PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
17 August 2026
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) Engages United States (U.S) Consulate on Investment, Tourism and Creative Industry Opportunities
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) recently hosted a delegation from the U.S. Consulate General in Durban, led by Public Affairs Officer Mr Doug Mann, for discussions on tourism, investment, and broader economic opportunities within the Ugu District.
A key focus of the engagement was the growing interest in strategic minerals, particularly lithium. The district currently has multiple prospecting applications lodged with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), highlighting potential opportunities for responsible investment in the sector.
Discussions emphasised the importance of beneficiation and developing local value chains, ensuring that economic value derived from the district’s natural resources is retained within Ugu as far as possible. This includes opportunities to anchor beneficiation within broader industrialisation, supporting local businesses, skills development, manufacturing, and job creation.
SCTIE also stressed that economic development must be balanced with environmental sustainability and responsible resource management. Given concerns and objections often associated with mining developments, any future investment must comply with South Africa’s environmental and mining legislation, while prioritising community engagement, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability.
The delegation further expressed interest in the film, arts and creative industries, recognising their potential to contribute to the local economy. Discussions explored opportunities to strengthen specialist capacity in the creative sector, particularly in finance and business operations, public image, marketing, branding, and visibility.
SCTIE CEO, Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, said: “Investment must create value beyond the initial project. We want to see strong local value chains, beneficiation, industrialisation, skills development and meaningful opportunities for our businesses and communities, while protecting the environmental assets that make our district unique. Responsible investment can drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
SCTIE remains committed to facilitating investment that provides confidence to local communities and businesses while supporting sustainable economic development. The organisation will continue connecting investors with relevant government departments, municipalities, traditional authorities, communities, and business networks to ensure that opportunities are developed responsibly, transparently and for the long-term benefit of the Ugu District.
Rediscover Unlimited Opportunities 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.
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 oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
Follow the hashtags #rediscoverunlimitedopportunities #investkznsouthcoast #investmentopportunities
/ENDS
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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