Four-time major champion Ernie Els is bunkering down at a posh new residential estate on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast.
The 54-year-old golfing legend has earmarked Zimbali Lakes, a new residential golf estate, to add to his global portfolio of properties which include homes in the UK, the Western Cape and Florida in the US.
Els, a World Golf Hall of Famer, concluded a deal with IFA Hotels & Resorts, developers of Zimbali Lakes, to bring his brands to the high-end estate which will include a R90m signature golf course, The Big Easy Pub and Grill, The Els Performance Golf Academy (EPGA) and The Ernie Els Suites, valued at about R125m.
IFA, a Kuwait-based property giant, also developed the adjacent Zimbali Coastal Resort and homes at Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah — the palm-shaped island known for its luxurious properties.
Els now lives with his family in the town of Jupiter, Florida — home to some of the world’s greatest golfers like Jack Nicklaus, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.
While in discussions with IFA, Els realised Zimbali Lakes was the ideal spot to build a home.
He told the Sunday Times this week he expects to spend more time in South Africa over the next few years.
“The mild weather conditions on the north coast during the winter months will be perfect to spend time with my family and friends at our house at Zimbali Lakes.
“Many people will know my primary home is in Jupiter, Florida, due to my tour obligations and the Els Centre for Excellence, however my family will always call South Africa home.
“Being able to spend some time in a quality location where security, privacy and lifestyle come first is not too hard a decision,” Els said.
He believes the north coast “is one of the most exciting places to live” in.
“This a perfect opportunity for me due to Zimbali Lakes’ location close to the King Shaka International Airport, and also with some of the best schools in South Africa in close proximity.”
Els said his decision to become involved with the estate was prompted by the reputation of the Zimbali brand locally and overseas.
“I had initial discussions with Werner Burger, CEO of IFA Hotels and Resorts, in Dubai around 20 years ago about doing a project together and was pleased when he approached me about the opportunity at Zimbali Lakes.”
He believes the success of other residential golf estate developments in South Africa, Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates that he has associated with will attract local and international buyers to Zimbali Lakes.
“Ballito has more gated communities per square metre than any other area in South Africa, which boasts many high-end properties that others around the world would love to call home.
“Club Med choosing to develop just north of Ballito indicates that this will now become an international destination, and with that comes huge international investment opportunities and exposure,” said Els.
Wayne Krambeck, Zimbali Lakes senior vice-president of operations, confirmed Els will be buying a plot in Tatali — Arabic for “cascades” — an exclusive development within Zimbali Lakes.
Tatali is offering a limited number of plots ranging from R4.5m to R22m. One of Tatali’s most extravagant features will be an oculus, an eye-like opening to the sky from the access corridor to the underground parking.
“Ernie building at the estate is one of the most exciting aspects of our relationship with him. To have somebody of his stature have a residence in the Tatali precinct is a major coup,” said Krambeck.
“For him it’s a very secure environment. He can enjoy a great lifestyle with his family in privacy. He knows this is one of the hottest property markets in South Africa at the moment.”
Krambeck said Els will be choosing his plot “fairly shortly”.
While it’s no secret that the Western Cape currently enjoys the lion’s share of the semigration trend with 46% and KwaZulu-Natal only 9%, there are statistics and trends contributing to the ever-growing move towards KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast
— Report
Rainmaker Marketing, which studies property trends, compiled a Property Market Report in 2023, focusing on the north coast.
“While it’s no secret that the Western Cape currently enjoys the lion’s share of the semigration trend with 46% and KwaZulu-Natal only 9%, there are statistics and trends contributing to the ever-growing move towards KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast.
“Interestingly, since 2019, 77% of people relocating to the north coast are from other parts of KwaZulu-Natal,” the report states.
“The pull factor lies in exceptional educational facilities, robust security measures, quality healthcare services, diverse retail options, and the efficient management of water and urban precincts.”
According to the report, Ballito and Salt Rock specifically have experienced the most activity, witnessing a doubling of the adult population in just over 12 years, indicating significant growth. During the course of 2023, the 36-49 age group formed the majority of buyers in Ballito (36%) and Salt Rock (45%).
Cobus Oelofse, CEO of the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, said Els’s association with Zimbali Lakes “will bring about increased visibility of, and interest in, the offering of the wider north coast to a broader audience”.
“With big brands committing to our area, like The Big Easy and Club Med, large, private investors are taking note. These investments are the catalysts and driving forces for our region’s growth.
“Our region is experiencing more diverse investment interest from a development perspective — ranging from residential, estates and mega-resort development, to other industries, including manufacturing,” said Oelofse.
