Jeffreys Bay is facing a tourism and economic setback after the World Surf League WSL removed its South African stop from the 2026 Championship Tour. The international event has traditionally driven winter demand for the coastal town.
The decision, announced earlier this year, dropped Jeffreys Bay in favour of Raglan in New Zealand with the WSL citing financial viability as the key reason.
The decision sparked political debate in South Africa with some critics blaming Gayton Mckenzie , Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, for failing to support the event.
