Inside South Africa’s new R2bn luxury resort backed by Ramaphosa

Ballito – South Africa’s first Club Med resort has officially opened on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, with President Cyril Ramaphosa describing the more than R2 billion development as a major vote of confidence in the country’s tourism industry.

The Club Med Beach & Safari Resort was officially opened on Thursday, with Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille delivering Ramaphosa’s address on his behalf after the President was unable to attend.

According to BusinessTech, Ramaphosa said the development represents the largest hospitality investment in South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community since Sun City opened in the 1970s.

“This mega-development is a vote of confidence in South African enterprise, in the capabilities of our people and in the future of our tourism industry,” Ramaphosa said.

The South African government said the project is proudly South African-funded and backed by an investment consortium committed to broad-based black economic empowerment.

Employment impact 

The development has also been touted for its employment impact. More than 2,300 direct and indirect jobs were created during construction, while 600 permanent direct jobs have been created and another 1,500 indirect jobs are supported through local suppliers and related industries.

Ramaphosa said 84% of employees at the beach resort are South Africans, while all employees at the associated Vikela Safari Lodge come from surrounding communities.

The opening comes as South Africa records growth in international tourism. Ramaphosa said 6.5 million international tourist arrivals were recorded between January and July 2026, representing a 12.4% increase compared with the same period last year.

The resort is expected to create further opportunities for small businesses through demand for fresh produce, maintenance, transport and other services.

“This is how tourism investment can contribute to the prosperity of a nation,” Ramaphosa said.

Responsible use of water and energy

TimesLIVE previously reported that the development was expected to create hundreds of direct jobs and about 1,500 indirect jobs, with local hospitality graduates among those being targeted for training and employment opportunities.

Ramaphosa also stressed the need for tourism development to benefit surrounding communities while protecting the environment.

“Responsible use of water and energy, less waste and care for the surrounding environment must remain part of the everyday work of tourism,” he said.

The resort combines a beachfront holiday destination on the KwaZulu-Natal coast with the Vikela Safari Lodge, giving visitors a “beach and bush” tourism experience.

Ramaphosa said the project demonstrated what could be achieved when government, business and communities worked together.

“When these responsibilities come together, public and private partnership becomes something people can see in their daily lives,” he said.

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