Wording – Chrissie Johnson
Once boasting magnificent swimming beaches and an easily navigable Kromme River, St Francis Bay has attracted holidaymakers since the late 1950’s. However, over the past few decades the east facing beaches of St Francis Bay have been subject to erosion which has resulted in many areas of this coastline having very little beach left and often none at high tide.
The cause lies in reduced sand movement after the stabilisation of the dune system between Grannies Pool and Port St Francis Harbour. Without the natural flow of wind-driven sand, the coastline has been left vulnerable. This erosion has also placed both the ‘spit’, which protects the now highly sought after properties positioned along the Canals area, as well as many ocean-fronting properties in this area at serious risk of wave damage and flooding.
Recognising the seriousness of this “at risk” situation the St Francis Property Owners Non-Profit Company (SFPO NPC) began working on a coastal protection scheme over nine years ago. Their aim: to restore the town’s beaches, safeguard the shoreline, and protect the homes, roads, and natural assets that make this place unique. With input from international coastal engineers, environmental specialists, residents, and board riders, the groundwork was laid for one of the most ambitious community-driven shoreline protection projects in South Africa.
In August 2025, the vision became reality. The project combines two key interventions: the phased construction of six rock groynes along the shoreline from the Kromme River Mouth to Main Beach, and a programme of beach nourishment using sand dredged from the river. Extensive modelling of wind, wave, and sand movement plus many other scientific aspects were utilised obtain a holistic overview of the shoreline area and to determine the determined the precise design and positioning of these structures.
The first phase — now underway — includes three groynes, with R120 million already raised from community levies and donations. Additionally, WBHO Construction, who were awarded the contract for the transport of rock and the groynes construction, delivered competitive pricing that ensured the project could move ahead and the community could benefit from the outcome. Funding is ongoing to raise a further R 60 million for the additional three groynes to be constructed.
The positioning of the first groyne is at the end of Laura Avenue, by Main Beach, whilst the other two are positioned at the Southern and Northern ends of the “Spit”. According to Craig Northward (a civil engineer, a resident in St Francis Bay and a director of St Francis Property Owners Non-Profit Company (SFPO NPC) who is overseeing the Groyne Construction process, 4.5 km of pipelines have also been installed so sand that is being dredged in the Kromme River can be pumped through these pipes to carry out the beach nourishment process.
First Groyne Under Construction at end of Laura Avenue
The first groyne currently under construction will extend 177 m out to sea and will include rock armour revetments to deliver comprehensive protection against wave action. Once complete this groyne will have a width of 6metres and will sit above water (except in excessive storm conditions). “Its purpose” emphasizes Northward “ is to protect the coastline. It will not be open for public access. For the first three groynes, it is expected that in the region of 100,000 tonnes of rock will be used. The lengths of the groynes will differ as will their orientation and their lengths will be 177m, 240m and 200m respectively”.
This dual approach — groynes and nourishment — is designed not only to restore the beauty and usability of St Francis Bay’s beaches, but also to secure long-term coastal stability, recreation, and economic resilience.
Once Main Beach has been nourished, it is expected to be 50 metres wide at high tide — creating a natural buffer that protects homes, roads, and community spaces. To ensure this investment is sustainable, the purpose-built dredger will remain in the Kromme River to carry out ongoing sand replenishment as needed. Research also shows the groynes and dredging will restore the river’s tidal flow, shifting movement back from the Canals to the Kromme River itself.
The Spit area being protected by rocks from sea erosion. This spit protects the homes on the canal side from flooding.
Pipes that will carry sand from the Kromme River to nourish the beaches
The SFPO NPC’s vision, dedication, and tireless effort show what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Their foresight has transformed a crisis into a pioneering model of coastal protection. By leading with unity, determination, and care, St Francis Bay is not only safeguarding its own future but also lighting the way for other coastal towns facing similar challenges.
To keep updated and for additional background information go to: www.stfrancispropertyowners.com