Mdumbi, a small coastal community under the Nyandeni Local Municipality in Ngqeleni, has renewed efforts to protect the Mdumbi estuary — a vital source of food, income and tourism for local families. The estuary, known for its calm waters, rich marine life and natural beauty, sustains residents who fish, gather seafood and rely on tourist visits for business. As traveller numbers grow each year, the community is working to keep the estuary clean, healthy and able to support the livelihoods built around it.
It attracts visitors, supports small fishers and allows many families to earn an income from selling fresh fish, oysters and other seafood. Local tourism operators also depend on a clean and welcoming environment. But heavy floods earlier in 2025 washed waste into the river and along the shoreline, highlighting how quickly pollution can threaten the area.
Community member and small business owner Moyisile Simayile, 56, said the condition of the estuary directly affected local livelihoods. “We rely on this coastline to support our families,” he said. “When the area is clean, tourists come, businesses improve, and we can earn an income with dignity.
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The cleanup helps us protect what feeds us,” he said. We are really happy that the municipality is finally taking us and our land into consideration, especially now during the festive season when so many tourists visit our beach Another resident, Notshana Gxala, said the community understood the value of maintaining the coastline.
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