The region has also enjoyed increased media attention during this period, placing the South Coast firmly in the spotlight as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most attractive coastal investment nodes. This exposure has supported growing interest from both local and national investors, particularly in property and mixed-use developments. What continues to set the South Coast apart is its rare combination of lifestyle and commercial value – a mild year-round climate, internationally recognised Blue Flag beaches, championship golf courses, nature-based activities and a well-developed hospitality offering.
These developments are expected to unlock marine tourism, commercial fishing, waterfront retail, property development and job creation, positioning the South Coast as a key player in the ocean economy.
These partnerships reinforce SCTIE’s commitment to building a competitive, inclusive and investment-ready regional economy by aligning public and private sector expertise and resources.
An emerging lithium mining company focused on responsible mineral development, local job creation, skills development and delivery of Social and Labour Plan (SLP) commitments.
Yami Mine Solutions (YMS)
A development-focused partner supporting enterprise development, supplier readiness, skills activation and inclusive economic empowerment in mining-affected communities.
Bargain Group
A retail and investment business driving stakeholder mobilisation, investment promotion and strengthening of local supplier networks through the Buy Local Initiative.
Port Shepstone Business Forum
A strong advocate for local enterprises, working with SCTIE to expand market access for emerging businesses and strengthen the Buy Local Initiative.
South Coast Chamber of Commerce & Industry
A regional business representative body supporting business development, capacity building, procurement access and retention of economic value within the district.
Beaver Creek Coffee Estate
A flagship agricultural partner focused on expanding coffee production, agro-processing, and supporting smallholder farmers through training and skills development.
Lake Eland Nature Reserve
A key tourism partner focused on tourism product development, marketing and creating tourism-linked economic opportunities for local communities.
These MOUs reflect a shared commitment to transforming Ugu’s economy through coordinated investment, business development, tourism promotion and community-centred growth initiatives.
The campaign is focused on positioning the South Coast as a cost competitive, well located, and investor friendly destination with strong labour availability and expanding industrial capacity.
To find out more about the One Stop Shop email: oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za. Alternatively, you can contact us on 039 6827944.
Brighton on Charcoal, founded in 2020 by Brighton Nhlakanipho Cele in Mthwalume, has grown from a seasonal beach-side idea into a structured manufacturing business producing approximately 200 bags of 5kg charcoal per month. The business now offers full braai convenience packages and employs eight people. Support from local government in the form of machinery and tools has improved productivity and enabled expansion into guest houses, shisanyamas and retail outlets.
Charcoal Legends, founded in 2022 by Ayanda Mavundla in Melville near Banana Beach, produces between 2,500 and 3,000 bags of premium 4kg charcoal monthly. The business supplies several well-known retailers and has benefited from municipal support, including a bag-sewing machine and branded packaging. With further plans to invest in briquette production and scale into national retail chains, the enterprise represents the growing potential of black industrialists within the region.
The South Coast was strongly represented through the participation of Natal Portland Cement as a Silver Sponsor, Umdoni Point Coastal Estate as an award recipient and Serenity Hills Estate as a promoter of sustainable tourism and real estate. SCTIE facilitated engagement with key provincial institutions including InvestSA and the One Stop Shop, strengthening the pipeline for future project support.
Key outcomes included improved alignment between national, provincial and district priorities; identification of fast-track projects in renewable energy, transport, tourism and water infrastructure; strengthened collaboration with traditional authorities on land availability and enhanced coordination under the District Development Model to reduce regulatory barriers and accelerate implementation.
• Investment Boom for KZN South Coast with Plans for Port Shepstone Harbour.
• Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate (by P&G Construction) Honoured for Outstanding Investment Commitment at 2024 KZN Trade & Investment Conference.
• South Coast Charcoal Entrepreneurs Ignite Growth Through Innovation.
• KZN South Coast Gaining Momentum as Investor Interest Accelerates.
• SCTIE Secures Seven Strategic Partnerships to Drive Jobs, Investment and Enterprise Development.
Key Focus
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Property Development
• KwaXolo Caves
• Ugu OSS
• The Buy Local Initiative
Through these campaigns we continue to reinforce the KZN South Coast as a destination where investors can unlock growth, opportunity and long term returns.
visitkznsouthcoast.co.za
website, the Explore KZN South Coast App and all official social media platforms.
Social media platforms recorded significant growth in reach, followers and audience engagement, reflecting the success of targeted content and real-time updates.
The digital events calendar remained highly active, with daily updates showcasing a wide variety of community, tourism, business and investment events.
Keep Updated
If you know of potential investment opportunities along the KZN South Coast that would benefit from SCTIE support,
please contact SCTIE on 039 6827944 or email:
info@sctie.co.za
If you haven’t already, be sure to download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast‘ app from
Google Play
and
Apple
app stores. We urge you to encourage visitors to also download the app for regular updates on our tourism offerings.
Information can also be found by visiting:
- South Coast Tourism on Facebook;
- South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube;
- @infosouthcoast on X or Instagram;
- Info Ugu South Coast Tourism on LinkedIn; and
- www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za to check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more!
- And click here to check our previous SCTIE newsletters.
To find out more about the KZN South Coast’s investment opportunities, contact 039 682 7944,
email info@sctie.co.za
or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
