A report from Overstrand Municipality states that officials are aware of growing concerns about erosion at Stanford Cove in De Kelders near Gansbaai, where sections of grass have been lost, embankments have collapsed, and steps to the beach have been washed away.
The cove is a popular, public open space for residents and visitors, and the municipal officials recognise the need to keep the area safe and accessible.
Recent storms and unusually high seas have caused significant erosion along parts of the Overstrand coastline. As a small ‘pocket beach’, Stanford Cove naturally experiences the sand’s movement within the area. Storms can shift sand away from sections of the beach and upper shoreline, while some sand may return under calmer conditions.
To assess possible solutions, the municipality requested advice from the Western Cape Government’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP). Its Coastal Management team inspected the site on 29 July and subsequently advised that the situation did not constitute an emergency and posed no immediate risk to life.
The municipality will therefore not mechanically reshape the beach or place rocks as an erosion-control measure at this stage. Such interventions could disrupt the natural movement of sand and potentially worsen erosion elsewhere in the cove.
For safety reasons, the damaged staircase and eroded paths have been closed and barricaded. The beach remains accessible via four to five other access points from the grassed area.
The damaged staircase will not necessarily be rebuilt in its current position. If replacement access is required, the municipality will investigate alternatives better suited to the coastal environment and natural movement of sand.
The municipality’s Environmental and Conservation Division, with the Infrastructure and Community Services Directorates, will monitor the site and assess:
the stability and safety of the eroded embankment
safe and sustainable beach access
options for restoring vegetation and retaining sand
the impact of stormwater flowing towards the beach, and
longer-term rehabilitation options.
Any future work involving sand movement, earthworks, rock placement or other coastal stabilisation measures will be discussed with the relevant environmental authorities to determine whether environmental authorisation or other approvals are required.
Residents are urged to keep away from steep or potentially unstable areas and obey temporary barriers and warning signs.
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