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There’s no better place than winter on the KZN South Coast – with the warm days, Blue Flag beaches, and Sardine Run action. And, this year, visitors and food lovers are in for an even bigger treat with the launch of the Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival taking place at St Michael’s Beach on Saturday, 26 July.

“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.”

The festival celebrates the deep-rooted fishing heritage of this region in support of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s ‘Fishing for Freedom’ campaign. Designed to immerse visitors in South Africa’s vibrant marine culinary culture while promoting regional seafood excellence at St Michael’s Beach, this inaugural edition in the KZN South Coast is one of two such festivals taking place – the other being Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape.

Gastronomy Workshop

As part of the build-up to the highly anticipated Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival, there will be a Gastronomy Workshop taking place on Friday, 25 July at Kayla-Ann’s Restaurant in Pennington. This exclusive culinary training session will see over 200 aspiring young chefs from across KwaZulu-Natal mentored by some of South Africa’s most dynamic culinary leaders.

Themed Gastronomy for Growth, the session will cover topics such as:

• Monetising your culinary talent
• Creating a distinctive food brand
• Sustainability and innovation in seafood
• The art of food and drink pairing

The workshop brings together a powerhouse lineup of chefs who are making waves in the gastronomic world. These include:

• Chef Kayla Osborn: Founder of Kayla-Ann’s and culinary mentor
• Chef Lungi Nhlanhla of Lungi’s Corner, known for her bold African flavours
• Chef Thamsanqa Dlamini: Founder of Chef Thami Kitchen Studio and a champion of modern       township cuisine
• Ndumiso Mncwabe: The innovative mixologist behind Bars Equipped and South Africa’s leading liquid chef

This initiative, part of the Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival build-up, is aimed at empowering the next generation of culinary professionals with practical skills, industry insight, and entrepreneurial know-how. It reflects the festival’s broader mission to celebrate local seafood, drive economic development, and nurture home-grown talent.

“This is more than a training session; it’s a platform to ignite passion, purpose, and possibility in our youth,” said Phindile Zulu, Festival Director. “We’re proud to have curated a lineup of chefs who not only inspire with their craft but also lead with heart.”

Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival

The Gastronomy Workshop sets the tone for the main event on Saturday, 26 July at St Michael’s Beach. The Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival is proudly supported by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. Visitors can look forward to a number of festival activities, including:

• Seafood Cooking Demonstrations
• Seafood Cookout with Celebrity Chefs
• Seafood Market & Artisanal Stalls
• Restaurant Showcase & Tasting Experiences
• Junior Cookout Competition
• A Family Fun Walk
• Live Music & Entertainment
• Beach Sports & Outdoor Activities

Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival Details

Date: 26 July 2025
Venue: St Michael’s Beach, KZN South Coast
Tickets: @TicketPro R100 for adults, R20 for kids and R950 for a seafood brunch. Food stalls available for all.
Contact: Phindile Zulu on 083 722 7317 | hello@coastalseafoodfest.co.za| Instagram: hello@coastalflavoursseafoodfest.co.za or visit www.coastalseafoodfest.co.za

Unlock Adventure on the KZN South Coast

The KZN South Coast is a premier beach destination offering a diverse array of tourism experiences. With the most Blue Flag beaches and tidal pools in the province, it’s perfect for seaside relaxation, while world-class dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks provide thrilling marine adventures alongside deep-sea fishing. The region is a golfer’s paradise, featuring 11 top-quality courses and welcoming clubhouses.

Unlock adventure on the KZN South Coast with hiking, mountain biking, 4x4 trails, and extreme sports like ziplining and gorge swinging in the scenic hinterland. Nature lovers can explore vast reserves and the Wellness Way Route, while cultural and heritage attractions include township tours, the Mission Tourism Route, and many hiking excursions.

Agri-tourism flourishes with farm visits and rural outings, and motorsport enthusiasts can head to Dezzi Raceway for high-octane action. The area also supports business tourism and event hosting with great MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) facilities in a breathtaking coastal setting.

Get in Touch!

Unlock adventure on the KZN South Coast! Unlock more by downloading the Explore KZN South Coast app, visiting the KZN South Coast website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.

Follow the hashtags #unlockmore #unlockadventure