South Africa’s first Club Med resort has officially opened in Ballito, marking an investment of more than R2 billion and creating hundreds of permanent jobs in a major boost for the country’s tourism sector.
The Club Med Beach & Safari Resort was opened on Thursday at a ceremony addressed by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was unable to attend.
The Presidency described the development as the largest hospitality investment in South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community since Sun City opened in the 1970s.
Ramaphosa said the project represented a vote of confidence in South African enterprise, local skills and the future of tourism.
The development was funded by a South African investment consortium and was presented as an example of broad-based black economic empowerment and cooperation between government, business and surrounding communities.
More than 2,300 direct and indirect jobs were created during construction, according to the speech. The resort has since generated 600 permanent direct jobs, while a further 1,500 indirect jobs are being supported through local suppliers and related industries.
The speech 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 figures were cited as evidence of the project’s contribution to KwaZulu-Natal’s economy and its potential to provide lasting opportunities for local residents.
The development combines a beach resort on the Indian Ocean coastline with a safari lodge, offering visitors access to two of the province’s major tourism attractions.
Officials said the dual offering could encourage international travellers to stay longer and explore more of South Africa.
The opening comes as the tourism industry prepares for the festive season. South Africa recorded 6.5 million international tourist arrivals between January and July 2026, according to the speech, representing a 12.4% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Ramaphosa said the resort’s economic impact should extend beyond its gates. Its demand for fresh produce, maintenance, transport and other services could create opportunities for small, micro and medium-sized enterprises, while partnerships with local businesses and smaller tourism operators could help distribute the benefits of the investment more widely.
“Local procurement, fair access to supplier opportunities and partnerships with smaller tourism operators will help ensure that the success of this resort is shared more widely,” the speech said.
The President also urged government and business to meet their respective responsibilities.
Government, he said, must provide reliable infrastructure, responsive public services, efficient administration and safe communities, while companies should invest for the long term, develop their workforces and build meaningful relationships with neighbouring communities.
The development’s partners include Club Med, Fosun International and Tinley Leisure, alongside local developers, investors, training organisations and community partners.
Club Med’s international brand and distribution network are expected to help promote KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa to visitors from around the world.
The speech also highlighted the need to protect the natural assets that underpin tourism. Responsible water and energy use, reduced waste and care for the surrounding environment were identified as essential parts of the resort’s ongoing operations.
Welcoming international visitors, Ramaphosa said the resort should serve as a gateway to the people, places and stories beyond its grounds.
He said its opening should mark the beginning of “many years of shared opportunity, friendship and discovery” for South Africa, its tourism industry and surrounding communities.
