Website and Digital Update
Website and Digital Update Social Media Over the past three months, we have intensified our digital communication strategy to promote investment opportunities across the KZN South Coast using social media as a dynamic tool to reach local and international audiences. Through a targeted and consistent content schedule on platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, we have showcased high-potential sectors, profiled successful local businesses, and highlighted infrastructure developments and strategic investment zones. Visually compelling reels and short-form videos were crafted to attract investor interest and demonstrate the region’s readiness for business. Invest KZN South Coast Website Our investment website has been refreshed with updated promotional content, offering a comprehensive overview of the region’s value proposition for investors. The fully revised investment directory is now available on the site, providing detailed information on key sectors, available opportunities, and support structures for business development. From infrastructure and logistics to tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, the website serves as a central hub for exploring the vast investment potential of the KZN South Coast. Explore KZN South Coast App Our ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app, which is fully synchronised with our Visit KZN South Coast website, offers real-time, user-friendly access to essential travel and investment information. Beyond tourism, it serves as a powerful investment tool by showcasing thriving local businesses and enabling direct engagement with operators. This dual-purpose platform ensures streamlined access to accurate, up-to-date content, making it an indispensable resource for both travellers and potential investors.
Advertising Update
Advertising Update This quarter, we have focused on digital advertising platforms to maximise our exposure to domestic and international audiences. This targeted exposure ensures our messaging reaches audiences who are actively searching for key investment destinations. Key focus areas have included: The ocean economy and its untapped potential. The Ugu District One Stop Shop – streamlining investor facilitation. The Buy Local Initiative – encouraging eligible products and businesses to become certified members. Strategic logistics assets, with a focus on Margate Airport, the N2, and the RNM roads infrastructure upgrade. We have also ensured a strong focus on our SME upskilling and job creation in the tourism sector, featuring the KZN South Coast’s projects: KwaNzimakwe Experience KwaXolo Caves Adventures Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre Ubumbano Agri Co-operative NPS Adventures Advertising collateral has also been disseminated for the Umdoni Investment Seminar, as well as the KZN South Coast Investment Directory for various forums and stakeholder platforms.
Public Relations Update
Public Relations Update We continue to engage with domestic and national media, responding to urgent queries and disseminating press releases that showcase the region’s key investment sectors. The services of the Ugu District One Stop Shop and benefits of the Buy Local campaign remain central to our messaging. Press releases issued: SCTIE’s Upskilling of Local SMEs Boosts Job Creation and the KZN South Coast’’s Tourism Offerings (30 April 2025) South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise shares 4 ways to grow tourism investment on KZN South Coast (22 May 2025)
Marketing Update
Marketing Update This quarter we’re sharing the message that ‘Now’s the Time to Invest’ in the KZN South Coast by highlighting investment opportunities that extend from the Eastern Seaboard to the hinterland tourism sites, with a focus on the Port Shepstone Business Hub and our Ugu District One Stop Shop. Digital KZN South Coast Investment Directory We have compiled a comprehensive directory to showcase our investment opportunities to potential investors. This is an easy reference that identifies the KZN South Coast’s current investment projects, which include: Concise project descriptions Geographic information Project status Ownership and stakeholders Investment value Job statistics Please view and share the Digital KZN South Coast Investment Directory: https://www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za/investment-directory/ KZN South Coast Promotional Video The investment potential of the KZN South Coast is being further exposed through our recently launched Investment Destination promotional video. This compelling video highlights the KZN South Coast’s: MICE venues and associated attractions Easy access in and around the region Adventure tourism and heritage tours Catalytic investment products Real estate, ocean economy, agribusiness, and mining Please view and share the KZN South Coast Investment Promotional Video: https://youtu.be/NDH5tiyt6c0 Investment Awareness Campaign We encourage local businesses and potential investors on the KZN South Coast to visit the One Stop Shop (OSS) for business support. This awareness campaign emphasises that now is the time to discover the many support services offered by the SCTIE OSS for KZN South Coast investors and businesses. OSS services included: Funding applications Visa applications Tourism grading EIA applications CIPC eServices Food safety Investment facilitation and aftercare 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 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. Trade Show Update Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) Venue: Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC) Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) Dates: 13 to 15 May 2025 We were proud to participate in Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, themed Unlimited Africa, with a focus on strengthening connections across the continent. As one of Africa’s premier tourism trade events – and a global top-three must-visit showcase – ATI 2025 featured 1,000 hosted buyers, 1,300+ exhibitors, 400+ SMMEs, and representation from 27 African countries. For the first time, we partnered with local tourism stakeholders – San Lameer Estate, Lake Eland Game Reserve, Beaver Creek Coffee Estate, and Wild 5 Extreme Adventures – sharing a stand to promote the KZN South Coast to travel agents, tour operators, and investors. SALGA Municipal Investment & Development Trade Show Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Umhlanga Dates: 13 to 14 March 2025 We participated in the two-day Municipal Investment and Development Trade Show hosted by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). The event showcases the investment opportunities across sectors like agriculture, finance, and tourism, while promoting capable local governance as a driver of economic growth. SALGA Chairperson Cllr Xolani Dube stressed the importance of streamlining processes to attract and support investors, while CoGTA MEC Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi highlighted the pivotal role municipalities play in local economic development by shifting from service providers to economic catalysts. World Travel Market (WTM) Africa Trade Show & Exhibition Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre Dates: 9 to 11 April 2025 We attended the World Travel Market Africa in April, hosted by KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZN TAFA). This platform enabled engagement with media, domestic and international buyers, with particular interest noted in both tourism and investment opportunities. A key outcome was securing free editorial space in Safari Africa Publication, to be distributed at ITB Berlin. Umdoni Investment Seminar Venue: Cutty Sark Premier Hotel Dates: 4 to 5 June 2025 We collaborated with Umdoni Municipality to host this event as a way to better attract, promote, enable and facilitate investments into the district.
KwaXolo Caves Development (Phase 2)
KwaXolo Caves Development (Phase 2) The popular tourism site at KwaXolo Caves is being developed to include a new restaurant, coffee shop, and ablutions. Massive investment is set to unlock this asset even further, with potential for accommodation, eateries, and conferences. Phase 3 of the KwaXolo Caves Adventures project has been reviewed and approved by the KwaXolo Trust. This ambitious phase envisions the development of 10 luxury chalets, an amphitheatre, and a 100-seater hall – all positioning this as a key MICE destination. This is a significant opportunity for investors seeking to participate in a sustainable tourism venture with a strong social impact.
Official Opening of Checkers
Official Opening of Checkers We welcomed the new opening of the highly anticipated Checkers in Port Shepstone on 29 May 2025. Checkers has become one of South Africa’s most dominant grocery retailers by innovating with on-demand delivery, premium store experiences, and discount offerings. This flagship development in Port Shepstone – which consists of a Checkers Fresh X Store, Checkers Liquor Store, and Checkers Pet Science – provides residents and visitors with an enhanced shopping experience, while creating much-needed employment in the region.
SCTIE’s 2025/2026 Strategic Planning
SCTIE’s 2025/2026 Strategic Planning We hosted an incredibly powerful Strategy Review Session from 9 to 10 April at Lake Eland Game Reserve, Oribi Gorge. The session involved key internal and external stakeholders, including representatives from provincial departments, public entities, and municipalities. The primary goal of this review was to constructively evaluate the current implementation of our mandate and to identify any existing gaps. The session provided stakeholders with the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction we should pursue, ensuring alignment with the needs of our shareholders and the community of Ugu District.
SCTIE Takes Top Award
SCTIE Takes Top Award We attended the KZN Cogta Municipal Excellence Awards on 25 March 2025 at the Greyville Convention Centre, where we were recognised as the Best Functional District Development Agency in KZN. This achievement follows our December presentation, highlighting our progress in the 2024/2025 financial year. Key factors contributing to this recognition include: Strategic appointment of a skilled and experienced CEO Business re-engineering & corporate governance Microstructural reforms Aggressive investment promotion & facilitation Operational improvements & strategic direction Active participation in key platforms promoting KZN South Coast for business & leisure Enhanced media presence Strong stakeholder management Expanded clientele base Improved financial consolidation & strength This award reflects our dedication to positioning the Ugu District as a prime investment and tourism destination. A huge thank you to our teams and stakeholders for their unwavering support.