The Umhlanga Main Beach and Bronze Beach have officially reopened after a temporary closure due to the discovery of mysterious solid particles mixed with beach sand. The unidentified “balls” found on the beaches raised concerns among residents, who speculated that they could be human or animal waste.
Following reports on social media, the eThekwini Municipality launched an investigation into the matter. The city’s scientific services team conducted laboratory analysis and determined that the solid particles were fats, likely originating from food establishments. Efforts are now underway to trace the source of the deposits.
As a precautionary measure, the beaches were closed while the investigation unfolded. The pollution and environment department collected water samples and the mysterious particles for testing. Preliminary results show very low faecal contamination in samples taken from both beaches on January 7.
Beach clean-up operations are currently in progress to remove the fatty particles from the sand. While 21 beaches remain open and safe for swimming, Anstey’s Beach and Country Club Beach are temporarily closed for maintenance at the Wastewater Treatment Works.
The eThekwini Municipality is committed to ensuring the safety and cleanliness of its beaches for residents and visitors. The swift response to the discovery of the “balls” demonstrates the city’s dedication to maintaining the environmental integrity of its coastal areas. Beachgoers can now enjoy the pristine shores of Umhlanga Main Beach and Bronze Beach once again.
