Author: Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay Beach  iSimangaliso’s Reaction to Adjusted Alert Level 3 Regulations The second wave of the COVID-19 virus has engulfed most parts of South Africa, and numbers are surging day by day. The government has declared some parts of the country as hotspot districts due to the high numbers of infections in those areas. iSimangaliso Wetland Park falls within Umkhanyakude District, which has not been declared as a hotspot, and as such the following conditions will apply in accordance with clause 36.10 (a), (b) and 12 of the regulations: 1. iSimangaliso Wetland Park will remain open to the public. 2. Monitoring for compliance with all health protocols and social distancing measures will be strictly implemented . 3. Due to safety considerations, beaches will be open between 08h00 and 18h00, and will be closed on 31 December 2020, and 1,2 and 3 January 2021. 4. Hosting of events and gatherings is not permitted. 5. The closure of beaches, and restrictions on times of operation, do not apply to fisherman (for fishing purposes) who are in possession of a permit or exemption granted in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998. Fishermen will be allowed access to beaches between 06h00 and 18h00. 6. iSimangaliso will strictly enforce limits on the numbers of people, as guided by the regulations and Park carrying-capacity across its facilities. 7. Concessionaires within the Park (and overnight guests) will be allowed to operate within the constraints of the regulations. 8. No alcohol is allowed in the Park, and control points will be in place. 9. Roadblocks will be established at various points across the Park to enforce compliance. iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority remains committed to playing its part in minimising the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus, and will do everything possible to curb the spread of the virus. Since the outbreak of the virus, iSimangaliso has partnered with various companies and organisations in alleviating the plight of destitute families around the Park by delivering food parcels and PPEs, and conducting awareness raising and education in communities. The latest campaign is currently being rolled out in partnership with the UNDP, and thousands of PPEs have been distributed to all thirteen traditional councils both within and surrounding the Park. The Park Management wishes to thank all the visitors and communities who have displayed discipline and complied with the regulations during this festive season. It is through exercising such levels of restraint that together we can contain and eventually topple the corona virus. Wish you a safe and happy new year! Originally posted 0202-12-30 13:34:38.