Former Springbok flanker Schalk Burger Jr has entered the property sector as a director of Ballywood Property, the company that acquired roughly 74 hectares of coastal land after the death of hospitality businessman Russell Stevens.

The venture is financed by South African billionaire Johann Rupert, whose Rupert Family Trust holds a shareholding in Ballywood Property, although Rupert is not involved in day‑to‑day management.

Initial plans released in October 2024 outlined a gated community of 122 houses, 132 apartments, commercial spaces, private conservation areas and an expanded boutique hotel on the site near the Robberg Peninsula.

A revised environmental application filed in April 2026 reduced the scheme to 120 group‑housing erven, two apartment erven and business premises, while retaining open spaces and supporting infrastructure.

Environmental groups and neighbouring landowners have objected, citing the project's proximity to the Robberg Coastal Corridor and potential impacts on vegetation, wildlife and ecosystem health.

Ballywood Property responded by proposing to place about 40 hectares under a protected environment arrangement with CapeNature, aiming to safeguard a substantial portion of the land from development.

The project's ultimate approval rests with the relevant planning and environmental authorities, which will decide whether the development proceeds under the revised proposal.