SOUTH AFRICA — President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially welcomed the landmark R2 billion Club Med investment in South Africa, heralding the opening of the country’s first Club Med resort in Ballito as a major vote of confidence in the nation’s tourism industry, local enterprises, and workforce.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille delivered the President’s address on his behalf at the official opening ceremony on Thursday. President Ramaphosa noted that this mega-development represents the largest hospitality investment in South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) since the opening of Sun City in the 1970s.
The President emphasized that the project is proudly South African-funded and is backed by an investment consortium dedicated to advancing broad-based black economic empowerment. The development has generated substantial employment and skills opportunities, specifically targeting communities surrounding the resort.
According to the President’s address, more than 2,300 direct and indirect jobs were created during the construction phase. Currently, the resort has established 600 permanent direct jobs and supports an additional 1,500 indirect jobs across local suppliers and related industries. President Ramaphosa highlighted that 84 percent of the employees at the Beach Resort are South African citizens, while all staff members at the Vikela Safari Lodge are recruited directly from surrounding local communities.
Addressing the broader economic landscape, President Ramaphosa pointed to a positive growth trajectory within the tourism sector. Between January 2026 and July 2026, South Africa recorded 6.5 million international tourist arrivals, representing a 12.4 percent growth compared to the same period the previous year. He noted that the opening of this new North Coast destination is strategically timed for the upcoming festive season and will entice more visitors to the country.
The resort’s ongoing operations are expected to create significant opportunities for small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) through increased demand for fresh produce, maintenance, transport, and other services. The President commended Club Med’s commitment to partnering with local businesses, stating that local procurement and fair access to supplier opportunities ensure the investment’s benefits are widely shared, which is essential for national prosperity.
President Ramaphosa also acknowledged the construction workers, artisans, and contractors who contributed to the project, noting that the experience gained on a project of this scale will benefit them in future developments. He framed the initiative as a successful model of public-private partnership. In this model, the government provides reliable infrastructure, responsive public services, efficient administration, and safe communities, while businesses commit to long-term investment, workforce development, and meaningful community relationships.
Furthermore, the President stressed the critical importance of protecting the natural heritage that sustains the tourism industry. He mandated that the responsible use of water and energy, waste reduction, and environmental care must remain integral to the everyday operations of the tourism sector.
He concluded by thanking Club Med and its partners for their investment and extended a warm welcome to international guests to explore the resort and discover the broader people, places, and stories of South Africa.
