Alarming concerns about neglect and inadequate funding have been raised by eThekwini councillor Ngiphiwe Xulu regarding the uShaka Beach lifeguard station in Durban.

Xulu highlighted that essential equipment and facilities at the station are suffering from insufficient financial support.

 Following complaints from lifeguards, Xulu raised concerns at a council meeting about the alarming state of the uShaka Beach lifeguard station.

A recent inspection, she noted, revealed visible signs of neglect, including substandard facilities and outdated equipment, negatively affecting the municipal lifeguards.

“They perform critical life-saving duties. The station displays visible signs of neglect, including outdated equipment and substandard facilities. These conditions raise serious concerns regarding public safety and the municipality’s duty of care toward employees in high-risk positions,” she said. 

Xulu, directing inquiries to the municipality’s recreation and parks directorate, requested details on the budget designated for lifeguards and the number of current vacancies within the lifeguard staff.

“There is no dedicated budget for uShaka Beach. The budget for central beaches falls under a total of R1.7 million allocated for maintenance,” the municipality stated. 

It explained that uShaka Beach was originally intended to be a pilot beach, which is why there is no permanent structure. Before 2010, when Addington Beach was being developed and prepared for the 2010 World Cup, staff from Addington were temporarily relocated to uShaka Beach.

The municipality explained that they did not return to Addington Beach afterward, as the beach had become too busy and popular to close.

Additionally, no dedicated funding was allocated for staff at uShaka Beach. The whole coastal region, northern, central, and southern beaches, is manned by 122 lifeguards and 16 senior lifeguards, and there are 15 vacant positions.

Xulu was also curious about equipment audit timelines and if there were outstanding requisitions for equipment or repairs.

The municipality explained that line management audits are conducted at least every four months and are also undertaken in preparation for each busy holiday season. 

“However, the available budget remains constrained. At this stage, any additional funding would be appreciated to address deficiencies such as facilities, power craft, and lifesaving equipment. Due to harsh sea conditions, the equipment and facilities are prone to corrosion and therefore require regular maintenance.” 

According to the municipality, the Supply Chain Management (SCM) has implemented changes in Supplier Self Service (SSS) quotations, which sometimes cause delays in repairs and maintenance. 

Beach equipment repairs are estimated at R30,000 for boats. Additional budget is required or budget reprioritisation.

The municipality stated that Central beaches, including Ushaka Beach, have jet skis, Malibu boards, rescue skis, and quadbikes. 

“Most of the equipment is in poor condition due to prolonged exposure to the sea and various weather conditions,” it said. 

Xulu was also concerned about lifeguard uniforms, which could not be purchased within budget. The municipality is working with SCM to secure a three-year contract for the supply of lifeguard uniforms. 

The municipality explained that because uShaka station is a park home, it is still a temporary facility that is situated below promenade level.

“Toilets and change rooms cannot be installed because the sewage cannot be pumped up to the promenade level. This beach has been open since 2009; therefore, an arrangement was made with uShaka Marine to accommodate patrons, while our internal staff continue to use the ablution facilities at Addington Beach,” the municipality stated in response to Xulu’s concerns about ablution facilities.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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