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Is Sandy Bay still a nudist beach? New signs spark debate in Cape Town

New signage at Cape Town's Sandy Bay has reignited debate over whether the beach should remain clothing-optional, with a naturist advocate calling for authorities to address sexual misconduct without criminalising nudity.

Marthinus Pretorius, who has long campaigned for Sandy Bay to be officially recognised as a nudist beach, said he is in consultation with authorities but believes the process is not making progress.

The signs along the walkway from the Llandudno parking area to Sandy Bay state: “No nudity and/or sexual misconduct in any public space, including the beaches and pathways.”

They also warn that fines will be issued in terms of Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act and that the area is under surveillance, including drones.

RELATED: The naked truth — Sandy Bay not a naturist beach, says SANParks

University of Tasmania walks away from plans to move entirely from Sandy Bay into central Hobart

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) has walked away from its plans to move entirely into Hobart's central business district, announcing plans to build a new state-of-the-art science and mathematics facility at its current Sandy Bay campus.

In an email to staff, University vice-chancellor, Professor Rufus Black, announced a new $500 million science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) facility would be built at the existing Sandy Bay campus, and two inner city sites will be sold.

Professor Black said the university's plans for the future revolved around campus sites in the state's south "providing students with experiences built around the best the city has to offer".

He said the plan was "contingent on securing support and significant government funding".

The four sites would be:

• A new STEM campus at Sandy Bay, requiring a complete retrofit of some existing buildings and adding some new ones.
• A city campus built around the existing medical sciences and creative arts building, plus the old Forestry building, which would be home to the schools of Business and Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences.
• A historic campus on Hobart's Queens Domain, featuring the university's…

Campaign for Cape Town’s Sandy Bay to Be Officially Recognised as Nudist Beach

Sandy Bay in Cape Town is known internationally as a gay-friendly nudist beach and meeting spot. (Photo: Craig Millan)

A growing campaign is calling for Cape Town’s Sandy Bay, long regarded as a gay-friendly nudist beach, to be formally recognised and regulated as an official naturist space.

The call comes amid renewed public debate sparked by a discussion on CapeTalk, which prompted SANParks to clarify its position on the use of the beach.

SANParks: No Official Nudist Status

In its statement, SANParks confirmed that “Sandy Bay Beach forms part of Table Mountain National Park and is not, and has not been, formally designated as a naturist beach.”

The agency added that it had recently engaged with stakeholders, including the City of Cape Town and law enforcement, following concerns about unlawful activities in the area.

“SANParks rangers have not been instructed to harass visitors,” the organisation said. “Their role is to conduct routine patrols and ensure compliance with applicable legislation and park regulations in order to maintain a safe and lawful environment for all visitors.”

SANParks also revealed that new signage is being developed and is currently under legal review. “The signage will clarify the rules applicable to the site…