KZN’s North Coast is undoubtedly the premier lifestyle destination in South Africa right now. The #LoveNorthCoast team helped us compile our three top reasons to love the North Coast!
- THE GREAT OUTDOORS
North Coasters really do have the best of all worlds when it comes to the natural environment. From gorgeous, year-round warm water and blue flag beaches (with whales and dolphins always prolific), to protected coastal forests and rolling sugar cane … not to mention Big Five game reserves and the Drakensberg mountains just a few hours away. It really is all right here. If you love being active outdoors, whether it be trail running, mountain biking, deep-sea fishing, paddling or just going for a stroll in nature, this is truly the ultimate ‘outdoor living’ destination.
2. GROWING AND GLOWING
As one of the fastest growing residential and tourism nodes in South Africa, the North Coast has seen a massive rise in ‘semigration’ (people relocating here from other parts of SA), as well as an increased demand in investment and tourism opportunities from abroad. With the King Shaka International Airport less than 15 minutes away (and regular flights to and from Johannesburg), commuters can effectively run businesses elsewhere, while still basking in the laid-back lifestyle of the North Coast. The Ballito Urban Improvement Project (UIP) ensures continual improvement, maintenance and protection of public spaces and the environment, and the private-public partnership with Siza Water as the water services provider to Ballito and surrounding areas means that potable water is in constant supply. The property development market continues to flourish, with massive growth in premium estates (such as Seaton, Lalela, Zululami, Elaleni, Dunkirk and Springvale, to name a few) and the recent announcement of Club Med Tinley – the first resort of its kind in SA – is sure to bring an influx of international tourists and investment interest. There are leisure and shopping offerings aplenty, with hundreds of top-quality restaurants and the Ballito Junction regional shopping mall and Ballito Lifestyle Centre within a short distance of each other. And, if you’re just not sure what to do, simply head down to the beachfront, order a takeaway coffee and take a stroll on our gorgeous promenade!
3. THE NORTH COAST HAS HEART
One of the best things about the North Coast is the community itself. Diverse, inclusive and varied, it is a wonderful mishmash of ‘OG’ locals, new locals and those who have just moved here. From farming families to small business owners, successful entrepreneurs and high-flying corporates … we have them all. North Coasters also have big hearts. Whether it’s helping orphans, caring for abandoned animals or protecting the environment, there are a plethora of charitable organisations and NPOs to choose from. The Christmas Fair Fund (founded more than 60 years ago), The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund, Litter for Tokens, the Rise Up Movement, Summerhill House, Hearts That Hope, Vision 153, The Linc Foundation, Sables Creatures … these are just a few of the many groups to support and embrace.
Magnificent weather, untouched green belts, blue flag beaches and potential for growth and opportunity unlike anywhere else …
WHO IS #LOVENORTHCOAST?
A collaboration between local business entities, entrepreneurs and service providers, #LoveNorthCoast was established to drive a positive narrative about the North Coast region. Facilitator Carol Church says the main aim of the initiative is to unlock growth and promote the area locally, nationally and internationally. Spearheaded by the Collins Group and Zimbali Lakes, in collaboration with Siza Water and the Ballito UIP, the platform aims to bring businesses together to unlock the potential and celebrate the successes of the region. “We are continually looking for new partners who see the shared value in growing and promoting the North Coast as the premier lifestyle destination that it is,” says Carol. “The success of this venture depends largely on the mutual support and backing of local business and the community as a whole.” For more information or to get involved, contact Carol: carol@lovenorthcoast.co.za, @lovenorthcoast
