One of the fastest-growing wealth nodes in the country, the KZN North Coast has much more to offer than just pristine beaches and luxury homes. #LoveNorthCoast is a non-commercial marketing initiative that is telling the North Coast story, to inspire local pride and promote the area for tourism and investment.
There are no greater brand ambassadors for a region than passionate locals and business owners. This is especially true when marketing an area for tourism and investment, which is precisely what the #LoveNorthCoast movement was set up to do.
Pioneers of the #LoveNorthCoast initiative
Pioneered three years ago by a small group of local business entities and entrepreneurs, #LoveNorthCoast is a not-for-profit platform that aims to shed light on the incredible lifestyle of the Greater Ballito region, which stretches from Zimbali in the South to Club Med in the North.
Collaboration over competition
Meeting once a month to share ideas, the partners represent a wide range of industries, including property, entertainment, tourism, medical, education, security, and service providers. Although technically competitors, #LoveNorthCoast offers them a platform to come together, pool resources, and work towards a shared goal of advancing the North Coast by distinguishing it from the rest of KZN.
Invested in the region’s future
A founding partner of the initiative, Murray Collins of Collins Residential – the developers behind several leading North Coast projects, including Seaton Estate, Zululami Estate, Lalela Estate, The Manor House Venue and Club Med – says that #LoveNorthCoast is a movement, and a movement exists when people believe in something bigger than themselves. “While we are deeply invested in our developments, we are equally invested in the North Coast itself. We have tremendous confidence in this region, in its potential, its diversity of experiences, and the exceptional lifestyle that it offers.”
A shared belief in lifestyle and community
Zimbali Lakes was also among the first partners of the movement. “Our partnership with #LoveNorthCoast reflects our shared belief that the North Coast is more than a destination – it’s a community and a way of life. Together, we’re celebrating its people, its natural beauty, and the spirit that makes this coastline unlike anywhere else,” says Zimbali Lakes Operations VP, Neil Cocker.
From sleepy village to sought-after destination
From a once ‘sleepy beach village’, to now one of the most sought-after holiday and investment destinations in the country, the North Coast is thriving. Besides its obvious natural beauty, including four Blue Flag beaches, the area also offers top education and medical facilities, modern infrastructure, and vibrant retail and leisure hubs.
The R2 billion Club Med Resort, expected to open in July 2026, will also significantly boost tourism, international connectivity, infrastructure, and property values, attracting up to 400 new international visitors weekly, once open.
Entrepreneurs choosing the North Coast
Although originally founded by partners representing the property industry, #LoveNorthCoast has since seen various industries get behind it. Eight years ago, restauranteur Jason Powell sold his Mpumalanga businesses to relocate to Ballito. “One slow cruise down Ballito Drive in 2017 was all it took to convince us that the North Coast’s trajectory was on the up,” says Jason.
He has since opened multiple restaurants here, the latest of which is steakhouse, Butcher Boys @Ballito. “I’ve worked in hospitality from Norway to Nelspruit, and you simply can’t beat the balance we have between beach lifestyle and thriving business environment. We partner with #LoveNorthCoast because it is integral in showcasing this community, where both quality of life and a vibrant economy can co-exist. It’s the dream, right?”
Details: www.lovenorthcoast.co.za; leah@leahshonewriter.co.za; IG: @lovenorthcoast
Text: LEAH SHONE
