R8-million expansion of KwaXolo Caves Adventures highlights tourism investment potential on KZN South Coast
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 12 March 2025 R8-million expansion of KwaXolo Caves Adventures highlights tourism investment potential on KZN South Coast The KZN South Coast, boasting immense natural assets and heritage sites, provides a wealth of tourism investment opportunities for discerning investors. A prime example is the R8-million expansion of KwaXolo Caves Adventures – a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing rural tourism while creating significant investment potential within the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality. Strategically located near the coastal hubs of Margate, Southbroom, and Port Edward, the KwaXolo Caves site is uniquely positioned to attract both domestic and international visitors. Already an established tourism asset, the caves – which are reached using a sophisticated Via Ferrata system – are renowned for their ancient San rock art, breathtaking gorge views, and cascading waterfalls. This, combined with new adventure offerings, makes KwaXolo Caves Adventures a distinctive heritage and adrenaline tourism destination. Realising the potential, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) – an agency of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) – alongside Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), identified KwaXolo Caves Adventures as a flagship project in its mandate to develop this into a must-visit global destination. Spearheaded by the KZN EDTEA and TKZN, the current multipurpose building expansion forms part of a phased strategy to unlock the area’s untapped tourism potential. “The KwaXolo Caves Adventures project is more than just a tourism development; through key investment opportunities, it’s becoming a catalyst for social and economic transformation,” said Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “By integrating rural areas like KwaXolo into the mainstream tourism economy, we’re unlocking the investment potential while creating sustainable jobs and supporting local businesses. This project demonstrates what is possible when communities, government, and investors work together toward a shared vision of inclusive growth.” Progress in the KwaXolo Caves Adventures Expansion Phase 1 of the R8-million expansion project was completed in January this year. It includes a reception building with a meeting hall, staff ablutions, gravel access roads and parking, paved pathways, water tanks, a soakaway sewage system, and a pedestrian bridge over a wetland. Phase 2, which is currently underway, involves the construction of a multi-purpose building that will incorporate a restaurant, coffee shop, visitor ablutions, and storage areas. Additional amenities under development include a guardroom, communal braai area, picnic sites, a children’s play area, and water and sewer systems. Despite ongoing construction, the site remains open to visitors, demonstrating the area’s resilience and ongoing appeal. Phase 2 also involves the construction of further adventure elements, such as a 1.06 km zipline – connecting two edges of the valley – and a high-wire bridge. These activities, funded with R4 million from IDWALA Holdings, will adhere to stringent adventure tourism standards, positioning KwaXolo as a pioneering adventure tourism destination within a rural setting. The expansion has already created employment for 14 local workers, including women and youth, underlining the project’s focus on community upliftment and skills development. A dedicated Safety Officer has also been appointed to ensure Occupational Health and Safety compliance. Future investment opportunities await Building on the current success, 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 (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events) destination. Phase 3 represents a significant opportunity for investors seeking to participate in a sustainable tourism venture with a strong social impact. Investment options include equity participation, the construction of the accommodation and venue offerings, as well as support for small businesses offering horse riding, bungee jumping, tent rentals, security services, team building and school adventures, and food and beverage outlets. “The KwaXolo Caves Adventures expansion not only enriches the KZN South Coast’s tourism portfolio but also exemplifies a forward-thinking, community-centered model of rural development,” notes Dr Sibiya. “By investing in KwaXolo, stakeholders have the opportunity to be part of a landmark project that promotes heritage preservation, socio-economic upliftment, and sustainable tourism.” Now’s the time to invest in the KZN South Coast! Find out more by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here. To find out more about these and more investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za. To purchase goods sold or secure services from these and other Buy Local businesses visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. To make orders 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. Follow the hashtags #nowisthetime #nowisthetimetoinvest /ENDS Please note the image credit is included beneath the corresponding image. All images are complimentary for media use, provided the correct photographer 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. (Image credit: Catherine Hofmeyr) KwaXolo Caves. KwaXolo Caves. KwaXolo Caves construction. 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
Port Shepstone’s Economic Growth Continues with Checkers FreshX Development
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 04 March 2025 Port Shepstone’s Economic Growth Continues with Checkers FreshX Development Port Shepstone’s retail and infrastructure landscape has been transformed over the past year with the successful opening of the Port Shepstone Mall and the Intermodal Transport Facility. Now, the town is set for another milestone with the upcoming launch of Checkers FreshX in Bisset Street, developed by the Keal Group. This highly anticipated retail addition is expected to further enhance the shopping experience and contribute to the local economy. The Port Shepstone Mall, which opened last year, has already established itself as a premier retail and lifestyle hub, attracting a steady stream of shoppers and businesses. Similarly, the Intermodal Transport Facility has improved connectivity, making commuting more efficient for residents and visitors. These developments have significantly boosted the town’s economic activity and cemented its role as a key commercial centre on the KZN South Coast. Building on this momentum, the Checkers development is bringing the first FreshX store to Port Shepstone, along with a Checkers Liquor Store, Checkers Pet Science and additional retailers. Construction is well underway, with Top Dog Construction handling the fit-out phase. The store is set to open its doors by June 2025, offering a world-class shopping experience with premium products, in-store eateries, and Checkers’ 60/60 delivery service. “We are incredibly excited to introduce the first Checkers store in Port Shepstone,” said a Mark Keal from the Keal Group. “It’s surprising that a town of this size has not had one before, but that’s about to change. The closest Checkers store is in Shelley Beach and finally that is all about to change with a state-of-the-art Checkers on our door step serving the local community and beyond. The exact opening date will be communicated to the public in the next few weeks, watch the space. The project is also set to provide over 100 new jobs, benefiting both construction workers and retail employees upon opening. Dr. Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), emphasized the importance of such investments: “These developments highlight the ongoing economic growth in Port Shepstone and the South Coast. The opening of the mall and transport hub has already had a positive impact and the addition of Checkers will further solidify the town as a key shopping and business destination. As SCTIE, we fully support initiatives that drive job creation and enhance the retail experience for our residents and visitors.” With the Checkers store set to launch in mid-2025, Port Shepstone’s evolution continues, ensuring the town remains a prime location for retail, investment and economic opportunities. To find out more about these and more investment opportunities, 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. To become a Buy Local member or find out more, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form. 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 the hashtags #uncover #uncoverkznsouthcoast #uncoverpotential #kznsouthcoast! And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. /ENDS 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 and disseminated by: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) For more information please contact: Vanessa Gounden Marketing Coordinator Cell: 039 682 7944 Email: vanessa@sctie.co.za