Green Coast Award for 2026/27 are (from left) Cindy-Lee Cloete (WESSA Chief Executive Officer), Sisanda Velembo (Superintendent: Parks and Recreation, George Municipality), Thandiwe Mayile (Superintendent: Beaches and Public Ablution Facilities, George Municipality), Kathy Young (Foundation for Environmental Education International board member), and Jansen Davies (WESSA board Chairperson).
Victoria Bay surfing: Victoria Bay received special recognition at the awards ceremony for maintaining continuous Blue Flag status for five consecutive years, highlighting George Municipality’s commitment to clean, safe, and world-class coastal management.
Acting Municipal Manager Dr Dean O’Neill emphasised the importance of maintaining these standards as the festive season approaches. “As we prepare to welcome residents and visitors to our beaches during the festive season, it is important that we continue to maintain our coastal facilities and protect our natural environment. These recognitions reflect our commitment to responsible coastal management and to ensuring that our coastline remains a valued asset for generations to come,” said Dr O’Neill.
For more information on the national awards and the 25-year milestone of the Blue Flag Programme in South Africa, read WESSA’s media release: WESSA recognises 62 Blue Flags and 19 Green Coast sites as South Africa marks 25 years of coastal stewardship and a more inclusive future.