At least 48 397 bags of litter were collected during a massive clean-up campaign run over the festive season at 24 beaches across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Alison Kelly, South Africa's Blue Flag Program Manager, said the clean-up benefited tourism and the coastal environment as holidaymakers enjoyed clean beaches.

During the campaign, marine expert Mark Addison said plastic bags discarded in a coastal environment were believed to be responsible for killing over 200 species of marine life.

He described the initiative as a "necessary and valuable start in the war against litter".

"Litter threatens our marine life and beautiful beaches. Every year, over 500 billion plastic bags are produced, with a mere one percent of these being recycled," he said.

Olympic gold medalist Ryk Neethling said the clean-up was "a worthy cause" because the ocean was important to everyone.

He encouraged people to do their bit by cleaning up after themselves.

The clean up, with 208 cleaners, started on 15 December and ends on Wednesday.

Last year, beach cleaners collected 37 558 bags of litter.

Sapa