Port Alfred’s beachfront offering received a boost on Friday December 12, with the official launch of the third Ocean Bliss Café kiosk at Kelly’s Beach, a project aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, safety and year-round use of the area.
Speaking at the launch, Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) Chairman Wouter Hensens said the initiative was the result of close engagement with Ndlambe Municipality, which granted permission for the permanent placement of the kiosk at Kelly’s Beach.
“The objective is similar to what we have achieved at East Beach to provide an offering to beach visitors year-round while enhancing safety, cleanliness and the overall appeal of the beach,” Hensens said. “While we appreciate our local hawkers, they do not provide the daily presence that we believe is necessary to deliver a world-class beach experience.”
Hensens explained that SCT purchased and refurbished a container, placed it at the beach site, and issued a tender request via Tourism. Four proposals were received, with Guido’s Co selected following board input and interviews.
“We expect the same benefits we’ve seen at East Beach over the past year: a more pleasant beach experience and increased use of our pristine beaches,” he said. “This enhances Port Alfred’s tourism reputation and should attract more visitors in future.”
The kiosk will operate daily from 6am to 6pm, seven days a week, offering coffee and pastries for early-morning beachgoers, as well as comfort food and beverages throughout the day.
Hensens added that the presence of a well-run business would also contribute to improved bylaw compliance. “We expect a safer, cleaner and more pleasant environment, with litter managed immediately and car guards coordinated in a way that enhances, rather than detracts from, the visitor experience.”
Ndlambe Municipality’s Directorate: Community Protection Services deputy-director Fanie Fouche welcomed the development, noting its importance in the context of the area’s Blue Flag status.
“This year marks 20 years of Blue Flag status for Kelly’s Beach, and over those years there has always been a demand for a facility where people at Kelly’s Beach could get food and refreshments,” Fouche said. “Until now, visitors had to leave the beach to find something to eat or drink.”
He said the municipality was enthusiastic when Sunshine Coast Tourism approached them with the proposal. “We know the operator is already running East Beach, which has been extremely successful and an asset to the area. This facility will enhance both the Blue Flag Beach and public enjoyment.”
Fouche emphasised that the Blue Flag programme stands for safety, enjoyment, cleanliness and accessibility. “With this facility, there is added security and cleanliness, which is a big boost for the municipality and something we have long hoped to achieve.”
Dean van Tonder, co-owner of Guido’s Co, said the expansion to Kelly’s Beach aligned with the company’s focus on creating safe, welcoming spaces for both locals and tourists. “Our goal has always been to offer a consistent, year-round service not only on weekends or during good weather,” he said. “Whether it’s high season, low season or winter, we want to give locals and visitors something to enjoy.”
He added that the kiosk’s presence goes beyond business. “It’s about creating a safe space where people feel comfortable leaving their bicycles, belongings or keys while they swim. It’s about building a better, more enjoyable community space.”
Guido’s Co’s opened their first Ocean Bliss Café next to their main outlet on West Beach. The East Beach café followed and Kelly’s Beach makes the company’s third kiosk.
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This article was first published in Talk of the Town, December 18, 2025. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays
