Launch of the Blythedale Coastal Resort

“Living the lifestyle” is the slogan for the new Blythedale Coastal Resort where one of the South African Rugby Legends Association’s Sporting School of Excellence will be housed.

After five years of negotiating, the eLan Group has finally signed a settlement agreement with the Dube community to develop the Blythedale Coastal Resort project. The construction will take ten years to complete and cost a total of R10 billion. One of the priority projects is the Sporting School of Excellence which will consist of a clubhouse; flood lights; Tigerturf pitches and a community orientated South African Police Services unit. The facilities will be run by the South African Rugby Legends Association where they will offer clinics to the community on a regular basis.

The resort promises to uplift surrounding communities. Farm owner, Roger Stewart stated, “As an on-going development project, I am leasing the land for the next five years to the community and passing on knowledge of economics and development to sustain the farms in the area.”

Development and parting with knowledge is something the South African Rugby Legends Association knows well. On the day of the launch they hosted a rugby clinic for 300 children from the area. Heroes such as Dick Muir, Pieter Muller, John Slade and Wayne Fyvie took great delight in showing a sea of smiling faces the basics of rugby. And for many it was the first time that they had ever come into contact with an oval ball.

The rugby clinic ignited a new sport in the area. The experience of one of South Africa’s main games will be continued as the Legends will be returning in future months to continue parting with their knowledge at rugby clinics.

Mark Taylor, Chairman of eLan Properties said, “The Blythedale Coastal Resort will encourage development of the area and the community will be first in line for roughly 10,000 permanent jobs once the development is complete.”

The Deputy President, Ms Baleka Mbete laughingly said that she would be retiring in Dube community and teaching in one of the schools. “This is a historic day; a true example of our country building a better future with all parties involved working towards a resolution. I would like to congratulate everyone for steadily becoming one nation.”

The South African Rugby Legends Association had the great privilege of being part of a significant day as they celebrated the launch of the Blythedale Coastal Resort where in one community, development is the focus for the future.