Pushing the boundaries and embracing new technologies, Gold Coast Estate was the first premium estate of Devmco Group’s to install South Africa’s first no-touch biometric system. With the creation and implementation of new technologies in an ever-changing world, Gold Coast Estate aims to constantly innovate to make life seamless and accessible.
This new system is part of a bigger picture which embraces technology to enhance life, which is happening worldwide and is set to become a way of life for many of us.
Currently, several ‘biometric’ technologies are in use- fingerprint scanning, facial recognition and retina scanning with many of these now seamlessly becoming part of our lives. Although we have, and are embracing this technology, it has the ability to one day makes passwords and pins obsolete. Think about it for a minute; how many of us would be comfortable to use a retina scanning system to draw cash, or authenticate a legal agreement using just a thumbprint instead of a handwritten signature? This is the future of non-physical authentication and of course, there are advantages and disadvantages.
Firstly, the days of trying to remember a million passwords will be over. Life becomes cardless, touch-free and without passwords and pins. You, the person, will become the means of authentication and with that comes less opportunity for fraudulent activity using your data. Without you, the human, there can be no transaction or authentication. At the moment, not all systems are fool proof; facial recognition can be fooled using photographs or a recording can be played in place of a real human voice. With any kind of biometric authentication, there is always a risk. Although it is very unlikely, there will come a day where data criminals will find a way to intercept our valuable biometric data, which means these systems will keep evolving and advancing. The next evolution of biometric authentication will have to include some sort of intelligence that recognises that there is a live human attached to the fingerprint, voice and so forth.
Although it’s a possibility that biometrics could replace and surpass all other forms of authentication it does not mean that they will. What may emerge is a sort of hybrid multi-step system which blend your unique biometric signature (be it voice, fingerprint, retina or facial scanning) along with a unique pin or password.
Over the last decade, we have seen KZN grow from strength to strength. This province is transforming each year and offering residential and commercial properties that address socio-economic issues, while also creating easy connections to places that need to are attracting investors and families alike. One of KZN’s success stories is the Sibaya Coastal Precinct.
Named a catalytic development, the Sibaya Coastal Precinct sits along the North Coast of KZN, between Umhlanga and Umdloti. It has unlocked value for both property developers and homeowners. Due to the massive property value growth experienced within Sibaya, it has now become South Africa’s best performing residential precinct and will now host the first-of-its-kind mixed-use development and smart village, Salta Sibaya. The success of Sibaya’s is not only a result of its thoughtful, holistic design but also its placement within the province of KZN; which is fast becoming SA’s most investable province for a host of reasons.
Coastal proximity
Coastal property, like that in Sibaya will continue to grow in value. Using the nearby suburb of Umhlanga as an example, sea-facing homes have seen a sharp rise in the price-per-square-metre over the last decade. Much of this value is owed to placement and positioning, but there is also one key factor that adds massive value – infrastructure. Umhlanga’s value has steadily climbed over a fairly extended period, and its desirability has remained stable. Sibaya, however has set a new benchmark with 40% capital appreciation achieved in less than 5 years. Sibaya is vastly different in that it has been plotted, planned, and well designed to create value for its investors. Additionally, Sibaya’s infrastructure, for the most part, has been laid and upgraded by private developers like Devmco Group, in order to ensure uninterrupted services within the precinct. Sibaya’s strategic placement along the coastal side of the M4 draws on the best of KZN’s North Coast and is the golden key that unlocks true value.
Sustainable ethos
Along with good infrastructure, Sibaya upholds a genuine sustainability ethos, seen through the 60% of undeveloped natural environment. With the value of natural assets, like those within Sibaya, being at the forefront of property development and urban planning, Sibaya’s 350-hectare coastal forest will lend even greater value to the homes within the precinct. Having a strict ‘no-development’ zone, the design of Sibaya recognises the importance of these natural areas, not only to property values but also to the long-term vision of a precinct that upholds sustainability and is future-proofed.
Easy access
Running along a portion of one of Durban’s major highways, the M4, makes getting to and from Sibaya quick and easy. This is one of the factors which resonate deeply with buyers from Gauteng. For many, the commute between work and home takes up a fair portion of their day, and with that valuable time for business or leisure. The ease of commute is one of the lifestyle factors which adds value to an area like Sibaya. Another facet of accessibility is where schools are placed in relation to one’s home – just between Ballito and Umhlanga area host of the country’s top private schools operated by top education providers, which continue to attract people from all over Durban. Sibaya itself will also include a Curro school from Grade R to Matric, and a private university and modern student residences. This creates a development model is unseen in SA; the ability to live within a new, well-planned, holistic precinct which offers sea-facing homes, is secure and well-managed with a new, modern university within. In light of this, KZN is poised to set a new benchmark by offering students the chance to attend a top-class private university which is literally in walking distance from home. Furthermore, the proximity of the university to the various residential estates within Sibaya means that it will undoubtedly attract many more families from outside of KZN’s borders. Over the last 10 years, the corridor between Durban-Umhlanga-Ballito has experienced approximately R54 billion in wealth growth, which is largely owing to the influx of families into the region.
Business confidence and busy airports
King Shaka International Airport has become one of SA’s busiest airports. An easy 10-minute drive from Sibaya, the airport’s accessibility makes it ideal for those who commute in and out of the province for business purposes – you could touch down after a 55 minute flight from Joburg, walk off the plane, get in your car and be home within 20 minutes. Many families are choosing to semigrate to KZN for a host of reasons – from top schools and pleasant weather to less congestion and traffic, and also the chance to live a slower pace of life. Families from other provinces like Gauteng, have bought up property in Sibaya for primary residential use knowing that the proximity of the airport enables business travel to continue seamlessly.
Business confidence is not only an indicator of a growing regional economy, but also an indicator of where to invest. KZN is undergoing a huge transformation and is becoming the destination for business. Durban’s new CBD has established itself in Umhlanga Ridge, with the likes of Investec and Nedbank having set up there. Further north, the Dube Tradeport forms part of the growing Aerotropolis, which will link business, manufacturing, freight, and cargo together in one strategically planned region.
The volume of greenfield development taking place in KZN indicates the growth and desirability of the region. By way of its design, Sibaya has set a new regional and national benchmark for what a city of the future looks like. The Sibaya Coastal Precinct is one of the factors which makes KZN South Africa’s most investable province.
Designed by John van Wyk from Craft of Architecture (COA), OceanDune is designed to pay homage to its unique coastal location while creating a resort-like atmosphere within a community-centric estate.
As the first residential estate developed within the Sibaya Coastal Precinct, OceanDune is a dream made real. Developed on wild land, this estate set the benchmark for future development within Sibaya and played a part in creating market confidence in the precinct.
One of the challenges faced by the architect was to develop an estate with over 200 apartments while retaining an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity which emanates from the surrounding natural beauty. Aside from the scale of the estate, one of the challenges was to orientate the building so that every unit would benefit from the coastal vistas.
John van Wyk says it was a case of balancing the hard building elements while honouring the ocean and coastal forest. He adds further, “The views from your unit are unbelievable; forest in the immediate foreground and as the eye moves further ahead, the ocean and virtually every apartment has a sea view. You don’t find this in too many other places in the world. It is truly unique, and the design of the estate had to pay homage to this. The inherent natural beauty was the jumping off point for the layout and design of OceanDune.”
The tranquil atmosphere of the estate is further enhanced by the corridors and solar screens on the west side which provide a sound buffer against any noise from the M4. Using the natural elements to its advantage, each unit at OceanDune has expansive openings on both sides to allow air to flow through and cool your apartment. Security has also been considered in the design, and the opening on the corridor-side of each apartment is fitted with a screen. You can sleep with your sliding doors open in perfect safety.
The overarching goal with the communal facilities is to bring people out of their apartments and create a sense of community. The facilities themselves are very much centred around KZN’s warm climate and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors at almost any time of the year. At OceanDune, families can enjoy life within the safety of the estate with 2 dedicated splash pools for kids, each with a slide which are located close to the 2 ‘adult ’pools. Kids have their very own play area set up with climbing apparatus and other equipment while adults can keep active in the estate gym. The piece de resistance is undoubtably the elevated sun deck, which offers the perfect vantage point to enjoy the Indian Ocean in all its splendour. The ocean is the hero of OceanDune, and the design of the estate endeavours to give every apartment the best ocean views possible. Many of the roofs of the buildings are planted to create ‘living roofs’. The philosophy behind this is to give anyone at OceanDune the opportunity to enjoy the best views whether from the sun deck, on top of a roof or from their private balcony.
The sun deck offers simple pleasures – spend time on the sun deck gazing at the green forest or crystalline ocean while lounging comfortably in one of the suspended cocoon chairs. The sun deck has a pool and sun loungers, perfect for long warm summer days. Get-togethers are had around the braai pods or fire which are set under a pergola, or around the fire pit.
The beautiful ocean vistas and serene coastal forest are what truly make OceanDune unique, while communal facilities only add its desirability. Positioned along KZN’s best stretch of coastline, OceanDune pays homage to KZN’s warm climate and the breath-taking ocean views.
The demand for convenient living grows ever stronger, and people are looking to invest in primary-use property which will enhance their lifestyle. The market’s desire for what is termed ‘blended living’ is driving much of the buyer activity along KZN’s North Coast, especially within key growth areas like the Sibaya Coastal Precinct.
Sibaya’s positioning and lifestyle elements, along with the secure estate living on offer and the clear value growth trajectory of properties in the precinct is the ideal trifecta when it comes to where to invest.
One of the things that makes Sibaya so successful is that it is designed to connect the community, and the estates within it, like Gold Coast Estate echo this ethos on a smaller scale. Gold Coast Estate is undeniably one of KZN’s most forward-thinking and luxurious residential estate. With a design that moves beyond mere aesthetics, each facet is designed to create ultimate ease and to connect you to your community.
Within your home, super-fast and seamless fibre keeps you connected to family and friends while also enabling you to conduct business from home with ease. The added benefit of being with Gold Coast Estate is that you’re connected wherever you are in the estate through estate Wi-Fi provided in common areas. Slink by the poolside while you order in for the evening or get home and snuggle up with the family to stream your favourites on Netflix. The variety of facilities within the estate provide ample opportunity for family time or solo adventures whether that be fun in the sun at the clubhouse, a quick session in the gym, a bite at the estate restaurant or a breakaway into the green areas with your furry friend by your side.
From your home within Gold Coast Estate, you are literally steps way from the amazing Sibaya Coastal forest. Get connected to nature as you meander through a safe, managed environment. You can explore the beauty of the forest at canopy height along the elevated boardwalk, or meander slowly down to the beach. Get to know the local birds better as you spy them from one of the many bird hides found throughout the forest. The benefit is that you can access the forest quickly and easily at virtually any time of the day.
Along with several pockets of boutique retail, Sibaya’s grand design includes a retail piazza. This piazza can be reached safely through the precinct and is close enough to be accessed on foot from Gold Coast Estate. The piazza lends a European flavour to SA’s best performing residential node, through its design which encourages interaction and is a place where people can come together in a casual and inclusive setting.
The precinct has its very own dedicated thoroughfare, the Hezela Boulevard. This roadway provides safe passage within Sibaya for pedestrians and cars and is a vital link between the various nodes within the precinct. The M4 highway is only minutes way from most of the estates within Sibaya, lending a high degree of accessibility and providing a connection to the business nodes of Umhlanga Ridge and Ballito. Just beyond the M4 you’ll reach the N2 which provides a direct route to King Shaka International Airport in minutes- perfect for those who regularly commute in and out of KZN for business.
As a thoughtfully designed precinct for the future, every facet of the Sibaya Coastal Precinct is designed to connect you to your community and bring you closer to nature. Similarly, Gold Coast Estate’s world-class family facilities, high-tech security and seamless connectivity are also designed for community connection and ultimate convenient living.
Thank you to those of you who joined our live Q&A session.
The last live session delved deeper into Sibaya to look at how its catalytic nature accelerates job creation and the economy, what investment opportunities already exist within the precinct, what is happening with upcoming developments and a future value forecast.
Sibaya Snapshot
• R4-5 billion worth of development already exists on the coastal side of the Sibaya Coastal Precinct.
• 60% of Sibaya will remain green and undeveloped, this includes the 350 hectares of coastal forest which is actively being made clean, safe and secure to allow forest and beach access and opportunity for other recreational activities. The forest area will also be actively patrolled by security personnel.
Sibaya Tomorrow
Ultimately Sibaya will be a mix of different types of residential, commercial and retail developments:
20 000m² retail including kid-focused outlets, eateries and coffee shops
5000m² modern medical facility
A Curro school that caters for Grade R – Matric and can accommodate 2000 learners
A private university valued at R1.5 billion
A 500-bed international hotel
A frail care facility
Sibaya Node 6
• Will introduce and develop 350 – 400 freestanding retirement opportunities which are competitively priced and pet-friendly.
• In the next 2 -3 years, 500 + freestanding homes in the R2 – 4 million range will come onstream.
Job creation and the impact on the economy
• Sibaya has created 30 000 – 40 000 jobs over the last 5 years, and another estimated 70 000 – 80 000 jobs will be created over the next 10 years, with 10 000 of those jobs being permanent.
• On average Sibaya generates R150 million in rates for the city and about R1.2 billion is effectively given back to the city through VAT (Value Added Tax).
• The upcoming Node 6 will unlock approximately R20 billion worth of work over the next 10 years and Node 5 will unlock another R10 -15 billion worth of work over the same period.
Devmco Group Developments and Value Projections
• Gold Coast Estate and Parc are 3 months from completion. Gold Coast Estate has 50 houses currently under construction and another 50 upcoming this year.
• Covid-19 will not impact the speed of delivery of Gold Coast Estate and Parc, and we will be implementing stricter Health and Safety measures on site and administering PPE and hygiene protocols in line with Government regulations. Essential services such as cleaning, repairs and maintenance are happening at Gold Coast Estate to ensure we are ready to get going once we enter Level 3 of the lockdown.
• Our existing developments have seen capital appreciation of 40% over the last few years which is set to increase by an average of 10 -20% per annum as demand for the Sibaya lifestyle grows. Investors who get in early will naturally get a higher yield; the unmatchable location, convenience factor and natural assets will drive up values as demand for park-like lifestyles and secure estate living grows. Beach access, managed green areas and proximity to the airport will attract regional semigration (JHB) and also domestic migration from other Durban suburbs which will also drive up values.
Please watch our video to get the full picture as we unpack the topics in more detail.
We had an exciting Q&A session today, and thank you to those of you who sent your questions through. If you were not able to join today’s session, here’s a quick recap of the highlights:
Watch the full session here:
KwaZulu-Natal has a stellar list of accolades to its name. The first and most recognizable being the home of 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Maloti Drakensberg. Approximately 400 kilometres apart, these 2 sites are vastly different in their geography and what makes them fascinating. Over and above the amazing natural beauty of these places, these 2 sites have been declared world heritage sites by UNESCO due to things like having an exceptional diversity of species, with the aim of preserving this precious natural heritage and ecosystems for the future. To add to its list of amazing achievements, Durban has recently been named the greenest city in the world in the Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index.
This index has been established with the aim of safeguarding green spaces in urban areas, and due to increasing urbanisation green spaces within cities and urban environments have become increasingly under threat. The green Space Index uses satellite imaging and computer technology to learn about the current state and historic development of vegetation and their surrounding environment in urban areas. By knowing this, we can be better equipped to provide sustainable urban development solutions for cities in the future and also engage stakeholders to ensure that this becomes a priority going forward.
Green spaces, and especially within cities, are becoming increasingly important in the fight against climate change. By definition, modern cities are one of the biggest contributors to global warming, yet if we can find a way to blend usable, protected green space with the practicality and functionality of urban spaces, we are taking a small step in the fight against climate change. Durban is home to the Sibaya Coastal Precinct– a thought-fully designed city for the future which deliberately encompasses usable, people-friendly green spaces. A total of 60% of the 1000-plus hectares of the Sibaya Coastal Precinct will remain undeveloped. The Sibaya Coastal Precinct is creating the blueprint for the cities of tomorrow where people, commerce and everyday life can co-exist in a respectful and mindful way alongside the natural biomes present. These sustainability-driven ideas also encourage people to become custodians for the natural elements which are part of the fabric of their cities.