Holidaymakers hit with R250 fee at Port St Johns’ Second Beach

The family thought nothing of the congestion until they noticed vehicles ahead of them being turned away. It was only when they reached the traffic officers that they realised access to the beach came at a cost. “I have frequented the beach over the years and was never asked to pay.

I was shocked when I learnt I had to pay R250 to access the beach. This is an unnecessary and unfair financial burden,” Jakavula said. In response to growing complaints, the OR Tambo district municipality clarified the fee is a vehicle access permit for Port St Johns’ Second Beach and was introduced as a safety measure, not a tax on residents or visitors.

According to the municipality, the permit costs R250 per vehicle, is valid for the entire day and is not charged per person. Payments are made exclusively at the municipal town hall to authorised municipal finance officials, with all revenue accruing to the municipality. No other individuals are permitted to collect money.

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To strengthen safety, the municipality activated a joint operations committee and deployed lifeguards, traffic officers, security personnel, street patrollers and police members “To strengthen safety, the municipality activated a joint operations committee and deployed lifeguards, traffic officers, security personnel, street patrollers and police members,” the municipality said. It said festive season operations have led to the confiscation of prohibited weapons and illegal substances, highlighting the need for structured access control. Second Beach has only 93 designated parking bays.

Visitors who are unable or unwilling to pay are directed to a secured alternative parking area at the sports ground, where transport access and security are provided. The municipality said hawkers are allowed to operate only in demarcated areas and must hold valid permits. For the New Year period, additional personnel and expanded public works programme workers have been deployed to strengthen beach operations and maintain cleanliness.

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