KZN South Coast’s manufacturing sector holds unlimited opportunities for investment
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 13 March 2023 KZN South Coast’s manufacturing sector holds unlimited opportunities for investment “KwaZulu-Natal’s manufacturing sector enjoys a significant share of the South African economy and is the second largest in the country with nearly a third of manufactured exports being produced here.” – Trade & Investment KZN The disruptions to the global supply chain in the wake of Covid-19 lockdown measures highlighted the need for companies to diversify their sources of supply. This is good news for manufacturers on the KZN South Coast as the industry is poised for growth, with national investments in port upgrades making locally manufactured products more accessible to the domestic and global markets. “We have identified manufacturing as a key growth sector on the KZN South Coast, with several sub-sectors now primed for investment,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), the official economic development arm of the KZN South Coast. “Alongside the need for diversifying product sources, the regional manufacturing sector is further supported by the Eastern Seaboard Development, a project that aims to strengthen economic linkages between provinces, as well as The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) that will open us up to the continental market.” Manufacturing investment opportunities 1. Furnishers The skilled, local craftsmanship and direct accessibility to timber result in quality-made furniture products along the KZN South Coast. One example is Out of Wood, a 100% black-owned furniture production business with 13 full-time employees producing customized wooden furniture that is supplied to local furnishers. The team works with solid timber sourced locally from Surejoy Industries in Harding under the Umuziwabantu Municipality, crafted using three-phased machinery. SCTIE has identified a gap in the value chain with an opportunity for transportation to increase capacity and connect Out of Wood with the Gauteng market (where there is existing demand) and beyond. 2. Timber With an abundance of timber farms in the Harding region, the manufacture of wooden products boasts a wealth of investment opportunities. Surejoy Industries, a family-owned organisation consisting of 2 300-hectares of timber plantations and a mill, manufactures purlins, rafters, CCA-treated poles, and other wooden products. A complement of around 240 full-time employees produces a range of wooden products supplying manufacturers of hardware and furniture, with a storage depot in Marburg. As it currently stands, there is no workshop in the region that can attend to the sharpening of saw blades – a vital component of the timber industry. SCTIE has noted the potential for investors to establish such a workshop, meeting market demand in a well-established timber farming area. Existing furniture stores and timber retailers are also encouraged to visit the KZN South Coast to source raw materials as the destination is a regular supplier of timber. 3. Cut, Make, Trim (CMT) Manufacturing The textiles industry has a lot of investment potential, with cut, make, and trim manufacturing a way for those in fashion to transform their vision into complete products, ready for market. On the KZN South Coast, Cengemajita Fashion & Entertainment has been identified as an emerging CMT manufacturer, with significant investment opportunities. This 100% black-owned company, with 12 full-time employees, was established in 2009, securing machinery in 2016 and gaining ground until Covid-19 hit. They resuscitated the company in 2022, securing school uniform orders, with the aim to establish a shop in the South Coast Mall. “As with all businesses in South Africa, load shedding remains one of the biggest challenges to productivity, making investments in renewable energies a priority,” continued Phelisa. “We welcome the president’s recent announcement regarding renewable energy incentives for businesses and individuals, and look forward to the growth of this sector on the KZN South Coast.” 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, 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) Timber. Timber. Out of Wood. Out of Wood. 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. Issued on behalf of: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) Disseminated by: Olivia
Massive potential for growth within the KZN South Coast’s agricultural sector
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 10 March 2023 Massive potential for growth within the KZN South Coast’s agricultural sector “Agricultural value chains are a key pillar of the economy. Their development is a government policy priority and presents a myriad of opportunities for investors.” – Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) and InvestSA Against the backdrop of the climate crisis, food security continues to be a global priority, prompting the need for increased food production. With the subtropical climate, nutrient-rich soil, and vast natural endowments of the KZN South Coast, agriculture is not only an established sector, but one positioned for massive growth – with the right investment! The document, South Africa: Replete with Opportunities for a Better World, compiled by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) and InvestSA states that government has implemented master plans to ‘increase domestic consumption and export-orientation, improve competitiveness, raise production and promote investment in the [agricultural] sector’. “Agriculture remains one of the KZN South Coast’s economic drivers because of the favourable climate, but its location is also key to opening up the export market beyond the region,” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), the official economic development arm of the KZN South Coast. “As a component of the Eastern Seaboard Development, the economic linkages between KZN and the Eastern Cape are being strengthened for increased domestic opportunities. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement takes this further by opening up opportunities for the development of export markets into the continent. And the accessibility to national roads and the Durban Harbour expands this reach into the global economy as well.” Agricultural opportunities on the KZN South Coast 1. Organic Production There is a rising demand for organic food that is being driven by several factors. As the Forbes article, 3 Reasons to Rethink Where Your Food Comes from in 2022, states:”It’s no coincidence that industries like organic farming and agriculture technology have made gains as shoppers seek out choices that help the planet in its fight against climate change.” In addition to societal pressure, and health benefits, food inflation is prompting people to buy locally-made products over mass production. The 7.5-hectare Nomvelo Farm on the KZN South Coast practices strictly organic vegetable farming, the rearing of free-range chickens, and cash crop organic macadamias which will be ready for harvest in around three years. The farm makes its own compost and sells the surplus, and while the supply capacity of its produce is large, SCTIE has identified opportunities for expansion. Employing six full-time employees and four interns, the farm currently supplies the popular local restaurant, The Waffle House, as well as three local Wimpy restaurants. With the necessary investment, the farm can expand its operations, exporting fresh, organic produce internationally, as well as supplying vegetable combos to businesses and individuals. 2. Oyster Mushrooms The 100% black, female-owned Oatlands Oyster Mushroom has its production headquarters in KwaNositha on the KZN South Coast. The dedicated mushroom production buildings grow fresh oyster mushrooms in a six-week cycle. The bi-weekly supply of this youth-owned business is currently 60 packs of 140g mushrooms to local vegetable retail shops, however, the right investment could see this production increase to meet demands nationally and globally. 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, 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) Nomvelo Farm on the KZN South Coast. Nomvelo Farm on the KZN South Coast. Nomvelo Farm on the KZN South Coast. Nomvelo Farm on the KZN South Coast. Mushroom Factory in KwaNositha. Mushroom Factory in KwaNositha. 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. About Mastercard (NYSE: MA) Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that helps everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ,
Mastercard and SCTIE partner to boost local tourism and investment in South Africa
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 06 March 2023 · Under the MoU, the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) and Mastercard will provide short-and long-term digital solutions for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector. Durban, South Africa – 06 March 2023 – In an innovative collaboration for the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, Mastercard and South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a partnership that will offer significant business-related benefits to informal traders and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the KZN South Coast. The partnership was solidified by an SME engagement with the local business community, which was held at Margate Hotel. “This MOU signing enables us to provide both informal traders and small businesses, with the much-needed access to financial tools that will help them navigate and participate in the digital economy. In 2015, in the context of the World Bank’s Universal Financial Access 2020 initiative, Mastercard committed to providing 500 million unbanked individuals around the world with access to the digital economy in the next five years -a target that we achieved in early 2020. “Following this success, we then decided to double down with new targets and now aim to include a total of 1 billion unbanked and underserved individuals by 2025, while giving 50 million micro- and small merchants the ability to accept electronic payments and reaching 25 million women-owned or led businesses with our programs. Our commitment to financial inclusion has never been stronger and our collaboration with SCTIE is testament to this, “said Cuthbert Tembedza, Vice President of Business Development, Government Engagement, EEMEA for Mastercard. Tembedza’s sentiments were echoed by SCTIE CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Phelisa Mangcu who commented: “This partnership is a game changer for the KZN South Coast because of the untold yet unrealised opportunities it will bring for both tourism and investment by providing local businesses easier, cost-effective transactional platforms. Our user-friendly platforms, including the Explore KZN South Coast app and Visit KZN South Coast website are performing well. We are excited to extend its range to include a new booking platform which is set to further connect businesses directly with tourists. This will increase occupancy rates, brand exposure and interconnectivity.” Benefits of the MasterCard and SCTIE partnership The joint effort between SCTIE and Mastercard will provide short- and long-term business solutions, including the provision of low-cost acceptance solutions to the SCTIE membership and the local KZN South Coast business community in general. Solutions such as Mobile Point of Sales (MPoS), Tap on Phone and QR Code will ensure that no sales are lost as more domestic and international travellers move away from cash. “The digitising of informal traders and SMEs creates a greater financial footprint and subsequently, more opportunities for traders seeking additional products and services from traditional banks. There is also the possibility of increased employment as new efficiencies begin to yield results in the SME service offering.” continued Mangcu. As part of the MoU, SCTIE will also have access to the Mastercard Academy, which is a resource centre that provides training solutions to assist SMEs, keeping them up to date on significant changes, industry information, and the latest developments in the world of payments. Plans are also underway for SCTIE to utilise the Mastercard Tourism Insights platform which will go a long way in aiding the application of SCTIE resources. This MOU forms part of SCTIE’s ongoing efforts to support local tourism businesses and attract investment to the area. Other measures have included putting a temporary pause on membership fees during the pandemic, providing inclusive marketing strategies, creating an online digital Visitor Information Centre (VIC), and offering operators and asset owners increased tourism exposure of developed products. SCTIE’s focus on investment has also led to new opportunities that will uplift the local community, while simultaneously contributing to the tourism economy. To find out more about the KZN South Coast’s tourism offerings, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores; visit the South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; Info Ugu South Coast Tourism on LinkedIn; the SCTIE website to check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide, Mastercard’s experiential lifestyle hub Priceless.com and more! And click here for previous SCTIE press releases. Plan the ultimate holiday on the KZN South Coast by downloading the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores. Follow the hashtag #kznsouthcoast #extendyourstay #endlessopportunities. /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) Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) and Cuthbert Tembedza, Vice President of Business Development, Government Engagement, EEMEA for Mastercard. Mastercard and South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a partnership that will offer significant business-related benefits to informal traders and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the KZN South Coast. Cuthbert Tembedza, Vice President of Business Development, Government Engagement, EEMEA for Mastercard and Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). Mastercard and South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a partnership that will offer significant business-related benefits to informal traders and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the KZN South Coast. Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) and Cuthbert Tembedza, Vice President of Business Development, Government Engagement, EEMEA for Mastercard. Cuthbert Tembedza, Vice President of Business Development, Government Engagement, EEMEA for Mastercard. Vanessa Gounden (SCTIE Coordinator: Tourism Marketing) and Londiwe Xolo (SCTIE Investment Support Officer). 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
Launch of the #buylocal campaign to support local businesses on the KZN South Coast
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 01 March 2023 Launch of the #buylocal campaign to support local businesses on the KZN South Coast In its effort to drive economic growth in the KZN South Coast, South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) has launched the #buylocal campaign. This local-first initiative encourages communities and stakeholders to support local businesses, grow existing investments and thereby encourage job creation. This forms part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (the DTIC) Buy Back SA initiative that encourages local business support as a way to create jobs and secure the country’s future by making it much more self-reliant. “We need to shift the mindset that suppliers beyond our borders are better than our own,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), the official economic development arm of the KZN South Coast. “The KZN South Coast offers a distinctive local flavour with suppliers manufacturing and providing goods that meet local market needs. There is an incredible amount of talent and skill which, through support, will only flourish and grow.” Mangcu said that sourcing local ingredients and materials will be a game-changer for the local and national economy: “By buying local, we’re strengthening the local economy, building communities, and forming a solid and resilient network that will withstand any future uncertainties. Considering the economic devastation of the recent pandemic, resilience in the local economy is absolutely essential. Be a proud local and buy local!” Top 7 reasons to buy local 1. There’s a decrease in fossil fuel use when buying locally as it decreases the transportation needs from manufacturer to buyer. 2. Supporting local businesses creates a greater sense of community as sellers and manufacturers get to know their buyers, and vice versa. 3. Supporting the #buylocal campaign creates many more local jobs and boosts the local economy. 4. Buying locally grown produce is better for the environment and better for you as it’s farm-to-fork fresh. 5. Local businesses are identifiable, accessible, and more accountable than outside counterparts. 6. Buying local creates a much more resilient local economy, allowing organisations and communities to better withstand times of economic uncertainty. 7. Through the #buylocal campaign, the KZN South Coast is ‘growing its pride’ to attract interest and investment from beyond local borders. 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, 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) Mushroom Factory in KwaNositha. Nemvelo Farm, an organic farm in Izotsha. The Waffle House Deli & Takeaway. Mushroom Factory in KwaNositha. Nemvelo Farm, an organic farm in Izotsha. Out of Wood Furniture Manufacturers in Manaba. Mushroom Factory in KwaNositha. Out of Wood Furniture Manufacturers in Manaba. The Waffle House Deli & Takeaway. Out of Wood Furniture Manufacturers in Manaba. The Waffle House Deli & Takeaway. The Waffle House Deli & Takeaway. Nemvelo Farm, an organic farm in Izotsha. 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. Issued on behalf of: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) Disseminated by: Olivia Jones Communications For more information please contact: Olivia Jones Communications Cell: 083 653 1720 Email: media@oliviajones.co.za