Coastal Flavours Festival to illuminate KZN's seafood heritage
DIRECTOR of Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival Phindile Zulu with crates full of sardines at Umkomaas Beach during the launch of the festival.
Image: Supplied
THE KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is set to become a vibrant hub of activity next month as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) hosts the highly anticipated Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival.
Taking place on the shores of St Michael's Beach in Margate, the one-day event on July 26, will celebrate KZN's seafood industry hot on the heels of the annual Sardine Run, promising an exciting day out for families.
The festival will be officially launched by Deputy Minister Narend Singh, who will welcome attendees to this year’s festivities. The lead-up to the festival has already begun with community build-up activities at eMkhomazi, where Singh was joined by festival coordinator and public relations specialist Phindile Zulu, along with local leaders.
Together, they witnessed the Sardine Run make a spectacular entrance this week, surprising many with its scale and intensity along the coastline from Port Edward to Amanzimtoti. The natural spectacle has transformed the region into a true theatre of marine drama.
Following the festival's guiding ethos, Zulu emphasised that, "Coastal Flavours aims to bring communities together around fishing, tourism, and job creation. By aligning with the Sardine Run, we celebrate our coastal heritage while driving sustainable livelihoods.”
This sentiment echoes the DFFE's broader commitment to responsible fishing practices and economic growth through its ‘Fishing for Freedom’ campaign."
"We are proud to endorse an event that honours our fishermen, engages families, and highlights the vital role of seafood in nutrition and coastal prosperity," said Singh.
DEPUTY Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh at Umkomaas Beach on the South Coast during the sardine run last weekend where the Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival was launched.
Image: Supplied
This festival will not only be a celebration of seafood culture but also includes a family fun run and walk along the beach, allowing participants to choose between a challenging 10 km run or a leisurely 5 km walk. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with renowned chefs who will showcase sustainable harvesting techniques and educate on the health benefits of various fish species, including small but mighty sardines and other linefish.
Food demonstrations and training sessions will also form a significant part of the proceedings, alongside a special kiddies cooking competition designed for children aged 8-12. Local vendors are encouraged to showcase their culinary and artisan goods, providing a platform for community entrepreneurship. The festival organisers promise to announce an exciting lineup of entertainment and DJ acts in the lead-up to the event, ensuring a lively atmosphere for all.
With its focus on sustainability and community engagement, the Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival promises not only to entertain but to educate and uplift local economies, reaffirming the region's commitment to preserving its rich coastal heritage for generations to come.