The eThekwini Municipality says the KZN Sharks Board has removed shark safety gear due to expected strong winds and rough seas.

It says no swimming will be allowed at any of the beaches.

"The public is hereby notified that all beaches in eThekwini, from north to south, are closed as a result of the shark nets being removed by the Sharks Board.

"This closure takes effect immediately and there will be no bathing allowed,'" the City said in a statement.

It follows a decision by KwaDukuza Municipality to shut its beaches.

READ: Cyclone Batsirai: Beaches north of KZN closed for precaution

The municipality says sharks nets were removed on Thursday morning in anticipation of Cyclone Batsirai, that's headed in a southwesterly direction over the Indian Ocean.

It's expected to hit Madagascar over the weekend and Mozambique early next week.

The South African Weather Service says it's not yet clear if it will affect South Africa.