For Immediate Attention
12 December 2025SCTIE Secures Seven Strategic Partnerships to Drive Jobs, Investment and Enterprise DevelopmentSouth Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) has signed seven strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with key private sector and business partners, marking a major step in advancing inclusive economic growth, investment attraction, and enterprise development across the Ugu District..The MOU signing ceremony, held on 10 December 2025, at the San Lameer Hotel and Spa formalised partnerships with organisations operating across mining, agriculture, tourism, retail and business development. These collaborations are designed to align regional development goals with private sector expertise, promoting sustainable investment, job creation and skills development.The agreements were signed with Aligro Lithium Mining, Yami Mine Solutions (YMS), Bargain Group, the Port Shepstone Business Forum, the South Coast Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and Lake Eland Nature Reserve.Aligro Lithium Mining will focus on responsible mineral development, local employment and skills development, while honouring its Social and Labour Plan commitments.Yami Mine Solutions will support enterprise development, supplier readiness and funding mobilisation initiatives in mining-affected communities.Bargain Group will strengthen local supplier networks and drive stakeholder mobilisation, reinforcing the Buy Local Initiative.The Port Shepstone Business Forum will work with SCTIE to enhance market access for emerging businesses and support a strong local business environment.
The South Coast Chamber of Commerce & Industry will drive business capacity-building and expand procurement access for regional enterprises.
Beaver Creek Coffee Estate in the agricultural sector, will partner with SCTIE to upscale coffee production and provide training opportunities to emerging farmers.
Lake Eland Nature Reserve in the tourism sector will collaborate on tourism product development and destination marketing, increasing visitor numbers and community-linked tourism opportunities.
Dr Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE, said: “These strategic partnerships signal a bold step forward for the Ugu District. By working closely with industry leaders and local business structures, we are unlocking new pathways for investment, enterprise growth and job creation. Together, we are building a more resilient, inclusive and competitive regional economy.”
These MOUs reflect SCTIE’s commitment to coordinated development, unlocking opportunities for businesses and communities, while positioning the Ugu District as a leading investment and tourism destination.
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
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.
High resolution images : https://we.tl/t-opREXKMZfe
(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)
Delegates at the MOU Signing Ceremony
Mr Lunga Yeni, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) Board Member; Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE; Mr Sandile Dlomo, SCTIE Board Chairperson, and Mr Thokozane Sabela, Board Member
Mr Vijay Naidoo from Port Shepstone Business Forum
Mr Willie Britz from Lake Eland Game Reserve
Mr Lunga Yeni, SCTIE Board Member and Mr Yusuf Moosa from Bragin Group
Mr Lunga Yeni, SCTIE Board Member and Mr Ian Harebottle from Aligro Lithium Mining
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
