PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
22 February 2023
Port Shepstone Techno Hub brings significant investment potential to the KZN South Coast
“Given what we know today about the potential beneficial impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we must embrace this historic confluence of human insights and engagement, artificial intelligence and technology, to rise to the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa
As part of the government’s drive to shift South Africa to a nation of early adopters in terms of technology, the KZN South Coast has been chosen as one of four provincial sites for the establishment of a technological hub – a development investment for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). The Port Shepstone Techno Hub will not only help achieve this goal, it promises unlimited opportunities for keen investors.
Run by the provincial government in partnership with Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, the Port Shepstone Techno Hub is the first of four such hubs which are set to stimulate the region’s economy by providing a collaborative space for investors and entrepreneurs. This will also form part of the Eastern Seaboard Development Initiative which aims to unlock the economic potential of the region within the Eastern Cape and KZN – with the KZN South Coast falling within this framework.
“We are proud that the KZN South Coast has been chosen as one of the key locations for the development of a techno hub, a development investment that will undoubtedly benefit the youth,” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “The location of Port Shepstone is particularly well chosen. As the business and administration hub of the KZN South Coast, there is now even more reason for individuals and organisations to consider setting up shop here. There are great things in store for this region!”
The 20-hectare gated location for the techno hub consists of five land-use zones, including light industrial/commercial, techno hub/hotel/conference centre, mixed-use commercial, and mixed-use residential. The project is currently in Phase 1 which includes the completion of the fencing and an administrative building including three training rooms and a board room. The site has already received much investor interest with land plots being the attention of investors such as the Radisson Hotel Group – the American multi-national hospitality company – already committing to the hub.
Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality is sharing some key areas of investment opportunity found here including:
- Business innovation programmes
- Film and media innovations
- Leisure and entertainment facilities
- Information, communication, and technology
- Tourism and the ocean economy
- Energy innovation
- Water technology
In addition to the massive investment potential, the Port Shepstone Techno Hub will provide valuable insight that will be used to benefit other sectors on the KZN South Coast, among them manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, and the agri-business industry. There is also value add in terms of attracting a younger workforce looking to explore, practice, and test innovative ideas that could benefit the region and country.
“This is not solely about job creation, but about creating a productive space for entrepreneurial thinkers to get together and collaborate on ground-breaking ideas and projects,” continued Mangcu. “The Port Shepstone Techno Hub really has the potential to drive socio-economic development, increase competitiveness, and grow the area in line with the fourth industrial revolution.”
SCTIE has partnered with Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) to establish a One Stop Shop office on the KZN South Coast. This aims to improve the efficiency of doing business, ensuring investors have access to municipal incentives in the district, such as those being offered through the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality (RNM).
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 #unlimitedopportunities, 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.
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/ENDS
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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)
The KZN South Coast has been chosen as one of four provincial sites for the establishment of a technological hub – a development investment for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).
Render image of the Port Shepstone Techno Hub.
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 several 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 of ‘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 several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.
Disclaimer
While SCTIE takes reasonable measures to ensure that the contents of this document are accurate and complete, SCTIE makes no representations or warranties, whether express or implied. All information provided in this document is provided ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, completeness, or non-infringement, as may be allowed in law. SCTIE does not accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions in this document, provided by third-party contributors.
Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications
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