President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the opening of South Africa’s first Club Med resort, describing the more than R2 billion development as a vote of confidence in the country’s tourism industry, businesses and people.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille delivered the President’s address on his behalf at the official opening of the restort in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday.
The President said the development represents the largest hospitality investment in South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) 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,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said the development was proudly South African-funded and backed by an investment consortium committed to advancing broad-based black economic empowerment.
The investment has also created employment and skills opportunities, particularly for communities surrounding the resort.
“I am encouraged to hear that during construction more than 2 300 direct and indirect jobs were created.
“In addition, 600 permanent direct jobs have been created and a further 1 500 indirect jobs are being supported across local suppliers and related industries,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said 84% of employees at the Beach Resort are South Africans, while all employees at the Vikela Safari Lodge are from surrounding communities.
Tourism growth
President Ramaphosa said the opening comes at a positive time for the tourism sector, which has continued to record growth in international arrivals.
“For this calendar year until the end of July 2026, South Africa’s tourism sector continued its strong growth trajectory. The growth in international tourist arrivals between January 2026 and July 2026 to 6.5 million is phenomenal.
“This represents growth of 12.4 percent compared to the same period last year.
“The opening of this new jewel in the North Coast comes at the right time as the tourist industry is getting ready to welcome guests for the festive season. I am confident that the official opening of this jewel will entice more visitors to our shores,” he said.
Opportunities for local businesses
President Ramaphosa said the resort’s operations would create opportunities for small, micro and medium enterprises through demand for fresh produce, maintenance, transport and other services.
He welcomed Club Med’s efforts to partner with local businesses, noting that local procurement, fair access to supplier opportunities and partnerships with smaller tourism operators would help ensure that the benefits of the investment are more widely shared.
“That is how tourism investment can contribute to the prosperity of a nation,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the construction workers, artisans and contractors who helped bring the development to life, saying the experience gained from working on a project of this scale would benefit them in future projects.
He said employees working at the resort would also play an important role in shaping visitors’ experiences of South Africa.
“Their professionalism and hospitality will help shape how they remember our country,” he said.
Public-private partnership
President Ramaphosa said the project demonstrates the value of collaboration between government, business and communities.
He said government has a responsibility to create conditions that allow investments to succeed through reliable infrastructure, responsive public services, efficient administration and safe communities.
“Business has a responsibility to invest for the long term, develop its workforce and build meaningful relationships with the communities around it.
“When these responsibilities come together, public and private partnership becomes something people can see in their daily lives.
“People see new job opportunities, businesses growing, the youth obtaining the necessary qualifications and communities becoming partners.
“That is the kind of cooperation we must deepen across South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President emphasised the importance of protecting the natural heritage that underpins the tourism industry, including through responsible use of water and energy, reducing waste and caring for the surrounding 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 President thanked Club Med and its partners for their investment in South Africa and welcomed international guests to the new resort.
“To our international guests, welcome. Enjoy this resort and take time to discover the people, places and stories beyond it,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
