Behind the street name of Moffatt Drive is Sean Moffatt, a developer whose vision helped shape Ballito’s business landscape.

Moffatt was one of five men who, in 1999, saw potential in what were then rolling sugar cane fields. Alongside Douglas Crowe, Philip Garlick, Ken Stewart and Hugh Wimble, he helped lay the foundations of what would become Ballito Business Park, now one of the North Coast’s key economic hubs.

“We were all friends in Pietermaritzburg, each bringing different skills required for property development,” said Moffatt.

Crowe, then owner of Seaforth Farm, provided the land that would later become Seaward Estate, Ashton International College, Ballito Business Park, Lifestyle Centre and The Junction. Wimble and Garlick joined as investors, Stewart contributed civil engineering expertise, and Moffatt led construction and project management.

Today, the names of the five developers live on in the area’s road network, a lasting tribute to their early vision.

Born in Zululand and educated at Cordwalles, Michaelhouse, Natal University and Natal Technikon, Moffatt built his career from the ground up, rising from foreman to senior leadership roles in construction and development.

He later founded Phezulu Projects, a Hilton-based firm, and is a joint owner of Seeff Midlands. Despite being based inland, he returns regularly to his Sheffield Beach home with his wife, Debra, where he enjoys coastal walks and time with family.

Now 60, Moffatt is known for his hands-on approach and enduring passion for development. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, mountain biking and birdwatching, a hobby that has taken him to destinations such as Brazil and Guatemala in search of rare species.

Moffatt Drive, a burgeoning business hub

Moffatt Drive in the Ballito Business Park is increasingly becoming a magnet for established brands and speciality suppliers.

Regional and national businesses credit the location for improved visibility, accessibility and customer growth. With both new and established businesses praising the area, Moffatt Drive has become one of Ballito’s most sought-after commercial corridors.

Among them are Jamson Corporation, VW Ballito and Gelmar, which say the area’s infrastructure and strategic positioning continue to drive foot traffic and strengthen their local presence.

Jamson Corporation, a direct importer and wholesale supplier of natural and engineered stone surfaces, opened an exclusive showroom on Moffatt Drive in November last year. Founded in Pietermaritzburg in 2011 by father-and-son duo Jameel and Ebrahim Soobader, the company has long been known for supplying premium granite, quartz and sintered stone across residential and commercial markets.

Ebrahim Soobader said the decision to expand into Ballito and open their first exclusive showroom was driven by the advantages of the developing precinct.

“The infrastructure is really good and we are near some estates, which is good for business because it is easily accessible and can be seen from the N2,” he said.

He added that Moffatt Drive’s concentration of home-building and design-related businesses makes it especially attractive.

“We chose Moffatt Drive because if you are building or designing a house, just take a drive – everything is in one place. The area is still developing, which allows us to share our brand with new customers.”

Gelmar, a fittings, accessories, storage and hardware store, enjoys access to the same visibility and home-related foot traffic on the street.

The automotive industry also has a strong foothold on Moffatt Drive. VW Ballito General manager Jacques Schutte, who has worked at the Ballito showroom for the last eight years, said the dealership’s success is tied closely to its location.

“There are some weekends when VW is so busy there are not enough staff for all the customers, which he credits to the location of the showroom,” said Schutte.

“Moffatt Drive is in a prime spot in the Ballito Business Park in one of the safest towns in the country, which is good for businesses and customers. Our store is easily accessible and can be seen from the motorway, which is great for brand awareness.”

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