For Immediate Attention
06 November 2025
The KZN South Coast is set to become a leading maritime and investment destination, with Port Shepstone announced as a beneficiary of South Africa’s landmark Small Harbours Development Programme. The national initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), got underway with a stakeholder engagement session in Port Shepstone on 31 October.The launch event was attended by Deputy Minister of the DPWI, Sihle Zikalala, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Musa Zondi, as well as representatives from South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), business, and civil society.
A Strategic Opportunity for Investment and Tourism
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE, welcomed the development, saying: “The Port Shepstone Small Craft Harbour represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in our region’s history. This catalytic project will not only unlock the maritime and logistics sectors but also drive growth across tourism, trade, and property development. For investors, it signals long-term confidence in the KZN South Coast’s potential as a world-class ocean economy destination.”
He added that the harbour aligns with SCTIE’s vision of positioning the South Coast as a key economic hub:
“With its ideal location, connectivity, and natural coastal assets, Port Shepstone is perfectly placed to become the maritime gateway of the KZN South Coast. This development complements our existing tourism assets, from our Blue Flag beaches and dive sites to our hinterland and adventure experiences, creating a resilient regional economy.”
Catalyst for Coastal Growth
Aligned with Operation Phakisa – government’s blueprint for unlocking the ocean economy – the Small Harbours Development Programme reinforces national priorities under the Strategic Infrastructure Programme (SIP) and National Infrastructure Plan, ensuring that the country’s 2,800-kilometre coastline becomes a shared economic frontier.
The Port Shepstone Small Craft Harbour has been designated a Tier 1 catalytic site, with Port Edward and Hibberdene Tier 2 sites. The Port Shepstone site is ideally located less than 1km southeast of the town’s CBD and Oribi Plaza Shopping Centre, placing it at the heart of commerce, transport, and future trade growth.
The programme’s triple-stage framework – spanning feasibility, planning and design, and construction – is set to drive inclusive economic activity and create new opportunities across sectors. Reports indicate that during construction alone, the harbour project is projected to contribute R4.41 billion in additional business sales, R1.85 billion to GDP, and generate over 5,800 jobs within the KwaZulu-Natal economy.
“This is a turning point for the people of Ugu and Port Shepstone,” the DPWI said in a statement. “Through the Small Harbours Development Programme, we are correcting historical imbalances and building a foundation for inclusive, sustainable economic growth. For every berth completed, a town reclaims its coastal identity. South Africa’s blue economy is no longer a distant vision but a tangible tide lifting previously overlooked shores.”
Now’s the Time: Visit, Invest, Thrive in KZN South Coast!
Find out more about these and other investment options by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
To find out more about investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
To purchase goods sold or secure services from these and other Buy Local businesses visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. To make orders from Buy Local members or to join the campaign, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form.
Follow the hashtags #nowisthetime #nowisthetimetoinvest
/ENDS
Get in Touch
Find out more by downloading the Explore KZN South Coast app; visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
To find out more about these and more investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email mongezi@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
Follow the hashtags #unlockmore #unlockmoregrowth
/ENDS
Please note the image credit is included beneath the corresponding image. All images are
complimentary for media use, provided the correct photographer credit is included and
the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied.
Port Shepstone Lighthouse
Port Shepstone Beachfront
Port Shepstone Town
Port Shepstone Beach
Port Shepstone
Mr Sihle Zikalala, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
About South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
SCTIE was established as the official economic development arm of the KZN South Coast which extends from Scottburgh to Port Edward, and inland to Harding. It is a legal entity of the Ugu District Municipality with executive powers, serving the Ugu District and its family of municipalities. The entity is committed to identifying and unlocking the full tourism and investment potential of this region. SCTIE achieves its mandate of promoting investment through dedicated marketing initiatives, product development, business support and training, dedicated networking events, and breaking down barriers to local investment. From the coast to the hinterland, the KZN South Coast has a wealth of untapped investment potential for those who are looking to branch out into the district and uncover opportunities. The attractive location, subtropical climate, natural assets and accessibility make the KZN South Coast a prime investment destination. By engaging with local and international role players, SCTIE seeks to assist investors looking to uncover hidden gems across various economic sectors, including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, real estate, logistics and transport, and the ocean economy, among others. For more information, visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
The KZN South Coast is poised for major investment with the launch of the national Small Harbours Development Programme, which includes Port Shepstone among its locations. According to South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), this catalytic project is anticipated to unlock the maritime and logistics sectors while driving growth across tourism, trade, and property development on the KZN South Coast.
For more information please contact:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Cell: 039 682 7944
Email: vanessa@sctie.co.za
