Plettenberg Bay was nominated as the World’s Leading Beach Destination per the World Travel Awards! A victory beyond tourism, Keep Plett Clean shares the community effort that went into getting this accolade for their home.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (21 October 2024) — South Africa’s own Plettenberg Beach scooped a nomination as the World’s Leading Beach Destination for 2024 per the 31st edition of the World Travel Awards in a big feat for South Africa (Plett was the only South African location nominated for this category).

While at a surface glance, this might seem like a victory in the realm of tourism, it’s actually far more so a community victory, as Keep Plett Clean shares.

Keep Plett Clean is a community organisation whose name accurately sums up their deal. Founded by Alison Bryant, Keep Plett Clean was founded on a simple principle:

“Clean, well-maintained environments enrich not only the lives of residents but also leave a lasting impression on visitors from around the world,” Alison says.

For over a decade, Keep Plett Clean has rallied volunteers to ensure that their town and its beaches are as pristine as possible.

To put that into perspective, that’s over 12 years of showing up to tuck into clean-ups and spearheading maintenance missions, no matter the weather, circumstances or whether one particularly feels like it or not.

The kind of commitment that promises a well-kept town and natural pleasures relies entirely on consistency and collective action. And to have been able to achieve that to the point of global recognition is something the whole country should applaud as an example of what we can do when we take matters that affect all of us into our own hands!

As Alison shares:

“This nomination is more than just an accolade for our beaches; it’s a reflection of the collective effort it takes to keep Plettenberg Bay beautiful working together with Bitou’s Municipality. Our volunteers’ dedication to picking up litter, emptying bins, scrubbing away graffiti, and ensuring that waste is properly managed has helped create an environment where visitors can enjoy the full beauty of Plett’s beaches and natural surroundings. The feedback we receive from hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb hosts, and tourists speaks volumes—our town’s cleanliness is noticed, appreciated, and make a real difference in their experience.”

For Alison and the team she works with, it’s far more than a matter of aesthetic value, but memories and experiences.

“This nomination is a victory for everyone involved—from our dedicated volunteers to the residents and visitors who contribute to keeping our town clean. It’s a celebration of community spirit and reminder that environmental stewardship is key to Plett’s ongoing success as a world-class destination.”

You can keep up with Keep Plett Clean, here. 

Sources: Email Submission; Keep Plett Clean 

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Two Plett locals are putting plans in place to make Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay accessible for people with wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy a beach day without worry!

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (17 September 2024) — While most beaches ignite a sense of serenity and calm, the opposite often ensues for people with physical disabilities. Hoping to change this for community members and visitors of Plett are two locals who are proudly on a mission to make Plett’s main beach far more accessible!

Willow Mullins and Kira Primo have seen tourists venture to their small town for many summers. But, as the beaches fill up, another truth becomes apparent—not everyone can enjoy these natural pleasures in the same way, if at all.

“Spending so much time on the beach with my kids, who love to surf and play, I’ve often noticed how people with disabilities struggle to access the ocean or even the sand. It made me realise that everyone deserves the joy of a beach day,” says Kira.

“I was sitting in the beer garden at Moby’s when I saw a family struggling to get their daughter, who was in a wheelchair, onto the sand. That moment made it clear to me how much more we need to do to make our beaches accessible,” shares Willow.

Kira and Willow are now on a mission to give everyone a chance to enjoy a beach day at Plett’s Central Beach through their Mobi Mat project.

Not only a doorway to accessibility, the project will also champion environmental values as the mat is made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable itself.

“Using recycled materials was an important factor for us,” Kira explains. “We want to promote inclusivity while staying true to sustainable practices.”

The pair hope the project will be completed by the end of October—just in time for summer.

“This project would transform the beach experience for those with mobility challenges, offering them equal access and a newfound sense of freedom,” shares Kira.

“It would mean the world to me and our community,” Willow adds. “We’re planning to install the Mobi Mat on Central Beach, just off the ramp between Dolphin Adventures and Moby’s, right in front of the kiosk. The thought of people who’ve always wanted to feel the sand between their toes finally being able to do so brings us so much joy.”

The project is already underway, largely thanks to community members who are backing the cause through donations! Additionally, several people including lifeguards and have volunteered to keep the mat in good nick.

On top of the mat, the duo also aim to provide two mobility chairs.

Everyone is welcome to contribute where they can (you can find the crowdfunding campaign here) and the champions also hope that sponsors will come on board to make the magic happen.

Sources: Victoria Scott / Backabuddy  

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The NSRI has developed a successful system using cameras and volunteer operators to enhance beach safety.

Western Cape, South Africa (05 August 2024) —Thanks to the NSRI, beachgoers can enjoy the Plett Bay blue ocean and sandy shores with peace of mind. The NSRI continues to lead in beach safety innovation with the latest addition to its Beach Safety Camera Network Project.

A second shark alarm has been installed at Hobie Beach in Plettenberg Bay.

About the Beach Safety Camera Network Project

The project, which was initiated in 2020, was the first in South Africa to include a powerful Pan Tilt Zoom beach safety camera on the roof of the Beacon Isle Hotel and an alarm system on the NSRI station at Central Beach.

The latest edition to this network is a remote pole with flashing warning lights and sirens at Hobie Beach. The NSRI Beach Safety and Shark Alarm system now covers Central Beach to Wedge Beach.

The new device helps remote NSRI camera operators spot rip currents and sharks and monitor areas to assist lifeguards and NSRI Rescue Swimmers.

An award-winning initiative

The Beach Safety Camera Network Project has already received an award for its life-saving innovation of using volunteer camera operators to help professionals based in NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Milnerton, Cape Town.

The project, centred in Plettenberg Bay, involves a network of cameras linked to an emergency operations centre. A key component is a shark alarm system that can be activated remotely.

“This partnership with the Shark Spotters, Lifeguards, and Beach Control, all working together to make the central Plettenberg Bay beaches safe, makes this project unique,” said NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram.

Station 14 Plettenberg Bay Station Commander Jaco Kruger strongly supports the Shark Alarm and camera system.

“The benefit of having a quality camera and alarm linked to our EOC and ops room is extremely impactful. I know we like to refer to it as a shark camera, but it’s bather safety out-and-out,” Jaco said.

He highlighted the camera’s capability to zoom all the way to the river mouth, aiding in various rescue operations and integrating efforts between lifeguards, shark spotters, and NSRI teams.

The system has proven effective in detecting dangers, aiding rescues, and improving overall beach safety. There are plans to expand this innovative approach to other beaches.

“The alarm system itself is a major blessing; it works so well now that we’ve upgraded it with the first remote alarm and warning lights at Hobie Beach. With funding, we can add poles with wireless alarms and solar panels every kilometre up and down the beach,” Jaco noted, underscoring the system’s significant contribution to enhancing beach safety.

“Watch this space: the NSRI Beach Safety Cameras and Alarms are going to be the number one tool. When used in conjunction with simple ideas such as our Pink Rescue Buoys, they will save lives, change lives, and create futures in this country. It is the way forward,“ said Jaco.

Sources: National Sea Rescue Institute

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“We wanted people to come together and be united. We have had a traumatic past few weeks in Kwanokuthula,” says resident.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (27 September 2022) – Less than a week after dozens of immigrants were forced to leave their homes in Plettenberg Bay, about 100 community members from different nationalities came together to celebrate Heritage Day on Saturday.

The community of Kwanokuthula chose to host the event in the wake of the xenophobic violence in which South Africans went house-to-house searching for foreign nationals. Immigrant-owned shops were shut down, and two homes of immigrants were torched.

On Saturday, groups representing Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa shared traditional food, danced together and enjoyed a variety of music. During the day, each group was given a chance to educate people about their home countries and dishes.

“We wanted people to come together and be united. We have had a traumatic past few weeks in Kwanokuthula where people have been divided and conflicted, but we want to bring back the spirit of Ubuntu to our beautiful garden town,” said resident Asanda Mlamli.

Mlamli said she is Xhosa and her husband is Nigerian. She said she chose to wear traditional clothing from her husband’s home country in a show of support.

Idah Shema from Malawi said, “I’m happy we can finally celebrate this day in public. Over the years we’ve spent the day in our houses but we have always wanted to come out and be with people.”

Shema makes traditional clothes for a living. She has been in South Africa for seven years and said she learnt her current trade two years ago.

Some of the meals prepared included Malawian Mbatata, Nsima and Chambo with rice. The Xhosa tribe made Umngqusho and ulusu, while the group from Ghana brought their famous jollof rice and chicken served with green salad.

Jeffery Rangula, a former Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson, said, “I was embarrassed to think that my community was on a mission to drive immigrants out.”

Rangula has lived in Kwanokuthula for more than 20 years and served the CPF for ten years.

“I’m happy to see events like these where everyone is included. I pray that the peace and unity demonstrated at this event stays forever in Kwanokuthula,” said Rangula.

Sources: GroundUp

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Heritage, heritage and heritage.

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Four excited penguins waddled to freedom this weekend after spending time being rehabilitated at the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (12 September 2022) – Elvis Blue, Greenie, Redman and Runner were released back to the wild this weekend, to the delight of onlookers. The penguins waddled off to freedom after months of recovery.

The penguins are taken in and rehabilitated by the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. The centre is one of the largest active wildlife rehabilitation centres in the Western Cape and attends to various animals accepting both terrestrial and marine species.

Every year, the rehabilitation centre cares for 230 to 300 different birds. Their facility is open to the public and works to create awareness around saving birdlife as well as small mammals.

The penguin releases have become a popular event as they inspire hope. Many people visit the beach to watch as the little African Penguins make their way back into their natural environment. The Natures Valley Trust always invites the public to join them in the celebration of the penguin freedom walk.

The recent release took place on Lookout Beach. Hundreds of tourists and locals lined the beach to watch the four penguins waddle to freedom.

Meet the Penguins

Elvis Blue came from Buffels Bay with a very bad foot injury, an ulcer and an eye penetration injury. It was unclear if he would regain sight in his eye, but the vets signed him off for release.

Greenie is a juvenile penguin found at Beacon Isle beach. He was very underweight and had a bad case of internal parasites.

Redman is a juvenile penguin that was found on Lookout beach. He was underweight, and a little weathered but has recovered well.

Runner is also a juvenile that was found on Natures Valley beach. He was mostly fine but also had a bad case of internal parasites.

Take a look at their release below.

Sources: Nature’s Valley Trust

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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