The eThekwini Municipality has placed the safety of visitors, residents and churchgoers at the centre of its Easter holiday preparations, rolling out an integrated law enforcement plan to ensure a safe and peaceful period.
The city confirmed that the plan brings together multiple agencies, including Metro Police, the South African Police Service, private security, the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate, Home Affairs and Customs.
In a statement on the municipality’s plans for Easter holiday, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba announced that more than 1 000 officers will be deployed across the municipality, maintaining 24-hour patrols at key hotspots such as beaches, entertainment areas and major routes.
Freeway patrols have also been increased to address pedestrian safety and will intensify enforcement on public transport to remove unroadworthy vehicles.
“Over 20 multidisciplinary roadblocks will be conducted during this period, focusing on all forms of crime, including drinking and driving,” Xaba said, adding that safety awareness campaigns will be conducted at taxi ranks in partnership with the taxi industry.
With thousands expected to attend Easter services, law enforcement agencies will closely monitor religious gatherings across the city, including a Good Friday service hosted in partnership with the Diakonia Council of Churches on Friday, 3 April 2026.
“Police will assist with crowd management and traffic control, while shopping centres and tourism sites will also be monitored to ensure the safety of patrons,” Xaba said.
Beaches open and safe
Xaba confirmed that all 23 bathing beaches are open and safe for swimming, following ongoing investment in sanitation infrastructure to improve water quality.
More than R1.2 billion has been allocated toward upgrading sewer networks, pump stations and wastewater treatment works to reduce pollution and prevent contamination of rivers and beaches.
Water quality testing has been intensified during the holiday period, with weekly assessments conducted and results shared publicly to ensure transparency.
“To ensure the safety of bathers, the municipality will deploy 200 lifeguards along the coastline from 6am to 6pm daily. We urge beachgoers to cooperate with lifeguards by swimming in designated areas and avoiding swimming under the influence of alcohol,” Xaba said.
The municipality also assured residents and visitors of a reliable water supply despite increased demand during the holiday season.
Officials said recent repairs to the Nagle Dam aqueduct system have stabilised supply to the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works, with inflows and outflows now at normal levels.
The planned shutdown of the Southern Aqueduct for pipeline upgrades is not expected to disrupt water availability over the Easter period. – SAnews.gov.za
