Ballito’s golden couple, Bev and Kev Collins, were destined to be soulmates – come hell or high water.

Born sixteen months apart, they spent most of their youth living or holidaying just a street apart in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia).

However, it was not until 1967 that they finally met, when they both enrolled at Hyde Park High School in Johannesburg and found themselves catching the same school bus at ages 14 and 15.

Since then, they have been inseparable, recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on March 15.

“The chemistry was so instant that by the end of that first school year together, our friends performed a ‘marriage ceremony’ for us, giving us a certificate and rings too,” said Bev.

“At the age of 21, I asked Kev to marry me because he was taking his time! We were married the next year at St John’s Church in Sandton in 1975.”

After growing tired of the stressful business life in Johannesburg, the couple ventured into the leisure industry, developing and managing scuba diving lodges in southern Mozambique and northern KZN.

To make this transition, Bev had to overcome her deep fear of open water, a phobia that stemmed from a near-drowning incident as a young girl.

Her fearless spirit has remained with her ever since. For her 70th birthday two years ago, she ticked off an impressive bucket list of adventures, including: Bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge, sky diving at Mossel Bay, paragliding, zip lining, white-water rafting and mountain climbing.

“We are young at heart and constantly on the go. We are always seeking exciting new exploits together,” she said.

Seven years ago, the couple moved to Ballito, where they now live close to their three children and three grandchildren.

“Our relationship glue has been driven by an intense emotional connection, encompassing not only physical attraction, but also a deep sense of excitement, adventure and longing to be close to one another.”

“It’s about feeling deeply connected and engaged on multiple levels beyond just daily life. We always have something to talk about and are forever growing more attracted to each other.”

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