PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
21 May 2026
KZN South Coast Builds Future-Ready Workforce to Power Tourism Growth
The KZN South Coast is strengthening its position as a competitive tourism and investment destination by prioritising skills development and workforce readiness across the district. As tourism demand evolves, a strong focus is being placed on equipping local communities and SMMEs with the practical skills needed to actively participate in and benefit from the growing visitor economy.
At the centre of this effort is the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise, which continues to play a key role as a District Development Agency (DDA), bridging the gap between development planning and implementation. Through targeted training programmes linked to catalytic projects, SCTIE is ensuring that skills development is aligned with real economic opportunities.
Programmes are being rolled out in key growth areas such as hospitality services, adventure tourism operations and emerging agro and marine-based tourism value chains. Initiatives linked to projects like the Marine Tilapia Incubator Hub and adventure offerings such as the Umzumbe River Trails are equipping participants with hands on experience in operations, maintenance, customer service and enterprise development.
This approach ensures that local residents are not only employment ready but are also positioned to become entrepreneurs and service providers within the tourism ecosystem. By integrating skills development with investment ready projects, the district is creating a sustainable pipeline of talent that supports both business growth and community upliftment.
“Tourism growth must translate into real opportunities for our people,” said Dr Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE. “Through targeted skills development linked to key projects, we are equipping local communities and SMMEs with the tools they need to participate meaningfully in the economy. This is about building a capable, future-ready workforce that can support investment, drive innovation and ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared across our district.”
As the KZN South Coast continues to attract investment and expand its tourism offering, this strong focus on human capital development is laying the foundation for long-term, inclusive economic growth.
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.
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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
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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.
Pitch Email: 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