First-Ever Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival
We hosted the inaugural Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival at St Michael’s Beach on 26 July 2025, celebrating the region’s rich fishing heritage, marine cuisine, and ocean economy. Supported by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, the festival featured:
• Seafood cooking demonstrations and cookouts with celebrity chefs
• Restaurant showcases and tasting experiences
• Junior cookout competitions
• Seafood markets and artisanal stalls
• Live music, entertainment, and beach sports
• A family fun walk
The Gastronomy Workshop, on 25 July at Kayla-Ann’s Restaurant in Pennington, empowered over 200 young chefs with culinary skills, branding insights, and sustainable seafood practices. Renowned South African chefs, including Kayla Osborn, Lungi Nhlanhla, Thamsanqa Dlamini, and Ndumiso Mncwabe, provided mentorship and practical training, nurturing the next generation of culinary talent.
Together, the festival and workshop delivered significant economic and promotional benefits for the local tourism industry by driving visitor numbers, supporting local businesses.
