"I must stress that this was a difficult decision for me," Amla said in a statement on Monday. "I have always considered myself a Durban boy and know that I will dearly miss the support of the KwaZulu-Natal fans during the domestic games."
Although Amla had not played much domestic cricket in recent years, owing to his national team commitments, he said he would cherish the memory of the tremendous support he had received from the KwaZulu-Natal fans.
"I am joining a team that has as rich a tradition as the Dolphins," he added.
"I'm extremely excited about the future and looking forward to making many new friends and colleagues in the Western Cape, while enjoying the game of cricket."
Amla has just completely his most successful season yet with the national team. He shared the sixth highest third-wicket Test partnership of 377 against England at Lord's last year with Jacques Kallis – the highest ever for that wicket against England
Amla also made South Africa's first Test treble century after he scored two centuries in both the away series against England and Australia.
He is also currently ranked as the number-one Test batsman and joint number one ODI batsman with Proteas captain AB de Villiers.
Amla's innings of 196 against Australia in Perth was the highest for a South African against that opponent since unity. – Sapa