Pennington reaches finals in Town of the Year competition
Pennington beach on the KZN south coast
Image: Supplied
The coastal town of Pennington, on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, has made it to the finals of the 2025 kykNET Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar (Town of the Year) competition.
The competition celebrates the best towns in the nine provinces across South Africa and Namibia.
The towns must be home to under 500 000 inhabitants. Three KwaZulu-Natal towns, namely Scottburgh, Paulpietersburg and Pennington were nominated.
Tidy Towns Pennington, a community-driven non-profit organisation supported by volunteers and the local community, was responsible for entering the town.
The organisation is committed to restoring public spaces to clean and safe environments.
Apart from earning the title of Dorp van die Jaar, the winning town will receive R1 million from Lottoland to further enhance the region.
Viv Sandwith, chairperson of Tidy Towns NPO said spearheading the project on behalf of Pennington has not only been exciting, but an honour.
“It was easy to celebrate Pennington, as we have so much going on. It’s no wonder holidaymakers keep flocking back to our little dorp to feel the love. Visitors always leave with an emotional attachment to this little town.
“We’re appealing to residents, everyone on the south coast, throughout the province and country, to stand behind us and vote for Pennington. Let's put the KZN south coast on the map. It is the most beautiful part of the country to call home," said Sandwith.
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) saif they were thrilled that the KZN South Coast was getting the recognition it deserved as one of the most inviting regions, with beautiful towns, welcoming communities and natural beauty.
“We’re encouraging everyone to vote for Pennington in the kykNET Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar competition so that we can rightly take up our position as top town in the country," said Sibiya.
Key attractions in Pennington include its blue flag status beaches, tidal pools, golf courses, forest trails and holiday establishments.
Voting opens on Sunday and closes on July 18. SMS ‘Pennington’ to 33157. Cost is R1.50 per SMS.