SALM TEAM 
Located just 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport is the coastal haven of KwaDukuza. With its vibrant town centre, family-friendly attractions, and welcoming beaches, KwaDukuza is the perfect getaway for all seasons. The annual Ballito Pro, which relocated to KwaDukuza in 2009, is not only the world’s longest-running surfing contest but also a major contributor to tourism in the area.
Collette Bundy, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival Organiser commented: “We are thrilled to have hosted so many visitors to the event and region from all over the globe. The Ballito Pro is an iconic event which provides a platform for many locals and businesses to participate in and benefit from, whilst also showcasing the best the region has to offer.”
Executive Director for Economic Development & Planning at KwaDukuza Municipality, Sikhumbuzo Hlongwane, said they would continue to leverage the Ballito Pro for its incredible social, economic, and tourism benefits while highlighting the region’s many tourism attractions.
“The Ballito Pro is an excellent indication of the event-hosting capabilities of KwaDukuza, with its top-class accommodation, fine dining, quality beaches, outdoor adventures, and many heritage sites. Through ongoing public-private sector collaborations, we’ll continue to develop KwaDukuza into a world-renowned tourism destination suited to everything from large-scale corporate events to seaside family holidays.”
KwaDukuza Municipality has adopted the Coastal Development & Economic Tourism Strategies which includes the KwaDukuza Coastal Management Plan. The Blue Flag Beach programme, which is an internationally renowned health and safety standard, forms part of this, with three beaches already attaining Blue Flag status. This makes it an ideal host for The Ballito Pro – but this isn’t the only big event found here.
KwaDukuza also plays host to the Ballito Big Week which celebrates local music and food, with Heritage Day a celebration of King Shaka’s life. This is a prime example of how KwaDukuza embraces its rich cultural heritage, with visitors given the chance to explore the legacy of King Shaka and Chief Albert Luthuli – the first African Nobel Prize winner – at the new KwaDukuza Museum, opposite the awe-inspiring King Shaka Monument.
The region’s strategic location makes it a premier conference, strategic planning, and team-building destination. A short drive from King Shaka International Airport, with Durban International Conventional Centre a convenient 40-minute drive away, KwaDukuza is the ideal host for local and international delegates. The abundance of top accommodation and fine dining further establishes the area as a world-class host.
These facilities, alongside the breathtaking natural scenery, have also established KwaDukuza as a dream wedding location, with several in-demand venues from the coast to the lush inland. Beachfront ceremonies, garden settings, and farm locations are all the perfect backdrop for that special day.
This beautiful inland scenery also sets the scene for a world of adventure, including zip-lining, hiking, and off-road biking. But KwaDukuza is not just for thrill-seekers; it’s a family-oriented destination too with a welcoming animal farm and a range of child-friendly activities throughout the area.
The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival brings the hottest winter entertainment, retail, and beachside during the mid-year holiday. This year’s full festival programme included free beach yoga and pilates; dance lessons and fun games; the O’Neill Blue Capsule initiative and Women of the Wave activation; the Para Surf Expression Session; as well as a range of ocean conservation programmes.
To find out more about The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival programme, visit:
Website: www.theballitopro.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro
Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro
Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro
