Litter bug with an attitude

DESPITE the weather looking a bit overcast on Saturday, I decided to go to Pelican Island so that my two-year-old could spend some time getting to know the ‘big swimming pool’.

We arrived at the small beach that is directly opposite the NSRI without much ado, and joined other beach goers already lounging in the sun.

One group of people parked right next to us, were having a few drinks and generally having a good time.

For about an hour, all was well.

While splashing in the shallows and having a good laugh with my little one, I noticed a glass cider bottle bobbing past.

Having noticed the group next to us drinking the very same ciders, I promptly collected the bottle and walked over to the group, handing it back to them.

I informed them that a rubbish bin could be found not 20m away.

One woman snatched the bottle from my hand, and proceeded to flippantly throw it back into the sea.

Rather taken aback, I informed her that I work for the Zululand Observer, and I have half a mind to ask my editor to publish a photograph of this litter bug.

I walked back to my companions and continued to enjoy our time at the beach.

The woman had meanwhile instructed a youngster to collect the bottle.

Sadly, about ten minutes later, the same woman again threw the bottle into the sea, before getting into their vehicle.

As Murphy would have it, I cut my foot on a piece of broken glass minutes later.

I would have been ashamed to the core if someone came up to me to hand me my rubbish I had irresponsibly thrown into the sea.

Ma’am, I can only hope that you do not spend all your time littering the beaches of our city.

KYLE COWAN