Pelican Island in Richards Bay had become the city’s go-to beach destination after the closure of Naval Island by Transnet National Ports Authority. But popularity came at a cost.

Overrun with litter, excessive alcohol consumption, and unmanaged crowds, the island’s ecosystem struggled. Eventually, the City of uMhlathuze and TNPA were forced to close the beach to the public.

Now, after months of effort, Pelican Island is making a comeback.

A Community-Led Restoration:

The revival is thanks to an intervention by the uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organization (uCTO), under the leadership of Vannesa Le Roux, working with local tourism product owners, volunteers, and private sector partners. A comprehensive beach clean-up campaign helped restore the island’s natural state.

Pelican Island is officially set to reopen on June 1st, 2025.

A Fresh Start with Tighter Controls
The reopening event will be led by Deputy Mayor Cllr Botha. According to city officials, the new phase of Pelican Island will include tighter security, stricter regulations, and gate control to manage access and crowd sizes.

The focus is on creating a clean, family-friendly space for both locals and visitors.

June 1st: A Day of Celebration
Visitors on June 1st can expect a day of entertainment and beachside enjoyment, including:
Food stalls
Beach games
Live entertainment

Family activities

It’s a celebration of community collaboration and the shared goal of preserving local natural spaces