The Ballito Jimny Club has grown into a thriving community for lovers of the mini-SUV over the past four years.

Founded by ‘El Presidente’ Santos Kahn of CMH Suzuki Ballito in 2022, the club has grown from a small WhatsApp group into a formal club with 187 members and around 100 Jimnys.

Members come from across KwaZulu-Natal, with one from as far afield as Nelspruit.

“Anyone with a Jimny, of any kind, is welcome. We try to organise four or five weekends away a year, with a few day trips added in,” said Kahn.

“We have been all over KZN and are planning our next trip to Bonamanzi Game Reserve in September to celebrate our fourth anniversary.”

Most recently, the group travelled to Sani Pass in June to test their Jimnys in icy conditions, where they discovered a sprinkling of snow alongside the gravel road.

“It was a couple of the braver members who travelled, but a few still stopped halfway up, doubting whether it was possible,” he said.

“Eventually I gave it a go and made it without a problem, which gave everyone the confidence. I got my Jimny because I love adventure and going to the bush, it has never let me down.”

Kahn and club vice-president Pamela Ravat formally registered the club in 2025 and have big plans for the future. Members already enjoy several rewards, which Kahn hopes to expand as the club grows.

“The club is about the people and getting together with the cars we love. We have an incredible community and it is always a highlight to meet up.”

It turns out the club is as capable in the kitchen as it is off-road, recently beating 66 competitors to win the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch potjie competition with an Asian pork potjie.

To find out more or join, visit Ballito Jimny Club on Facebook. Membership is currently free, with fees set to be introduced in 2027.