Invest in your future and join a supportive community of people on the KZN South Coast, only 80km from Durban.
Our land in Ifafa Beach with undulating hills, coastal forests and rare grasslands is one of the few remaining large properties on the shoreline with breaker views and easy beach access. It is totally unique being developer and resident owned.
Build your own home for living, retirement or holiday rental on this beautiful coast line.
We have spent years removing alien vegetation and overgrowth, restoring the land to almost pristine condition. There is now a rich diversity of bird life and abundance of wildlife including duikers, bushbuck, wild pig and mongoose.
This consists of two non-contiguous properties, Chiba Shoreline and Mvuzi.
With undulating hills and 360° views inland and over the ocean, this larger property contains 54 plots set aside for Chiba Ring residential development, which we call Chiba Shoreline. The sheer size affords us the rare luxury of spreading out over the land that is predominantly dedicated to conservation. Every plot has a beautiful unimpeded view.
Sweeping up from the coastal road the land comprises threatened coastal grassland, indigenous bush and forest into which the plots nestle unobtrusively. The beach is within easy walking distance and there are tidal pools, reefs and bays for swimming, fishing, diving and snorkelling.
To preserve its ecological integrity, the development approval covers only 7.2 ha, 27% of the total property, and will not encroach into the sensitive surrounding habitat, which will be kept as open space for the benefit of the residents.
A group of friends has driven this project to create an enriching lifestyle, rather than seeking profit. They have been supported by a highly competent professional team.
We are selling this valuable property as one.
Mvuzi's spectacular position and zoning is particularly well suited for the establishment of a wellness centre or spa supplemented with a much-needed retail opportunity which is sorely lacking in the area. Alternatively, it affords the fortunate sole owner the ultimate in privacy, uninterrupted views and a potential income stream.
Consisting of the Mvuzi River estuary and floodplain, 11.8ha has been zoned as private conservation. An existing house with sweeping sea and inland views overlooks the estuary and has the potential to be transformed into a unique luxury dwelling. Approval has been granted for the development of a wellness centre, upmarket chalet style accommodation or BnB/guesthouse on this parcel of land.
Above the house and across the road is a parcel with stunning views of the ocean, which has approval for the development of 8 dwellings. Both have their own separate entrance off the main entry road into Ifafa Beach.
A pocket of land south of the wetland, ideally placed adjacent to the municipal beach parking area at the entrance to Elysium, has been approved for mixed-use development, including retail and residential.
The launch price of R690,000 is inclusive of VAT. No transfer duty. No additional hidden costs.
It buys you one freehold site in the Chiba Shoreline Residential Development, entitling you to:
CHIBA RING is not a profit-driven, cheek by jowl development nor an eco-estate that pays lip service to ecological principles.
The number of homes will not exceed 54 and will be discretely positioned in natural surroundings so everyone can enjoy the beauty of the coastal vegetation and the sea views. In fact, we are limiting the number to 32 residences for the foreseeable future, which will give us even more privacy and exclusivity.
Looking forwards, Chiba Ring aims to:
Our layout places a premium on space, views and ambience rather than maximising financial gain. The design is to ensure harmony with the natural surroundings.
Infrastructure construction, catering for 22 serviced sites on the seafront parcel - Phase 1A - for the Chiba Shoreline residential development commenced at the beginning of November 2022. It includes commissioning the boreholes, water storage and water supply reticulation, roads and street lighting, storm water management and entrance. A bulk supply of 90 KVA from Eskom will be installed, but it has been agreed to go off-the-grid ultimately, especially as renewable energy solutions have become increasingly sophisticated and cost efficient. Final decisions on the specifics will be made when constructing the homes. A solar PV micro-grid is proposed, that can be expanded as we develop. All cooking and heaters will run on gas and geysers must be solar. Should anyone need air conditioning or additional power they would be responsible for the installation and management of their own-use solar panels or alternative HOA approved solutions.
Each serviced site will have water, electricity and fibre optic internet connections. Chiba Ring will negotiate with Internet Service Providers for the most cost effective services.
Homeowners will be responsible for rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling and septic tanks. Boreholes will provide sufficient potable water to all residents as well fire-fighting capability. Other sustainable living methods will include storm water storage for reuse, waste management, recycling - which will hopefully be extended throughout the surrounding communities - and possibly a living pond for recreational purposes, whilst providing water storage and augmenting fire-fighting requirements.
Each home owner will be financially liable for building their own residential dwelling, either for immediate occupation, or for use as a holiday home or rental property until they wish to use it themselves. The emphasis will be on low impact construction that will merge with the landscape, while accommodating individual taste, options and materials in keeping with the overall theme. Architects are developing a Building Code to guide individual building design as well as the overall character of the development. They are developing modular house plans enabling members to mix and match, that will result in reduced professional fees and yield savings through economies of scale. To further save costs, approved building contractors and suppliers will be identified and charges negotiated through CHIBA RING.
However, homeowners will be at liberty to design their own homes and select their own service providers. Reasonable building timeframes will apply to minimize inconvenience and environmental disruption. Construction will be phased as follows:-
Home construction can start immediately infrastructure is complete - due by May 2023 - but planning and design must be undertaken first as plans need to be approved by HOA as well as Umdoni Municipality.
Each home owner will have to build within a specified time in accordance with the building phases, which will depend on the uptake of sales and people's own plans. However, there will be a deadline to ensure that building does not go on forever creating problems for residents.
Sites are all roughly the same size at the same cost. There are no preferential sites. Fortunately, all are beautiful, in their own unique view. In fact, those who have been involved in the process for years are finding it hard to make a choice! The building schedule, starting with those able to build first will be the biggest determinant of site selection.
CHIBA RING believes security lies in the wellbeing of the entire community rather than being isolated from the surrounding community. Ifafa Beach has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, but, like everywhere it is on the rise. On the advice of security experts Chiba Ring will work with the broader community at large to strengthen the local security and response capacity. Joining the local farm security network, providing patrols and rapid response, is being explored. It is proven that a presence on the ground is the critical success factor (besides offering jobs).
There will be a gated and secured entrance but it will not be a walled development, primarily due to the environmental proscription to allow the free movement of wildlife. We have started on planting impenetrable vegetation to secure certain areas and boundaries. Modern technology offers effective security solutions, whereby one can protect one's home, a cluster of houses and key points and routes of the property. The Ifafa Beach topography, single access road and numerous watercourses contribute to the ease with which the area may be secured.
Being voluntarily driven by members, Chiba Ring sought a highly professional team to see us through a long and arduous process of government approvals. They have given over and above what is required, having a personal stake in seeing us succeed in realising our dreams and for which we are grateful. Their skills range from environmental experts to civil and electrical engineers, quantity surveyors to architects and conveyancing/legal support to project management. Please see the list.
In order to buy the land, a company called CHIBA RING DEVELOPMENT (Pty) Ltd was formed (Company registration no: 2004/004122/07)
CHIBA RING is named after Govind Chiba - a liberation activist - who died on 7 December 2003, the very day his life partner, Louise Colvin, returned from viewing the Ifafa property. Their dream was to establish a caring community of like-minded individuals offering an alternative retirement lifestyle to that of a commercial retirement home or dependency on family.
Together with others with whom they had lived and worked in exile, Louise persisted with the dream of developing the property into a community committed to social, economic and environmental justice and an equitable democratic South Africa. The members - at one time over 60 people - have bought a wealth of expertise and diverse skills to this ambitious project. More members joined from different walks of life and many members left due to death, illness, divorce, relocation and change in circumstances. We are keen to bring on board younger people so there is fresh blood to take forward and expand the aims of living in balance with nature and feeling safe in a sharing community.
Ifafa Beach is a hidden gem, largely unspoiled with wonderful uncrowded beaches, plentiful rock and intertidal zone life and unparalleled close access to a vast stretch of pristine shoreline.
This welcoming, close-knit community has a colourful history. A number of Chiba Ring's members have shared experiences of the area, some having grown up there, while others had used the campsite, as it was one of the few places that people could meet across the Apartheid divide.
Woodlands was purchased from its original owners the Goldstones who have played a major role in the development of Ifafa Beach. In the mid-1800s, the original Samuel Goldstone, who hailed from Darlington, England, was granted 180ha by the local Zulu clan - into which he had married - in appreciation of schools, churches and missions he had built locally.
Part of their land was later donated to the Catholic Church. In the early 20th century the remainder was sub-divided between four brothers. It took CHIBA RING members a further four years to help descendants of Ben Goldstone's family wind up the estate as he had died in 1967 without a will. In recognition of the Goldstone heritage CHIBA RING has ensured the family retains a portion of their ancestral home.
The undeveloped character of the land and natural vegetation provides habitat for a wide range of small animals such as blue and red duiker, bushbuck, mongoose and vervet monkeys. The rich bird life is an added attraction for birdwatchers. The extensive reedbeds of the Mvuzi River host a breeding colony of European swallows, while endangered raptors such as the magnificent crowned eagle may sometimes be seen circling high above the patches of coastal forest covering both properties.
With far reaching views out to sea, our property offers some of the best spots from which to watch whales or the "greatest shoal on earth" - the annual sardine run. The land, its adjoining beach and quiet local roads are well suited for rambling, cycling or just relaxing in your place in the sun. It is hoped the Ifafa Beach Caravan Park, which is within walking distance, with a restaurant and small shop and bottle store will be revitalised by new owners, after the untimely death of 'Johnno' - a main manna in Ifafa Beach.
Only 85kms from Durban, all the usual retail outlets and chain stores can be found at nearby Scottburgh, Hibberdene, Park Rynie or Pennington as well as restaurants, pubs, take-aways, local arts and craft industries, health and beauty therapists, comprehensive medical and emergency facilities and a host of other amenities and services. Tours may be booked to discover some of the South Coast's best-kept secrets - world heritage sites, waterfalls, shipwrecks and famous lighthouses.
The South Coast boast the best swimming beaches on the KZN coastline, with many estuaries. It is also famed for its diving - Aliwal Shoals are recognised globally. On Ifafa's doorstep are a number of renowned golf courses nearby such as Selborne and Umdoni. Recreational and leisure activities include: Croc World and its indigenous park, where regular talks and events takes place, birding, fishing, tennis, hiking, dancing, live music, social and special interest clubs. There are many local places of worship catering for diverse religious persuasions. A number of adventure sports destinations cater for the adrenaline junkies, while local farms, nature reserves and parks will appeal to the whole family.
There are medical facilities in the area. Besides clinics, doctors and specialists, there are good hospitals in Scottburgh, Port Shepstone and other areas on the South Coast. Umdoni has a retirement home with a frail care centre.
As the South Coast becomes ever more popular for retirement, there is an increase in care for the elderly and many of the complementary wellness and health care facilities. Two of the famous Hibiscus Retirement Villages, Umdoni and Widenham, are on our doorstep and have comprehensive frail care centres, which are open to the wider public.
For those seeking a healthier lifestyle there are a number of studios and retreats offering rest, renewal, Pilates, yoga and meditation. For the more energetic, surfing lessons are offered combined with yoga in the well-known Pumula Retreat close by.
Chiba Ring is named after Govind Chiba, a liberation struggle activist who died on 7 December 2003
In the mid-1800s, the original Samuel Goldstone, who hailed from Darlington, England, was granted 180ha by the local Zulu clan
The CHIBA RING project aims to stimulate long term local entrepreneurial growth.
This unique property is being sold as one property. It encompasses the Mvuzi Estuary and River that winds its way to the sea through riverine vegetation, which is home to abundant marine, bird and wild life. The sea boundary of the property is a long stretch of golden sand beach. All three parcels of land have magnificent sea and inland views and lend themselves to different development opportunities.
Approval has been given to rezone from agriculture. Of the 13.6 hectares, 1.8 ha have Environmental and SPLUMA authorisation for the following development:-
The remaining 11.8 ha is zoned as conservation, ensuring future owners of unspoilt beauty and no future development that would obscure the views and ruin the natural ambience.
If interested please contact: Jason Wilkes on 084 245 2158 or email jason@alexlaw.co.za.
Please see the:
We are looking for 19 new home owners and hoping for some with practical skills. We are keen to bring on board younger people so there is fresh blood to take forward and expand the aims of living in balance with nature and feeling safe in a sharing community. We welcome your enquiry if you feel enthused about this unique development.
If interested in purchasing, please contact Jason Wilkes on 084 245 2158, jason@alexlaw.co.za. He is the Marketing & Sales Manager and first point of call.
If you, your family or friends are interested, Chiba Ring can:
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