NO cameras will be allowed on the nudist beach, Hibiscus Coast Municipality spokesman Simon Soboyisa-April said at a media briefing, held the HCM council chambers on Tuesday.

He added that the official opening of the beach would take some time. “The municipality has met with the KwaZulu-Natal Naturist Association where it was discussed that some by-laws would have to be promulgated before the opening of the beach,” said Mr Soboyisa-April.

“Naturists said they would feel safer if there was a code of conduct on how to use the beach. For example no cameras should be allowed on the beach,” he explained.

He also added that because the South Coast was a tourist destination, it was important that there were ablution facilities and proper signage to inform beachgoers that they were entering a naturist-friendly area.

Mr Soboyisa-April said this could take some time as this project had not been budgeted for in this financial year.

“The naturist association has also volunteered to assist the municipality financially with the construction of the beach utilities,” he said.

He added that this could take more than a year.

To address the KwaNzimakwe community’s concerns over the nudist beach, HCM has planned to meet with Nkosi Bhekiziziwe Nzimakwe.

“HCM is planning on meeting with the royal family, so that they can show us where the grave is,” explained Mr Soboyisa-April. “The municipality will try to find ways of closing off the grave from the beach.”

Municipal manager Max Mbili said that the municipality was aware that some people were still not happy with the decision taken by HCM council.

“If people want to consult the municipality on this issue, our doors are still open. We are ready to meet with community leaders, to listen to their grievances and explain the reasons why the municipality took such a decision,” he concluded.