Port Shepstone Techno Hub brings significant investment potential to the KZN South Coast
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 22 February 2023 Port Shepstone Techno Hub brings significant investment potential to the KZN South Coast “Given what we know today about the potential beneficial impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we must embrace this historic confluence of human insights and engagement, artificial intelligence and technology, to rise to the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa As part of the government’s drive to shift South Africa to a nation of early adopters in terms of technology, the KZN South Coast has been chosen as one of four provincial sites for the establishment of a technological hub – a development investment for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). The Port Shepstone Techno Hub will not only help achieve this goal, it promises unlimited opportunities for keen investors. Run by the provincial government in partnership with Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, the Port Shepstone Techno Hub is the first of four such hubs which are set to stimulate the region’s economy by providing a collaborative space for investors and entrepreneurs. This will also form part of the Eastern Seaboard Development Initiative which aims to unlock the economic potential of the region within the Eastern Cape and KZN – with the KZN South Coast falling within this framework. “We are proud that the KZN South Coast has been chosen as one of the key locations for the development of a techno hub, a development investment that will undoubtedly benefit the youth,” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “The location of Port Shepstone is particularly well chosen. As the business and administration hub of the KZN South Coast, there is now even more reason for individuals and organisations to consider setting up shop here. There are great things in store for this region!” The 20-hectare gated location for the techno hub consists of five land-use zones, including light industrial/commercial, techno hub/hotel/conference centre, mixed-use commercial, and mixed-use residential. The project is currently in Phase 1 which includes the completion of the fencing and an administrative building including three training rooms and a board room. The site has already received much investor interest with land plots being the attention of investors such as the Radisson Hotel Group – the American multi-national hospitality company – already committing to the hub. Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality is sharing some key areas of investment opportunity found here including: Business innovation programmes Film and media innovations Leisure and entertainment facilities Information, communication, and technology Tourism and the ocean economy Energy innovation Water technology In addition to the massive investment potential, the Port Shepstone Techno Hub will provide valuable insight that will be used to benefit other sectors on the KZN South Coast, among them manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, and the agri-business industry. There is also value add in terms of attracting a younger workforce looking to explore, practice, and test innovative ideas that could benefit the region and country. “This is not solely about job creation, but about creating a productive space for entrepreneurial thinkers to get together and collaborate on ground-breaking ideas and projects,” continued Mangcu. “The Port Shepstone Techno Hub really has the potential to drive socio-economic development, increase competitiveness, and grow the area in line with the fourth industrial revolution.” SCTIE has partnered with Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) to establish a One Stop Shop office on the KZN South Coast. This aims to improve the efficiency of doing business, ensuring investors have access to municipal incentives in the district, such as those being offered through the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality (RNM). Extending from Port Shepstone, the area’s economic hub, throughout the KZN South Coast, there are so many investment opportunities. To find out more about these #unlimitedopportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email info@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za. Keep updated on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and Info Ugu South Coast Tourism on LinkedIn. Follow #unlimitedopportunities #investkznsouthcoast #investment and #kznsouthcoast! And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. /ENDS All images are complimentary for media use, provided the correct image credit is included and the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied. High resolution images are available upon request. (Images: Supplied by SCTIE) The KZN South Coast has been chosen as one of four provincial sites for the establishment of a technological hub – a development investment for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). Render image of the Port Shepstone Techno Hub. About KZN South Coast Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series. Disclaimer While SCTIE takes
Play Here, Stay Here – why the KZN South Coast property market is on the up
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 16 February 2023 Play Here, Stay Here – why the KZN South Coast property market is on the up Renowned for its Blue Flag Beaches and world-class dive sites, the KZN South Coast has long been a prime holiday destination, but the impact of the pandemic has seen people choosing to move to the coast, rather than just visiting. This has resulted in a buoyant property market along the KZN South Coast, with more affordable pricing making this a key coastal destination. “The traditional model of working in the city and enjoying the seaside on holiday or retirement has been upturned, and people are now looking to live the holiday lifestyle through remote working or hybrid working models,” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “From a property investment perspective, the KZN South Coast offers incredible value for money. Seaside property prices are comparatively lower than other South African destinations, with the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom enjoying year-round subtropical weather and great facilities. We’re anticipating interest in local property to rise as people seek a ‘play here, stay here’ way of life.” Sam Wenger, the Development Director of Serenity Hills, said they had been overwhelmed by both local and international interest. At the ground-breaking ceremony of the region’s first eco-estate, Wenger said they had buyers from as far afield as Austria, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland with interested buyers from Canada and the United States, as well as significant local interest. “While we were anticipating interest in Serenity Hills, considering the high-quality offering, security, and value for money, we were really excited by the response which was much higher than initially anticipated,” said Wenger. “It appears that there is significant investment interest on the KZN South Coast – and for good reason.” This residential property investment trend has been noted by local real estate agencies who’ve seen a spike in interest. Ashley Wann, Pam Golding Properties Regional Manager in the Port Shepstone and Margate areas of the South Coast explained: “The South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, with its scenic hamlets and tranquil ambience, offers many attractions for those seeking a coastal lifestyle at an affordable price, coupled with solid infrastructure including hospitals, shopping centres and all amenities on hand. “As a result, it is not surprising that in recent years, we’ve seen a marked trend among home buyers from other provinces, most notably Gauteng, semigrating to this region to the extent that we’ve seen residential property sales to semigrators increase by about 30%. “We find that the most popular areas are Shelly Beach, Hibberdene, Uvongo and Margate, with the majority purchasing either for investment, retirement now or in the future, or to work-from-home while enjoying the more relaxed and peaceful lifestyle that the South Coast offers.” Wann said they believe that Covid-19 undoubtedly fuelled this trend as people were prompted to re-evaluate their priorities. “Many chose to step away from the hustle and bustle of cities, with the work-from-home revolution enabling them to work remotely without needing to be physically present in the office,” she continued. “The trend has also been reinforced by the redevelopment of many former, mainly retirement and holiday towns, which have seen increased investments in medical, educational, and retail facilities in these areas. This has made them more attractive to a younger, more permanent home buyer with families, as well as having high appeal for retirees.” Looking at the properties attracting the most attention, Wann said: “Home buyers can find considerable value in beautiful apartments and homes with spectacular views, acquired at prices R3 million and below. Apartments, townhouses, and freestanding homes in the price range between R850 000 and R1.5 million are most in demand, with well-priced stock pegged at market-related prices moving quickly.” Simon Lee, Branch Manager for Wakefields Lower South Coast echoed this sentiment, stating they’d noted a definite shift in demographics over the past year: “Our on-the-ground knowledge tells us that the bulk of the demand is from people moving to the area from Gauteng or traditional KZN metropolitan suburbs – which has driven a substantial increase in average price and fair volumes. “It is also interesting to note that we have seen a significant uptick in the number of buyers in the 36-to-49-year age bracket. We believe that most of these are work-from-home enabled buyers who are benefitting from the more stable digital infrastructure we now enjoy. It is releasing them from locational dependency on the metropolitan areas and they are seeking a better lifestyle at a cheaper cost of living, with freehold properties and complexes being equally attractive. And where better than the KZN South Coast?” Extending from Port Shepstone, the area’s economic hub, throughout the KZN South Coast, there are so many investment opportunities in the property market, as well as other key growth sectors. To find out more about these, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email info@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za. Keep updated on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. Follow #unlimitedopportunities #investkznsouthcoast #investment and #kznsouthcoast! And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. /ENDS All images are complimentary for media use, provided the correct image credit is included and the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied. High resolution images are available upon request. (Images: Supplied by SCTIE) Serenity Hills, located in Margate on the KZN South Coast. This R1 Billion sustainable development will consist of 600 residential units, on-site medical care, an award-winning restaurant (The Packshed), a clubhouse and more. (Image credit: Serenity Hills) Serenity Hills, located in Margate on the KZN South Coast. (Image credit: Serenity Hills) Renishaw Hills, a hugely popular mature lifestyle estate in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast. (Image credit: Renishaw Hills) About KZN South Coast Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to
Unlimited Opportunities to Invest in Tourism on KZN South Coast
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 01 February 2023 Unlimited Opportunities to Invest in Tourism on KZN South Coast The KZN South Coast enjoyed a bumper festive season in 2022 with Ugu District celebrating a 97% occupancy rate – the highest in the province – for the last week of the year. Throughout the season, the beaches remained safe and open for bathing, and the region continues to boast the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province. Alongside the coastal attractions, the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom is also home to world-renowned dive sites, extensive trails, nature reserves, golf courses, and adventure sports – offering unlimited opportunities when it comes to tourism investment. “As the official economic development arm of the region, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise [SCTIE] is working with key stakeholders, businesses, and local communities to unlock the investment potential that abounds in our tourism sector,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE. “Through these partnerships, we’re improving the business climate by facilitating interventions and identifying unique investment opportunities. Some prime examples of this are KwaXolo Caves and the Umzumbe River Trail, two high-value tourism products that are identified for development with the intention of bringing in keen investors looking for a sound return on investment.” Combining cultural and adventure tourism, the 71km Umzumbe River Trail has been developed as a joint venture between SCTIE and the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA). Drawing on the international interest in such nature trails, it’s anticipated that Umzumbe River Trail will become a major tourism asset as eco-tourism demand increases. This week-long hiking adventure is led by local tour guides who have received Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA)-accredited qualifications, allowing them to better facilitate these nature walks and overnight homestays. SCTIE is currently identifying a development site for a lodge, with a feasibility study in the works to further identify investment potential. Further to this, the EDTEA has committed to investing a grant of R6,150 million to the existing KwaXolo Caves, another of the region’s key cultural, adventure and eco-tourism attractions. The site, identified by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, has the potential to attract upmarket visitors from the iconic tourism node consisting of Margate, Southbroom and Port Edward within a 15km radius. This is an established tourism product that provides visitors with a unique hike – using the Via Ferrata system – into these caves which are adorned with centuries-old San artwork. This provides an authentic cultural experience that so many tourists desire. The funding will allow for further, phased-in development, including the establishment of a restaurant and kitchen, coffee shop, amphitheatre, ablution facilities and storeroom, picnic area, children’s play area, and fencing for enhanced safety. Opportunities for construction using natural, locally found materials are being explored, as is the implementation of renewable energy supply. For extreme sports enthusiasts, construction has already begun on the three-point zipline, as well as a High Wire Bridge and a decking walkway to connect to the zipline. “This development presents several investment prospects whether you’re looking to explore the immense small business opportunities,” continued Mangcu. “Those in the hospitality sector can invest in restaurants or food stalls, while outdoor activities in the form of horse riding and bungee jumping are also possible. The site will require security and the hiring of equipment, among many other opportunities.” SCTIE has partnered with Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) to establish a One Stop Shop office on the KZN South Coast. This aims to improve the efficiency of doing business, ensuring investors have access to municipal incentives in the district, such as those being offered through the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality (RNM). Extending from Port Shepstone, the area’s economic hub, throughout the KZN South Coast, there are so many investment opportunities. To find out more about these #unlimitedopportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email info@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za. Keep updated on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and Info Ugu South Coast Tourism on LinkedIn. Follow #unlimitedopportunities #investkznsouthcoast #investment and #kznsouthcoast! And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. /ENDS All images are complimentary for media use, provided the correct image credit is included and the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied. High resolution images are available upon request. (Images: Supplied by SCTIE) KwaXolo Caves. KwaXolo Caves. Umzumbe River Trail. Umzumbe River Trail. Umzumbe River Trail. About KZN South Coast Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts a number of permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz,