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.