Far more than just a holiday destination, the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal is ideal for raising families:
Meandering down to Margate for a holiday is a rite of passage for every Durban family, and many inland citizens too. But the South Coast takes on a whole new charm when you choose to live there, and it’s here that the coastal suburbs truly win.
Beaches and ‘burbs
You can’t live in a coastal city and not head to the beach on a regular basis, and South Coast suburbs are made for summertime living. As most of the suburb clusters and residences are situated near the gorgeous coastline, afternoon walks along the sands and evenings spent looking at the ocean are part and parcel of growing up here. Sun-kissed cheeks and sandy shoes are an almost daily accompaniment to life near the beach, so prepare to stock up on the sunblock before you move in.
A resident shares his South Coast secrets
Danie van Tonder, regional executive, Leaf Technologies South Coast, resides in the South Coast, calling it a “small and close-knit community, but one that’s seeing great growth in different business sectors throughout the area”. Danie says he chose the South Coast as a home for his family because it “keeps us close to nature. We have beautiful beaches, where our kids can swim and surf or get involved in life-saving to keep them active, with Oribi Gorge and Lake Eland just up the road. We also have fantastic schools that produce excellent academic results each year.”
Business on the South Coast
Owing to its picturesque setting and warm ocean waters, the South Coast is keenly focused on tourism and holiday seekers. But there’s also been an upswing in more commercial activities, and this is reflected in property and other developments around the region. As Danie explains: “Margate Airport was recently upgraded and more daily flights included, to cater for the influx of businessmen and women visiting our area. Further to this, a new hotel in Margate has just been completed with 64 rooms including conference facilities. This hotel has now acquired the property next door to increase its capacity by another 80. Both our big shopping malls, Shelly Centre and Southcoast Mall, are in the process of increasing their capacity and retail space.”
Back to the beaches
We can’t talk about the South Coast without delving into the wonders of living along the coastline. Exploring the beaches, lagoons and coves is a summertime necessity, while, during winter, the sardine run is a popular pursuit for many an avid fisherman and visitor. There are six Blue Flag beaches dotted along the coastline, with water sports facilities aplenty, revered surf spots and dune upon dune of golden sands to stretch out on a sunny day.
Shopping on the South Coast
While the suburbs remain small and community-driven, the shopping facilities along the South Coast are immense. Take a day or two to explore the region’s malls and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better retail experience. Head out from Durban and take the N2 towards Amanzimtoti. Along the way, you’ll pull into Galleria Arbour Town, a gigantic regional shopping centre that’s packed with fun activities and every store you can dream of. Cool off with a spin around the ice rink before you head towards Southcoast Mall. A smaller shopping destination, for sure, but one that reflects the open-air lifestyle of the area; you’ll find everything you need right here. End your day out with a movie at Shelly Centre in Margate, or take a leisurely browse through Bargain Books.
Top five things to do on the South Coast
- Head to the Wild Waves Water Park at the Wild Coast Sun for a fun family day out.
- Go fishing at Lake Eland.
- Get the adrenalin pumping at Lake Eland’s zip lining facility.
- Zoom in on racing fun at the Dezzi Raceway.
- Enjoy a round of golf at Port Shepstone Country Club.
Take a trip through the KZN South Coast here:
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
