A popular Mossel Bay beach remains closed as authorities respond to serious coastal erosion that has left parts of its dunes unstable.
Diaz Beach, Mossel Bay/By: Roger de la Harpe/Gallo Images ROOTS RF collection
The Western Cape Government and Mossel Bay Municipality have agreed to an urgent, temporary intervention at Diaz Beach, where geotextile sandbags will be used to help stabilise vulnerable sections of the dune.
The move is intended to reduce the immediate risk of further dune collapse and protect nearby properties, infrastructure and members of the public.
Why is Diaz Beach being stabilised?
Severe erosion has affected sections of the dune at Diaz Beach, creating safety concerns along the beachfront.
A geotechnical assessment commissioned by Mossel Bay Municipality found that parts of the dune slope are unstable and vulnerable to further localised erosion. The municipality has warned visitors to stay away from the closed section, unstable dune slopes and exposed infrastructure.
The beach was closed earlier this year following damage to the dunes and access infrastructure.
The latest intervention will see geotextile sandbags used to reinforce vulnerable areas and reduce the immediate risk of further collapse.
The beach remains closed
Despite the emergency work, Diaz Beach is not yet open to the public.
Visitors are being urged not to bypass barriers or enter restricted areas while the dune remains unstable. The municipality says the beach will remain closed until it is considered safe.
Travellers planning a trip to Mossel Bay can still visit the town and its surrounding attractions, but should check local notices before heading to Diaz Beach.
Sandbags are only a temporary solution
The sandbags are not intended to solve the erosion problem permanently.
The Western Cape Government has stressed that coastal protection measures can interfere with the natural movement of sand between dunes, beaches and the nearshore environment. If poorly designed or managed, they can contribute to further erosion, beach narrowing and the loss of beach space.
A Basic Assessment process is already underway to determine the most appropriate long-term solution for Diaz Beach.
This could include sand replenishment, while the temporary sandbags could eventually be removed depending on the outcome of the environmental assessment.
A longer-term solution is still needed
The latest agreement follows months of efforts by Mossel Bay Municipality to find an urgent way to stabilise the damaged dunes.
The municipality had previously sought permission to install the geotextile sandbags, with its applications initially rejected by the provincial environmental department. It subsequently pursued an appeal and urgent legal action as concerns about the condition of the dunes continued.
Authorities have now agreed that the sandbags can be used as an interim measure while the longer-term coastal management plan is developed.
Diaz Beach remains closed, and visitors should stay away from unstable dunes and restricted areas until an official reopening is announced.
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