PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
28 November 2022
The sky’s the limit for investment on the KZN South Coast with reopening of Margate Airport
With construction complete on the highly anticipated Margate Airport, businesses on the KZN South Coast are gearing up for increased interest as lucrative investment opportunities open up. On Saturday, 26 November, the MEC for the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Siboniso Duma, officially opened the airport following its R11-million upgrade.
“Improving accessibility to the KZN South Coast is not only a priority for increasing the number of tourists to our destination, but also to position the region to attract investors,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “The renovation of Margate Airport creates great prospects for businesses based here, as well as those located beyond the Margate borders, while also opening up the logistics sector.”
The upgrade was undertaken in partnership with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), and the private sector. This forms part of EDTEA’s commitment to modernising small airports, such as this one, for an easy flow of passengers, while also making attractive destinations for future investments.
The municipal-owned Margate Airport has undergone extensive refurbishment, upgrading the airport to a Category 4. This elevated position allows for two scheduled flights daily – morning and afternoon – (except Saturdays) with an aircraft capacity of 47 passengers. This renovation focus was more on the land side of the airport which included an infrastructure upgrade and extension of the terminal building, the restrooms, parking areas and the commercial precinct.
The total investment created 800 temporary jobs with the potential to create hundreds more permanent jobs. The regional airport now boasts investment opportunities in the form of aviation schools, hangars, restaurants and hotels, as well as car hire agencies.
In terms of accessibility, the KZN South Coast is incredibly well positioned, with the N2 connecting the region with the provincial economic hub, Durban, as well as King Shaka International Airport just 190km south for access to the international market. This is also facilitated through Durban Port, the country’s second-largest port and the busiest port in Africa.
Port Shepstone, just an hour-and-a-half south of Durban, has grown to become the economic hub on the KZN South Coast. With the proximity of the airport, this is an ideal base for those seeking investment opportunities in the transport sector, whether road, air or sea. Its location also makes it a gateway to the Eastern Cape, connecting the economies of these regions.
“The Margate Airport also improves inter-provincial leisure travel opportunities, bringing our local communities into mainstream tourism. This inclusive growth within the tourism sector is a national drive which SCTIE is committed to achieving through projects such as these,” continued Mangcu.
Extending from Port Shepstone, the area’s economic hub, throughout the KZN South Coast, there are so many investment opportunities. To find out more about these, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s one-stop shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email info@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
To access previous SCTIE press releases, visit: https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/press-release/.
/ENDS
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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Mayor, Cllr. Skhumbuzo Mqadi and MEC for the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Siboniso Duma
Nhlakanipho Nkontwana (HOD: the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs), Mpumi Mpofu, CEO of the Airports Company South Africa, Cllr Sboniso Maphumulo (Speaker of Umzumbe Municipality), Cllr. Skhumbuzo Mqadi (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Mayor), Siboniso Duma (MEC for the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs) and Cllr. Phumlile Mthiyane (Ugu District Municipality Mayor).
Phelisa Mangcu (CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise), Mpumi Mpofu (CEO of Airports Company South Africa) and Mr. Khetha Zulu (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Acting Municipal Manager).
MEC for the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Siboniso Duma.
Cllr. Zodwa Mzindle (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Speaker).
Thabi Msomi (SCTIE Visitor Services Officer) and Vanessa Gounden (SCTIE Coordinator: Tourism Marketing).
Mr. Miles van der Mole (CEO of Cemair).
Asogan Reddy and Darren Govender from Law Enforcement with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Mayor, Cllr. Skhumbuzo Mqadi.
About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts a number of permanently managed Blue Flag beaches, and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title for ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to a number of high-profile events including the The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.
Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications
For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za
