The North Coast isn’t just a place – it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s the tight-knit community, the beachside traditions or the little quirks that come with living here, locals know there’s something special about this place we call home. We asked our readers to finish the sentence, “You know you’re from the North Coast when…” and the responses were gold.

Charmaine Nicosia – When you visit the local shopping mall and everyone greets you or stops for a chat.

May Coomer – When your doctor’s receptionist phones to wish you a happy birthday, your dentist is a family friend and the community is genuinely loving and compassionate. Home has a different meaning here – community really stands together.

Genevieve Tomkinson Daw – When the traffic stops to a halt – to let a band of mongooses cross the road.

Bk Maqhuzu Ngwenya – When you read and receive The North Coast Courier newspaper.

Justine Langford – When you’re up at 5am with most of Ballito – heading to a gym or taking a run or a ride! I love our active town.

Privi Makhan – Beach days at Tiffs and Cindy’s samoosas are a thing. Flip-flops, shorts and mandatory hoodie are your winter wardrobe.

Sandy Coughlan – When a huge pod of dolphins swims past and you still get excited after living there for over 20 years!

Marina Viljoen – When it’s below 20°C so you wear your puffer jacket, jeans and yet still wear your slops.

Kerina Reddy – When it’s over 30 degrees but that mutton bunny and coke goes down perfectly!

Julie Cloete – When a pet goes missing and the whole town is on high alert.

Vusi Shusha – When you see the sugar cane fields burning all over, then you’re know it’s that time of the year once again.

Nicola McGinley Tempest – You have no clue how to use a traffic circle.

Chantal Kidgell – When you can make anything and everything on a braai… because there’s never electricity.

Caroleen Naidoo – When I say my favorite herbs are field herbs and I prefer yellow granadillas from the beachside. When I get excited about pineapple season and buying from the back of a van, or litchi season and the October thunderstorms that bring wild mushrooms. I could go on and on – after 18 years in Johannesburg, I still come home multiple times a year. There’s no place like home.

Tammy McDonnell Colley – When it’s 21 degrees and you are freezing.

Daniel Opperman – When you can catch a couta from your kayak after work.

Arlene Cabral – When the whole town comes together when there is unrest, blocking and protecting the entrance to Ballito, the ladies bringing coffee and sandwiches to the guys 24/7. And your neighbours helping with food when stocks are limited! I do miss Ballito.

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