10 Year Birthday Bash

KZNNA’S 10th Anniversary Bash

By Graeme Mackenzie
KZNNA is a regional naturist association, a shorthand description for a “non-landed”, travel club for like-minded people. Essentially a bunch of people from a broad cross-section of society who all enjoy socializing in the nude.
KZN stretches from a sandy coast, through the sleepy midlands to the mighty Drakensberg, but prior to 2014 no organized attempt had been made to exploit the many nudist opportunities offered by the region. Although a group of pioneers sometimes played hide and seek with Municipal Police at the uMhlanga lagoon, the venue was unsuitable, increasingly overlooked and the weather unpredictable.
Organized naturism came to SA with the formation of the Western Cape Naturist Association in 2012, followed in short order by the Gauteng Naturist Association. At the time, Gauteng alone hosted a well-established full-time naturist resort, SunEden and Lofty Lutge then GNA chairman and SunEden resident persuaded two KZN couples, who were regular visitors to set-up a regional naturist association in KZN.
Christo, Lana, Bertus and Marietjie accepted the challenge and organized the inaugural event at the Hooting Owl Resort in Marina Beach, on 14 February 2014, followed by the first AGM on 10 May at the same venue.

At the initial AGM, which was attended by 17 members the focus was very much on securing the legal status of the nearby Mpenjathi Beach. At the time the local authorities and residents were smarting from the decline in tourism caused by the relocation of the nearby international airport from the South Coast to the North Coast and were said to be open to the idea of hosting SA’s first legal nude beach.

Unfortunately, this initial confidence proved misplaced as the opposition soon emerged, attracted by the inevitable publicity. Thankfully, the story of Mpenjathi nude beach did not end with the withdrawal of its official status and the beach is still visited regularly by local nudists including at least one KZNNA group visit, each year.

Over the first decade, KZNNA concentrated on developing new and varied venues for group visits and growing the membership. Whilst several different venues, from both ends of the coast, through the midlands, and even in the Drakensberg have been identified and visited, some have proved more suitable than others. Size matters as most resorts insist that we book them out fully, rather than risking the sighting of skin, by their regular guests.

Given that some members are reluctant to go nude in front of staff, there is little doubt that venues that can be used without staff or with minimal staff have proved more suitable. Over the next decade, the aim is to build closer business partnerships with the resorts/venues that have proved most popular with members.

As for growing the membership, registered fee-paying members have increased from 17 at the first AGM to 72 on the tenth anniversary. The publicity and excitement generated through social media, by the committed events and marketing staff who contribute their time and talents voluntarily, deserve much of the credit for this.
Numbers growth is one thing, but what’s even more impressive is the increase in diversity. While, the original membership was essentially older, white, and straight, the group of 36 who turned out at the Bash was not as white and not as straight and included two twenty-something couples. Happily, despite the presence of some singles, gender balance didn’t get noticeably out of whack.
The 10th Anniversary Bash, complete with cake and champagne, was held at the Hatchery in Amatigulu. This coastal backpacker’s lodge ticks all the boxes as it allows camping, but has more than enough affordable accommodation, complete with a rustic charm. It also operates with a single nocturnal staff member, who is responsible for security and tidiness.
Apart from the relative isolation and wide view of coastal bush that is fronted by an accessible river entry, the resort has several different shallow pools. These once served a functional role when the facility was a prawn hatchery, but they now work as mini-party venues, ideal for naturist get-togethers.
The 10th Anniversary Bash is now history, but KZNNA members can look forward to the next decade confident of meeting new like-minded friends and discovering new venues in which to experience the unique fellowship of the clothes-free lifestyle.

KZNNA's 10th Anniversary: The Celebrations

By Phlip Volschenk

On February 14th, 2024, KZNNA, the Naturist Association of KwaZulu-Natal, marked a significant milestone as we turned a glorious ten years old. To commemorate this landmark occasion, the management committee, with the help of some members of our community, organized a jubilant birthday bash from February 23rd to 25th at The Prawn Hatchery, setting the stage for a three-day celebration of naturism in the province.
The festivities kicked off on Friday afternoon with a burst of excitement as 36 attendees, representing a staggering 61% of KZNNA's membership, descended upon the resort, which had been exclusively booked for the occasion. The air was filled with anticipation, and vibrant banners crafted by the marketing team adorned the venue, heralding a decade of joyous naturist camaraderie.
Under the scorching African sun, the party came alive with the sounds of laughter and music, courtesy of DJ C. The temperature soared into the high 30°Cs, prompting attendees to cool off in the resort's inviting pools. As the day transitioned into night, a relaxed ambiance enveloped the resort, with members mingling, indulging in a build-your-own-burger evening sponsored by Vice Chairman Coen van der Westhuizen, unwinding in the pools and for those preferring warmer water, the big hot-tub next to Penny’s cottage.

Under the scorching African sun, the party came alive with the sounds of laughter and music, courtesy of DJ C. The temperature soared into the high 30°Cs, prompting attendees to cool off in the resort's inviting pools. As the day transitioned into night, a relaxed ambiance enveloped the resort, with members mingling, indulging in a build-your-own-burger evening sponsored by Vice Chairman Coen van der Westhuizen, unwinding in the pools and for those preferring warmer water, the big hot-tub next to Penny’s cottage.

Later that evening, by 10 pm, tranquillity had settled over The Prawn Hatchery, whether it was the need for most to wind down after a busy week, the excitement leading up to the event, or the fresh air. The resort was quiet with only a few voices still “kuier-ing” accompanied by the rumble of the ocean waves in the distance, and the sound of small but very loud-mouthed black reed frogs. Framed by a beautiful full moon, resembling an old-time Mint Imperial advertisement, glistening on the lagoon, it offered a serene retreat for weary souls seeking solace in nature's embrace, making one feel like they had landed in paradise.
Saturday morning commenced with a rejuvenating yoga session led by our very own professional yoga instructor, Alistair. The original plan was to hold it at the Lagoon on the beach, but the heat was already intense at 8 am, which prompted moving the venue to the cooler big stretch tent
The yoga session was followed by the much anticipated skinny-dip challenge in the lagoon. The rules were simple: a short run on the lagoon beach followed by a swim and standing up on a floating platform anchored deep inside the lagoon. Braving the waters for a chance to claim the coveted prize of a camping chair with a built-in cooler bag, 8 participants dashed across the beach and plunged into the lagoon, showcasing a competitive spirit rarely seen among KZNNA members. Mary-Ann counted them down, and with a bang, they were off. Tyrone took the lead like a gazelle, and by the time he hit the waterfront, he was running on water like a waterfowl. Soon almost everyone had caught up and were trying to get on the pontoon. The scene unfolded into what looked like, “ship-wrecked rats' ' trying to get onto the floating platform. Contestants were tossed off by the others who wanted to get on the small platform only made for one. After what seemed like 10 minutes, we had our winner! Danie was the first one to stand upright on the platform. It was more spectacular than anticipated. I never knew that our KZNNA members, who usually portray a placid and relaxed temperament, could be so competitive.

As the day progressed, attendees engaged in a spirited game of croquet, seeking glory and KZNNA-branded prizes amidst sweltering temperatures reaching a scorching 36°C. Two teams competed against each other for KZN-branded coffee mugs, and the overall winner’s prize was an Arctic 12-can cooler bag. The winner of the first round and both
rounds was Rodney, while Francois was initially in the lead at the start of the second round. The “stone-last” winner was Marique.
By the time the second round of croquet was done, the heat was oppressive. Temperatures soared to 40°C, and everyone sought refuge in the pools. The dart championship had to be postponed for the next event as it had become dangerously hot, and everyone was trying to escape the heat.
Despite the scorching temperatures, spirits remained high as members sought refuge in the refreshing waters of the pools or ventured to the untamed splendour of the nearby beach. Some waded, swam, or canoed across the lagoon and crossed the dunes to enjoy the wild untamed open beach next to the Amatikulu nature reserve, where only us were on the free beach.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the birthday festivities reached their crescendo with a heartfelt ceremony under the stretch tent. MC, Hammer presided over the proceedings, while Graeme, our Chairman, delivered a poignant reflection on KZNNA's journey. Amidst cheers and applause, certificates were awarded to the founding management committee members, Christo and Lana, Bertus and Marietjie. The group dinner was sponsored by KZNNA and was prepared by Marietjie, Phlip & Lana, and the dessert was prepared by Mary-Ann.
There was a lucky draw, resembling an Oprah Winfrey show, and the prizes and gifts flowed as our own Mr. MC Hammer and his wife, Mary-Ann, entertained the crowd.
The celebrations went on until the early morning hours, led by DJ C, who also provided glow sticks, blacklights, glow body paints, and party props for the glow-in-the-dark party

The evening unfolded into a whirlwind of laughter and camaraderie, with the backdrop of the pulsating beats courtesy of DJ C. Tyrone took the crown for the life of the party with best painted, adorned with luminesce paints and glowsticks, looking like a character from Avatar. Some danced, and others just socialized in the cool of the evening. Some took the opportunity to take photos in front of the 10-year celebration signage. As glowsticks illuminated the night sky, attendees reveled in the joyous atmosphere, especially in the sense of community that defines KZNNA.
As Sunday morning dawned, a sense of contentment lingered in the air as members savoured the final moments of togetherness. Everyone was in a very relaxed mood, and slow to check out. Some were having breakfast, and others cleaning up, packing away, and greeting everyone as they were leaving for home. Many people were still chilling in the pools, having a last skinny dip, making the most of the time before the midday checkout.
With heartfelt farewells and promises of future gatherings, the celebration drew to a close, leaving behind cherished memories of a decade of naturist fellowship.

Reflecting on the eventful weekend, attendees departed The Prawn Hatchery with sun-kissed skin and hearts full of gratitude. The success of the anniversary bash was a testament to the enduring spirit of KZNNA and the unwavering support of our members.
I left The Prawn Hatchery, with a familiar feeling, slightly sunburned with half a heatstroke, but feeling good about myself, satisfied, human, relaxed, and calm, mixed with a sense of family and belonging I have only felt with our special naturist group of people.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to all the members whose presence and support made this event possible. Without your participation, we couldn't have secured exclusive accommodation at a conventional textile resort for our group. A special thank you is extended to The Prawn Hatchery for providing their fantastic venue and for arranging the stretch tent, tables, and chairs, contributing to an unforgettable celebration.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its warm glow over the tranquil waters of the lagoon, one sentiment resonated clearly: here's to another decade of naturism in KZNNA, and may the bonds of friendship and community continue to flourish for years to come.
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KZNNA’S 10th Anniversary Bash

KZNNA's 10th Anniversary: The Celebrations

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