Latest news with #CoastalSeafoodFlavoursFestival
The Citizen
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Seafood fest at St Mike's Beach highlights ocean's offerings
As chefs living on the South Coast, we must know how to prepare seafood well. This was a sentiment shared by Chef Thami Dlamini of Chef Thami Kitchen Studios at the Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival held at St Mike's Beach last Saturday. Dlamini said that, as people who come from a background where canned fish was the only type of seafood they were exposed to, it was important to learn about seafood. 'It is important for chefs to know how to prepare fish. It is healthy and does not take long to prepare. I always motivate youngsters that there is more to this industry. You can be a chef with a restaurant, cook for private clients, or be a chef who consults,' he said. The Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival was led by the deputy minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Narend Singh. Singh said he wanted South Coasters to take advantage of the sardine run. 'The sardine run is dubbed as the greatest shoal on earth, but I do not think all our people are getting benefit from it. I am very pleased that a certain gentleman with over 50 years of experience in netting sardines spoke on how fisherfolk can benefit from the sardine run. Not only catching sardines on the shore, but going out to sea. It is an expensive exercise because you require boats and nets,' he said. He added that with the help of other departments, they hope that in the next two years, local communities will have a way to make a living from the sardine run. The deputy minister said the Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival was to highlight the ocean's offerings. 'But more emphasis today was on meeting fishing cooperatives that were established years ago and were granted fishing rights for 15 years. Many of these cooperatives are not operating efficiently because of challenges such lack of finance. Ten of them from Ugu and eThekwini were present,' he said. Singh added that his department will engage with their partners in government and private sectors to assist these cooperatives. 'Because forming the cooperatives and giving them these permits is one thing, but I would like to see them benefit economically from the enterprises they run,' he said. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
The South African
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
KZN South Coast to host first Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival
The KZN South Coast is set to launch its first-ever Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival at St Michael's Beach on Saturday, 26 July 2025. The festival honours the region's rich fishing heritage and supports the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's (DFFE) 'Fishing for Freedom' campaign. Visitors can expect an immersive experience celebrating South Africa's marine culinary culture, with a spotlight on regional seafood excellence. 'We are delighted to expand our tourism offerings with this exciting new festival that celebrates the flavours, natural wonder, and people of the KZN South Coast,' commented Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). 'This is a family-friendly event that will unlock the incredible potential of our seafood tourism, while introducing visitors to all the natural assets and outdoor adventure the KZN South Coast has to offer.' Sibiya added. Backed by the DFFE and the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the seafood festival is one of two such events taking place in the country, the other being in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, later on this year. At its heart, the Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival is about showcasing South Africa's vibrant marine food culture and elevating local seafood tourism. Festivalgoers can expect a packed program blending food, fun, and beach vibes: Seafood cooking demos Celebrity chef cookouts Local seafood market and artisanal stalls Restaurant tastings and showcases Junior cookout competition Family fun walk Live music and entertainment Beach sports and outdoor adventures Date: Saturday, 26 July 2025 Venue: St Michael's Beach, KZN South Coast Tickets: Adults: R100 Kids: R20 Seafood Brunch: R950 (Tickets available via TicketPro. A variety of food stalls will also be on-site.) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
