While social media is being filled with alarming posts, the reality on the South Coast looks very different: clean beaches, open shops and a region determined not to be defined by one storm.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (23 December 2025) – When heavy rain falls, it often brings more than water. It brings worry, uncertainty and, sometimes, headlines that move faster than the truth. Over the past few days, South Africa has watched images and videos circulate about flooding along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, sparking concern just as the festive season hits its stride. But what has been missing from much of that conversation is the full picture, and it is far more hopeful than the doom scrolling suggests.
Yes, the rain was intense. Sunday delivered a proper downpour and some areas experienced localised flooding. But by Monday morning, something familiar and quietly powerful happened. The South Coast community showed up.
From Shelly Beach to Margate, residents, business owners, staff and volunteers rolled up their sleeves. Beaches were cleaned. Shopping centres reopened. Roads were cleared. Holidaymakers were welcomed back with smiles and a sense of calm determination.
The South Coast did what it has always done in moments like these… it rallied together.
Stephen Herbst and Scott Kvalsvig, who run the community-driven initiative Tidy Towns Shelly to Margate, have been sharing real-time updates, backed by photos and videos, showing exactly what is happening on the ground. Clean beaches. Open businesses. A coastline very much alive and ready for visitors. His updates have cut through the noise, offering reassurance rooted in reality rather than speculation.
Speaking to Good Things Guy, Stephen explained that the rains were hectic, over 100mm in just a few hours with gale-force winds, and yes, a few homes and businesses were impacted. But in true South African spirit, the response was incredible.
“Like our Springbok Bomb Squad, communities from Shelly Beach through to Southbroom jumped straight into action. Local heroes, business owners, residents, visitors… everyone pitched in to clean beaches and clear debris quickly so we’re ready to welcome our holidaymakers.”
“Tourism is vital to us, so we move fast and together. That’s why it’s disappointing to see some reports sensationalising the situation and warning people away, it’s really far from the reality on the ground. The area is open, resilient, and very much ready for visitors. A bit of rain won’t dampen our spirits.”
That message has been echoed by FEDHASA KwaZulu-Natal, which released a statement confirming that the South Coast remains open for business and welcoming both new and returning visitors.
According to the association, while the brief weather event caused localised flooding late on Sunday afternoon, swift action and strong collaboration meant that the majority of affected businesses were operational again by midday on Monday. FEDHASA also raised concerns about outdated and misleading footage from the 2024 floods being shared online and incorrectly presented as current.
Brett Tungay, National Chairperson of FEDHASA, summed it up clearly, “What continues to define the South Coast is not disruption but resilience and the spirit of the South Coast communities. Once again, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, its Disaster and Crisis Management teams, tourism businesses, community organisations, and residents worked side by side to respond swiftly and responsibly. We applaud this collective effort, ensuring that recovery was fast, disruption was minimal, and visitors could continue to enjoy their holidays with confidence.”
Speaking to Good Things Guy, Brett reiterated that some images and videos being shared on social media are incredibly misleading.
“We are concerned that outdated and misleading images and videos from the 2024 floods are currently being shared on social media and inaccurately presented as footage from this week’s weather event. This misinformation is creating unnecessary stress and anxiety for tourists who have planned visits to the South Coast during an already busy holiday period.”
On social media, locals and visitors alike have been quick to set the record straight.
“We had a lot of rain, as you can see in some photos. It’s true. But the community really jumped in and cleaned the beaches. The staff, security, and tenants have helped to clean the Shelly Centre and South Coast Mall. You wouldn’t say we had rain, how quickly people cleaned every beach and shopping centre. No need to run away. Come and enjoy our beautiful South Coast.”
“We are in Margate now and I can promise you it’s not as bad as the media makes it. Yes, there was heavy rain and a little bit of damage, but the beaches are already cleaned and reopened, local businesses are in full operation, and everyone is just a lekker vibe.”
“Never spoil a good story with facts. Unfortunately. We had heavy rains, but not much damage. Tidy Towns Shelly Beach to Margate for updates.”
The South Coast is not pretending the rain didn’t happen. It did. But it also isn’t letting one weather event define an entire region, its people or its festive season. What defines this stretch of coastline right now is community, quick action and a shared commitment to welcoming visitors with open arms.
So if you are packing your bags, checking the weather and wondering whether to change your plans, know this: the beaches are being enjoyed, the shops are open, the coffee is hot and the ocean is still doing what it does best.
The South Coast is ready, resilient and very much open for business.
by 