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CAPE TOWN – Pressure is mounting on President Cyril Ramaphosa to reconsider the decision to close the Garden Route beaches.
Aside from two looming court cases, the Western Cape Prime Minister and Garden Route Mayor have written passionate letters to Ramaphosa.
READ: DA heads to court for Garden Route beach closure decision
They say the impact of the beach closures on the local economy will be devastating.
The Garden Route expected up to 100,000 visitors this festive season.
But within 24 hours after the beaches closed, there were nearly 500 cancellations worth R3.8 million.
READ: Dispute Over Garden Route Beach Closures
“The damage is already irreparable. The rands and pennies that have fallen through the cracks will never be recovered,” said Mayor Memory Booysen.
“Some companies have already indicated that they are not even going to wait for a response, they just can’t catch up.”
* ENCA Linsday Dentlinger reports.
