Another kind of Brenton blue

KNYSNA NEWS - Met with much glee by members of the community, Knysna Municipality officially launched the Blue Flag at its flagship Brenton beach for the 2019/20 season.

The launch marked the fourth consecutive year that Brenton-on-Sea beach achieved this international benchmark for top-class beaches.

The Blue Flag accreditation has been in operation internationally since 1987 with more than 47 countries participating in the programme comprising almost 4 300 Blue Flag beaches, boats and marinas around the world. South Africa was the first country outside Europe to be granted this status and the programme has been managed locally by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) since 2001.

Photo gallery: Blue flag for Brenton beach

Brenton first received its Blue Flag status in the 2016/17 season, and has since not wavered from the high standard at which it is maintained. According to municipal environmental manager Pam Booth, this has been largely due to a collaborative effort from a few parties. "This is a big achievement that is the product of the efforts of so many people," said Booth while speaking at the launch on Friday 6 December.

She began her address by thanking and commending the efforts of the municipality's environmental department, before going on to offer high praise for the efforts of the Brenton community, as well as SA National Parks (Sanparks). "The community has really made this project their own, and year-on-year ensured the beach is held to a high standard, with a lot of assistance from Sanparks."

Judy Harrison of the Brenton Ratepayers' Association beamed with pride for what the community has achieved, while also singing high praises for Sanparks members who have "played a big role in helping us keep the beach at the level it is". "But I think the efforts of the residents have been immense, and we will continue to take ownership of our area," she added.

The ceremony concluded with the raising of the Blue Flag flag atop the hill above Brenton beach by deputy mayor Aubrey Tsengwa and Ward 5 councillor Hilton Stroebel.

Deputy mayor Aubrey Tsengwa raises the Blue Flag flag at Brenton. Photo: Blake Linder