For Immediate Attention
28 November 2025
South Coast Charcoal Entrepreneurs Ignite Growth Through Innovation
The South Coast’s Buy Local movement continues to spotlight exceptional homegrown enterprises, with two dynamic charcoal manufacturers Brighton on Charcoal (Pty) Ltd and Charcoal Legends (Pty) Ltd emerging as powerful examples of innovation, resilience, and economic potential in the region. Both entrepreneurs operate within an industry that remains largely untapped by black role players, making their achievements even more remarkable.
Brighton on Charcoal: Turning a Simple Idea into a Township Success Story
Launched in 2020 by Brighton Nhlakanipho Cele, Brighton on Charcoal began as a clever idea selling lit charcoal to beachgoers during the December holidays. Today, the Mthwalume Township based business produces around 200 bags of 5kg charcoal per month, delivering a complete braai package that includes firestarters, gloves, bin bags, serviettes, tumblers and more.
Brighton believes charcoal manufacturing is “a solid business that will never plummet,” especially with South Africans’ love for braais. The business employs eight people and supplies shisanyamas, guest houses and Hibberdene beach corner stores. Growth has been supported by the municipality’s sponsorship, which provided essential equipment such as a table saw, chainsaw, chisels, and split axes, helping boost production efficiency.
With rising demand, Brighton aims to attract investors, expand production and grow into a full braai lifestyle provider offering charcoal, ice, meat, drinks, camp chairs and gazebos.
Charcoal Legends: Quality and Vision in an Underrepresented Industry
Established in 2022 by Ayanda Mavundla, Charcoal Legends has rapidly grown in an industry where black entrepreneurs represent less than 5% of participants. Operating from Melville near Banana Beach, the company produces 2,500 to 3,000 bags of premium 4kg charcoal monthly with product quality being its strongest selling point.
Their charcoal is stocked by a wide network of retailers, including Harbour View Spar, Astron Garage Umtentweni, OK Foods Marburg, Saverite Port Shepstone, Mnandi Meats, multiple Blue Bottle Liquor Stores, and several local superettes.
Support from Umzumbe Municipality including a bag-sewing machine and 12,000 branded 4kg bags has aided formalisation. However, long government funding approval timelines remain a challenge for growth, particularly for entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ayanda plans to acquire a briquette-making machine to diversify operations and aims to secure listings with Spar and Pick n Pay outlets across KZN. The business employs four permanent and three part-time staff.
CEO, Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya commends Local Excellence “Brighton on Charcoal and Charcoal Legends are powerful examples of the innovation, courage and talent found within South Coast communities. Their success in an industry with limited black participation shows the potential of local enterprise when given the right support. SCTIE is proud to champion these businesses through our Buy Local campaign, because strengthening local producers builds jobs, boosts the regional economy, and uplifts our communities.”
Unlock More Growth on the 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 #unlockmore #unlockmoregrowth
/ENDS
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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)
Charcoal Legends
Kwanele Mnhlongo from Charcoal Legends, Mr Tsepang Magubane: Graduate – Investment & Projects of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Ms Vanessa Gounden: Marketing Coordinator of SCTIE, Ms. Zama Nkomo: Marketing Officer of SCTIE & Ayanda Mavundla from Charcoal Legends
Brighton Nhlakanipho Cele, the owner of Brighton on Charcoal
Brighton on Charcoal
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
