SCTIE Secures Top Honour at KZN COGTA Municipal Excellence Awards
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release 16 March 2026 SCTIE Secures Top Honour at KZN COGTA Municipal Excellence Awards South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) has been recognised for its impactful role in driving economic development after securing the Number One Spot for Best Functional District Development Agency at the prestigious KZN COGTA Municipal Excellence Awards, held at the Durban International Convention Centre on Thursday, 12 March 2026. The award celebrates municipalities and development agencies that demonstrate excellence in governance, service delivery and economic development. SCTIE’s recognition underscores the agency’s continued efforts to position the Ugu District Municipality as a leading tourism and investment destination. Established to address gaps in tourism marketing and investment attraction within the district, SCTIE has implemented programmes aligned with the strategic development framework of the district and its local municipalities. Through this alignment, the agency has played a pivotal role in strengthening tourism promotion, facilitating investment opportunities, and supporting initiatives that stimulate inclusive economic growth. A cornerstone of SCTIE’s success has been its strong public–private partnerships and collaborative social compact approach, working closely with tourism operators, investors, municipalities and community stakeholders to unlock opportunities for the region. Among the initiatives that contributed to this achievement was SCTIE’s partnership with Umdoni Local Municipality to host an investment conference that showcased key investment opportunities within the district. The conference attracted interest from investors and government stakeholders and created a platform to strengthen economic collaboration across the region. Following this engagement, the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, led by Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, visited the district to launch the Small Craft Harbour Initiative and hand over the Regional Economic Development Framework. This catalytic infrastructure project is expected to unlock significant economic opportunities, particularly within the maritime, tourism and investment sectors. SCTIE has also played an active role in supporting the broader Eastern Seaboard Development vision, a strategic initiative aimed at unlocking the economic potential of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal corridor. Through investment promotion, stakeholder engagement, and catalytic tourism initiatives, SCTIE has contributed towards positioning the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast as a key node within this development corridor, helping to attract investors and stimulate sustainable coastal economic growth. Commenting on the recognition, SCTIE CEO Dr. Vusumuzi Sibiya said the award reflects the collective commitment of stakeholders working to grow the district’s economy.“This prestigious recognition affirms the important role that collaboration plays in unlocking economic opportunities for our region. SCTIE’s mandate is to drive tourism growth while facilitating investment into the district and this award demonstrates the impact of our work in aligning our programmes with municipal priorities and working closely with both the public and private sectors,” said Dr. Sibiya. He added that the agency will continue building on this momentum by strengthening marketing initiatives, supporting and driving catalytic infrastructure projects and creating platforms that attract investors to the region. “We remain committed to positioning the Ugu District as a competitive tourism and investment destination while ensuring that our initiatives contribute to sustainable economic growth, enterprise development and job creation for our communities.” SCTIE also extended its gratitude to Ugu District Municipality for its outstanding performance at the awards, having secured several accolades. These included recognition for achieving 100% expenditure of its capital budget within its mandate, as well as awards for Best Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) and Excellence in Disaster Management. SCTIE further acknowledged the contributions of its Board members, staff and industry stakeholders whose continued support and collaboration drive the district’s economic development agenda. The award further reinforces the region’s growing reputation as a dynamic hub for tourism, investment and development along the South Coast Unlock More Growth on the KZN South Coast! Find out more about these and other investment options 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 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 #unlockmore #unlockmoregrowth /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 : https://we.tl/t-pvscTXQXcr KZN Cogta Head of Department Mr B.S Duma, Ugu District Municipality Municipal Manager Mr Vela Mazibuko, Ugu District Municipality mayor Cllr Sikhumbuzo Mqadi, KZN Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and SCTIE CEO, Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya. <![if !vml]><![endif]> CEO Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, Ugu District Municipality mayor Cllr Sikhumbuzo Mqadi, and Ugu District Municipality Municipal Manager Mr Vela Mazibuko. CEO Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, Ugu District Municipality mayor Cllr Sikhumbuzo Mqadi, and Ugu District Municipality Municipal Manager Mr Vela Mazibuko. South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) – the official economic development arm of the KZN South Coast – secured the number one spot for Best Functional District Development Agency at the KZN Cogta Municipal Excellence Awards. 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
SCTIE Profiles Inspiring Buy Local Brands Driving Innovation on the KZN South Coast
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release 09 March 2026 SCTIE Profiles Inspiring Buy Local Brands Driving Innovation on the KZN South Coast The South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) continue to shine a spotlight on homegrown excellence through its Buy Local Campaign, celebrating innovative small businesses that are shaping the economic future of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Among the standout brands are Good to Glow Beauty & Cosmetics and Sky Drop Atmospheric Water, two dynamic businesses making meaningful impact within their industries while uplifting local communities. Beauty with Purpose founded by Sinegugu Cele and based in Umzumbe, Good to Glow Beauty & Cosmetics manufactures quality hair and skincare products designed to enhance beauty while addressing medical concerns. “We manufacture hair and skincare products that not only leave you looking and feeling good, but also address medical concerns,” explained Cele. “We’ve been operational for almost three years, and our vision is to ensure that at least one of our products becomes a staple in homes across the globe.” Cele noted that the business is focused on scaling operations and expanding into retail markets to reach a wider audience. “The business is still starting out but we boast the quality and branding that can compete with bigger, more established brands. We are fortunate to be starting out on the KZN South Coast as we are establishing trust in a known market while building our brand to a global scale,” she said. Her entrepreneurial excellence has earned major recognition. Cele was nominated as a trailblazer in the Youth in Business category through a Durban Chamber of Commerce membership sponsored by EDTEA and partners. She won R50 000 worth of airtime sponsored by Gagasi FM. “Having the opportunity to use the airtime will help market my business tremendously and increase sales. Winning this award was a tap on the back that people see my business and love it. It encourages me to keep growing because many people are watching,” she added. Turning Air into Water, Also making waves is Sky Drop Atmospheric Water, a black woman owned enterprise based in Gamalakhe. The eco-conscious company produces clean drinking water by extracting moisture from the air using atmospheric water generators. Currently producing approximately 750 litres of water daily, Sky Drop supplies local shops, funeral parlours, restaurants, car washes, and special events. Services include water production, refilling and personalised bottle branding. The company has ambitious expansion plans, aiming to increase production to 5 000 litres per day through additional land acquisition, advanced machinery, and alternative energy solutions. Founder Nomcebo Nzimakwe recently received national recognition at the 100 SA Shining Stars Awards ceremony held in Randburg on 18 February 2026. “Winning the 100 SA Shining Stars Award under the Business and Entrepreneur category means recognition of the impact we are making through Sky Drop. It inspires me to continue working towards sustainable solutions that bring clean water to underserved communities,” she said. SCTIE CEO Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya said: “These inspiring entrepreneurs embody the innovation, resilience and excellence that define the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Through our Buy Local Campaign, SCTIE remains committed to supporting small businesses that create jobs, stimulate local economic growth, and position our region as a hub of proudly South African products and solutions.” Unlock More Growth on the KZN South Coast! Find out more about these and other investment options 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 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 #unlockmore #unlockmoregrowth /ENDSPlease 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 : https://we.tl/t-fRpE0YwFAd (Images: Supplied by SCTIE) (Middle) Sinegugu Cele, owner of Good to Glow Beauty & Cosmetics received the Trailblazer Award – Youth in Business at the 169th DCCI Gala Dinner Sinegugu Cele from Good to Glow Beauty & Cosmetics Good to Glow Beauty & Cosmetics Founder of Sky Drop Atmospheric Water, Nomcebo Nzimakwe received national recognition at the 100 SA Shining Stars Awards Ceremony held in Randburg. < The eco-friendly company, Sky Drop Atmospheric Water Sky Drop Atmospheric Water 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. Pitch Email: The KZN South