Marketing Update
Our investment marketing campaign consistently emphasizes the region’s opportunities, anchored by the annual theme, ‘Now’s the Time to Invest in KZN South Coast,’ which remains central to our messaging. Investor confidence in the area is bolstered by enhanced infrastructure, the thriving Port Shepstone Business Hub, and dynamic sectors such as agriculture, mining, maritime, logistics, and renewable energy. Current investors are enjoying exceptional returns, supported by a skilled, cost-efficient workforce, affordable coastal property, and low living expenses, making the region a prime destination for growth. Investment prospects span from the Eastern Seaboard to inland tourism hubs, unlocking vast potential. Recent commitments from property developers, commended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, further underscore the region’s upward trajectory and appeal. Investment Awareness Campaign Update Our local businesses and potential investors on the KZN South Coast are encouraged to visit the One Stop Shop (OSS) for business support. Through the OSS awareness campaign, the following messaging is being shared: Now’s the Time to discover the many support services offered by the SCTIE OSS for KZN South Coast investors and businesses. The One Stop Shop in Port Shepstone is ready to support potential investors and business owners. Now’s the time to find out how! Fam Trip Update We hosted a Familiarisation (fam) Trip on the KZN South Coast, giving media personalities a first-hand experience of our incredible investment assets. Fam Trips are a great way to garner significant exposure for our local establishments while building great relationships with the media. Renishaw Hills and Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate Media Fam Trip Date: 18 February 2025 We organised a media fam trip, photo shoot, and video at two of our key property developments on the KZN South Coast; Renishaw Hills (within the 1 300ha Renishaw Coastal Precinct) and Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate. Local members of the media and the Maverick International Crew accompanied us to the CEO interview and photoshoot, where we spoke to Barto van der Merwe, the Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments (Subsidiary of Crookes Brothers Limited) and Paul Tedder, Developer of Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate. Renishaw Hills and Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate are a few of the large-scale developments attracting local and international investment to the region. They’re joined by Injabulo Lifestyle Estate, Serenity Hills, and Bahari Bay, among others. 2025 Trade Show & Exhibition From 24 to 26 February, we attended Meetings Africa 2025 themed ‘Africa’s Success Built on Quality Connections’ at the Sandton Convention Centre. Meetings Africa is owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating a market access platform for African Business Events Products. The 19th edition was a productive, inspiring and rewarding platform which welcomed 410 exhibitors and over 300 buyers from 27 African countries. We maximised our exposure by scheduling various meetings prior to the trade show via the Meetings Africa Business Matchmaking programme – a method to identify and connect companies and buyers with common business interests. This was a unique opportunity to meet incredible people, gain valuable insights into tourism industry, and discover opportunities for collaboration and investment. With the KZN South Coast an increasingly popular MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events) destination, the Meetings Africa Trade Show & Exhibition was a great platform to showcase this aspect while attracting business and investment to the KZN South Coast. This year’s event also touched on the G20 Summit, being hosted in South Africa for the first time this year. This is a rare and powerful opportunity for the local and regional investment as well as the tourism industry. New Checkers opens in Port Shepstone We are incredibly excited about the flagship development in Port Shepstone, which consists of a Checkers Fresh X Store, Checkers Liquor Store, and Checkers Pet Science – with more retailers set to be announced soon. According to the recent Trade Intelligence’s bi-annual Corporate Retail Comparative Report (CRCR), Checkers reported turnover of R38.5 billion across its 268 stores. The upward performance of Checkers bodes well for the KZN South Coast, which is set to increase employment opportunities through the remainder of the construction phase, as well as upon opening of the retail units and Checkers store. With the store opening expected in June 2025, this new store will also provide the residents and visitors with more options to choose from when shopping, with the option of the popular Checkers 60/60 delivery service.
Website and Digital Update
Our updated website and active social media platforms engage existing and new followers daily. Digital marketing provides visitors with real-time information directly to their tablets or smartphones and encourages direct engagement to better inform our communication and marketing efforts. Social Media The social media platforms continue to be shared between Tourism and Investment. We have intensified our focus on showcasing successful local businesses across various sectors and promoting successful case studies that highlight existing investment opportunities on the KZN South Coast. This refined content strategy has strengthened our brand awareness efforts and enhanced our ability to attract local and, potentially, global investors as part of our digital marketing efforts. These also include upcoming promotional videos to create more engagement around the KZN South Coast’s offerings. Website The KZN South Coast Investment website is a key resource for local and international investors, providing insights into established and future opportunities. The quarterly investment newsletter has been essential in communicating these and has the potential to attract global investment by offering valuable updates on emerging sectors, policy changes, and success stories that highlight the region’s economic prospects. The website is regularly updated to ensure that all information remains accurate and relevant, making it easier for investors to identify and explore new opportunities in the region. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) This quarter, we have begun introducing new features and content categories to enhance communication about the efforts of our organisation. These additions highlight our role in investment facilitation, support for existing and potential investors, and the broader impact of our initiatives. Beyond providing valuable insights, these updates will also optimise the website for search engines, ensuring better visibility through fresh content and structural improvements. This, in turn, has the potential to increase web traffic and audience engagement. Explore the KZN South Coast app The KZN South Coast App is a key resource for investors exploring opportunities in the region. Originally a tourism platform, it now provides essential business insights, infrastructure developments, and investment prospects, making it a valuable tool for economic engagement. Available on Apple iOS and Google Play Store, the app offers real-time access to industry data, existing enterprises, and commercial developments. Investors can assess market potential, identify growth sectors, and explore emerging opportunities. With a growing user base, the KZN South Coast App is positioning the region as a dynamic commercial hub. By centralising business intelligence in one accessible platform, it helps investors make informed decisions, reinforcing the South Coast’s appeal as a prime location for growth and development. One Stop Shop Services The Ugu District One Stop Shop – which is based at our offices at 16 Bisset Street in Port Shepstone – coordinates input from various role-players, including investors, developers, industry, civil stakeholders, and provincial and municipal officials. This is supported by the collaborative efforts of various government departments and organisations that work with the One Stop Shop to reduce the red tape and facilitate business in the area. Services offered by Ugu District One Stop Shop include: Funding applications Visa applications Tourism grading EIA applications CIPC eServices Food safety Investment facilitation and aftercare We encourage businesses looking for new opportunities, or prospective investors to get in touch with our One Stop Shop office to find out how we can assist. To find out more about the One Stop Shop click here, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za. Alternatively, you can contact us on 039 682 7944. View the full marketing video of our Ugu District OSS here and feel free to share on social media platforms. Buy Local Campaign Update This quarter, we featured three of our award-winning fashion designers from the brand labels Sistas Felas, S’theh, and Deon Zuider to showcase the investment potential within the KZN South Coast’s fashion industry. All three brands are members (or pending members) of our Buy Local initiative, which promotes local businesses, connects them with resources, and encourages consumer and investor support. Their success highlights a thriving industry ready for expansion – a golden opportunity for investors looking to back a high-growth sector. There continues to be an upward trajectory with our Buy Local campaign – forming part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (the dtic) Buy Back SA initiative – with several new businesses joining as members. With our deadline for free membership ending on 30 June 2025, we are urging local businesses to register before the deadline to enjoy the many membership benefits. Buy Local Membership Benefits include: Local job creation and strengthening the local economy. Strengthening local value chains and building relationships between manufacturers, sellers and buyers. A decrease in transportation time from manufacturer to seller. Buyers are getting farm-to-fork fresh produce, which is nutrient-enriched. This grows local pride and retains local investments. Local businesses are easily accessible. This creates a more resilient local economy to better withstand future uncertainty. We encourage businesses to consider sourcing services and goods from Buy Local businesses wherever possible. To purchase goods or secure services from Buy Local businesses, visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. To order 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.
Advertising Update
Digital platforms remain a favoured medium for our investment advertising due to their extensive reach and ability to deliver real-time messaging. We have disseminated our investment awareness campaigns, Buy Local and One Stop Shop updates, and details of catalytic projects across social media channels such as Meta, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. This quarter, we are spotlighting new Buy Local members from the fashion industry, our expanding sectors, and the significant potential for investing in tourism.
Public Relations Update
We are further strengthening our media relations by distributing sector-specific press releases aimed at financial and business-focused media outlets. By showcasing the key investment opportunities and the vast potential of the KZN South Coast, we are capturing the attention of a wide range of investors. Furthermore, we are actively engaging with the media to highlight priority areas and growth sectors, ensuring positive coverage across all platforms. When questions arise regarding challenges faced by local industries, we respond promptly and clearly, ensuring that the KZN South Coast is portrayed in both print and broadcast media. Press releases issued: KZN South Coast’s fashion labels making an impact on the global stage (25 February 2025) Growth of mushroom farm on the KZN South Coast shows now’s the time to invest in agriculture (28 February 2025)
Website and Digital Update
Our digital platforms are strategic gateways to investment, offering real-time updates, advanced functionality, and actionable insights. With constantly refreshed content across our website, app, and social media channels, we connect local, national, and international investors to the KZN South Coast’s vast potential. Through innovative tools and data-driven strategies, we’re redefining the region as a premier destination for investment. Social Media The social media platforms are shared between tourism and investment. Our data-driven social media strategy has been instrumental in driving awareness and engagement, delivering over 1 million impressions last quarter, growing our audience to more than 14,000 Facebook (Meta) followers, and driving significant cross-platform engagement. By delivering high-quality, relevant content and frequent updates, we’ve driven robust cross-platform engagement, showcasing the KZN South Coast as a premier destination for investment. These results highlight the strength of our digital campaigns and the growing prominence of our platforms in connecting with diverse audiences. Website Our investment website has evolved into a comprehensive resource for stakeholders. The newly launched CEO Blog featuring ‘Thought Leader’ articles by Dr Sibiya will serve as a beacon for investment insights, showcasing the region’s exciting developments and opportunities. Meanwhile, our enhanced One Stop Shop (OSS) portal simplifies access to vital services, helping investors navigate the process with ease. With continuous updates and innovative features, our website is driving meaningful engagement while facilitating connections with new and existing investors. New content and information will be coming soon on specific projects, outlining project benefits and providing insights into development timelines, potential returns, and strategic alignment with the region’s growth plans. This enriched content will further position the investment website as a comprehensive and invaluable resource for existing and prospective investors. Research Update We are currently driving tourism and investment insights through research on occupancy trends, target market demographics, and Visitor Satisfaction campaign impact. These data-driven findings uncover development opportunities, optimise marketing strategies, and enhance promotional effectiveness, empowering investors with informed decisions aligned with the region’s growth potential. These findings will soon be available on our digital platforms. Push Notifications Our push notification system has become a critical tool for engaging with investors and stakeholders. These notifications, which include multimedia content, links, and key updates, are designed to keep establishments, stakeholders, and board members informed about the latest investment opportunities and developments in the KZN South Coast. This quarter, we’ve more than doubled the frequency of investment notifications to ensure timely and impactful communication, aligning with our digital campaigns to attract and retain investor interest. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Ongoing SEO enhancements and content updates to the investment website have boosted its visibility and engagement. By tailoring articles to investor interests and search algorithms, and integrating advanced backend tools, we ensure the platform remains a dynamic and impactful resource for showcasing investment opportunities on the KZN South Coast. Explore the KZN South Coast app Our Explore KZN South Coast App is updated daily, making it an invaluable resource for potential investors. It offers insightful information on the region’s dynamic investment opportunities, including key business contacts, developed projects, and investment-ready ventures. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive content, the app provides a clear view of the KZN South Coast’s economic landscape, helping investors make informed decisions while showcasing the region’s potential for growth and innovation. If you haven’t already, be sure to download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple app stores. Database Management Following the strong response to our recent push notifications and internal mailers requesting updates from local establishments, we have implemented monthly POPI-compliant communications to ensure our database remains current. This initiative supports accurate and timely updates for potential and existing investors across our investment newsletters, website, and app, providing reliable access to the latest opportunities, business contacts, and project developments.
Advertising Update
We have harnessed the power of digital platforms over the past year, drawn by their affordability and unparalleled reach. With smartphones now a key source of news and information, we can engage our audience in real-time, delivering concise and impactful messages where they matter most. We have continued to share our investment awareness campaigns, Buy Local and One Stop Shop updates, and catalytic projects across social media platforms, including Facebook (Meta), Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. This quarter, we have promoted real estate investments, dining potential, Port Shepstone as a business hub, and accessibility through Margate Airport.
Public Relations Update
Through our strong network of media relations, we have been able to generate significant positive exposure for the KZN South Coast’s many investment assets. Our carefully drafted press releases, featuring the various investment growth sectors of the region, are well-received by local and national media, paving the way for media coverage that attracts investor interest. We are quick to respond to any media queries relating to challenges faced by the local industry, among them the temporary closure of the N2 southern carriageway across the Ezimbokodweni River, as well as the devastating fire at Margate Hotel. Media receive prompt and appropriate responses to meet deadlines, with updates on the positive developments following any crisis. Press releases issued: October to December 2024 The campaign to Buy Local on the KZN South Coast speeds up towards the festive season: 11 November 2024 KZN South Coast development pledges towards local investment: 19 November 2024 Blue Flag beaches a huge boost for the property market on KZN South Coast: 25 November 2024 Female-founded beauty brands lead the way for investment growth on the KZN South Coast: 26 November 2024
Marketing Update
Our investment marketing campaign continues to highlight the region’s investment offerings to a wider audience across digital platforms, print media, television, and radio utilising public relations, advertising and digital marketing tools. Investment Awareness Campaign Our investment marketing campaign was centred around this quarter’s theme of ‘Now’s the time to invest in the KZN South Coast!’. By highlighting the potential and success within our key investment sectors, we’re encouraging investors to act fast to maximise the benefits found here. The launch of our short promotional video features the region’s potential across agribusiness, the ocean economy, real estate, tourism, manufacturing and more. Take a look at the video here. Buy Local Campaign The Buy Local campaign continues to attract new members and gain more support, particularly in the run-up to the festive season (read more HERE). Forming part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (the dtic) Buy Back SA initiative, the Buy Local campaign has a number of member benefits: Exposure across all SCTIE marketing channels. Business support and networking opportunities. Valuable member credibility. Up-to-date information sharing. Free Buy Local membership until 30 June 2025. To purchase goods sold or secure services from Buy Local businesses visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. To make orders from Buy Local members or join the campaign, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form.
Investment Networking
We have taken every opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders and market the KZN South Coast to the rest of the country, and a global audience. KZN Investment Conference From 11 to 12 November, we attended the KZN Investment Conference at the Durban ICC. This event fostered trade and investment opportunities by creating platforms for discussions with industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs across diverse sectors, all hinged on this year’s theme: ‘Unlocking KZN’s Economic Potential: Driving Trade and Investment to Transform the Province’s Future’. RNM Investment Conference From 23 to 24 October, we attended the Ray Nkonyeni Investment Conference at the Estuary Hotel in Port Edward. It was here that government officials, business leaders, community advocates, and industry experts in sustainable development convened to find a collaborative approach that drives investment in our region. The conference programme welcomed a number of speakers who shared their views around the theme ‘Driving Sustainable Growth Through Strategic Investments in RNM’, led by programme director Vukile Nongcebo McKenzie.
Investment Successes
There are many reasons to recognise our investment growth on the KZN South Coast this quarter, as our infrastructure upgrades and investor support continue to make this an attractive destination. Port Shepstone Mall The highly anticipated Port Shepstone Mall officially opened its doors on 24 October 2024, solidifying this coastal town as a key business hub on the KZN South Coast. Costing an estimated R550 million, the Port Shepstone Mall is set to become the main service hub used by the entire district. The three-storey development includes underground parking, with provision for just under 24 000m2 of retail space, public facilities, and informal traders. Serenity Hills Just a year after the official sod-turning ceremony in 2023, the first buyers of the eco-focused Serenity Hills near Margate have taken up residence. The clubhouse has been built with investors coming from around the world to enjoy the KZN South Coast lifestyle, estate security, award-winning restaurant, community market, and high-quality homes and facilities. This is a significant milestone for the vibrant coastal estate, with momentum set to increase as more investors discover this unique residential gem. Read more about this HERE. Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate In November, the developers of the Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate in Pennington joined 15 other KZN businesses in pledging to invest a total of R70.8 billion over the next two years at the KZN Investment Conference in Durban. This significant commitment underscores the real estate investment potential that exists along the KZN South Coast, with the developers anticipating a surge of interest in the over-50s lifestyle development. Read the full story HERE. Natal Portland Cement Another pledge at the KZN Investment Conference was made by Natal Portland Cement (NPC), which is investing R1.2 billion to expand its plant based near Port Shepstone. NPC became a subsidiary of China’s Huaxin Cement after taking over the assets from Intercement, with big plans for expansion of its cement manufacturing plant set to create hundreds of jobs in the area. Renishaw Coastal Precinct The 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct in Scottburgh, one of the country’s largest developments, has celebrated a milestone with the sale of two key sites that are set to further unlock the region’s investment potential. One sale concluded was to nationally renowned Cubisol Group for the development of an upmarket shopping centre within the precinct. The second sale was to well-known local business owners, Hampsons, for the construction of a petrol filling station and convenience store. Negotiations are currently underway regarding sales for a church, hotel, and school, with further plans for recreational facilities including Padel courts.