THE KZN SOUTH COAST IS PRIMED FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ITS INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 29 November 2022 THE KZN SOUTH COAST IS PRIMED FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ITS INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS Home to world-class dive sites, 11 quality golf courses, numerous nature reserves, game reserves, gorges, lagoons and the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, it’s no wonder the KZN South Coast is a leading tourism destination. And this tourism hotspot is now being primed to offer further investment opportunities through established local support services. To facilitate engagements and unlock the tourism investment potential in the region, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is working with stakeholders to remove ‘red tape’ barriers and create an environment conducive to business engagements. “The natural resources, rich cultural heritage, and proactive local community make the KZN South Coast a top tourism destination. But we believe there is so much more opportunity for investors looking to create new tourism offerings or provide tourism support across the sector,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE, the official economic development arm of the KZN South Coast. “We’re on hand to facilitate meetings between interested investors and local establishments, eliminating any hurdles, and encouraging incentives that promote growth in the region.” 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 Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality (RNM). The KZN South Coast is primed for investment in leisure, accommodation, events and adventure tourism opportunities, with the recent launch of two trails indicative of the area’s potential. The Umzumbe River Trail, launched earlier this year, is a 70km, week-long hiking adventure led by local trail guides with overnight homestays. Just recently, SCTIE launched the 8km Weza Hiking Trail which traverses two Amakhosi areas, KwaMachi and KwaJali in Umuziwabantu, finishing at Mkhoba Waterfall. These are in addition to several other Great Drives Out experiences such as KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails. To ensure the success of these ventures, SCTIE partnered with the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) to upskill local tourist guides with CATHSSETTA-accredited qualifications, as well as partnering with SEDA Port Shepstone Branch to train homestays in customer care, food handling and housekeeping. The KZN South Coast also boasts massive potential as a filming destination, with SCTIE ready to assist in networking opportunities. The region plays host to the annual Ugu Film Festival which attracts the industry’s best, as well as being the chosen site for several international film crews, among them Discovery, National Geographic and Nat Geo Wild. The Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom is also the location for local series and films, with popularity continuing to grow. The ocean economy of the region holds a wealth of tourism development opportunities, with the KZN South Coast home to three Marine Protected Areas, two of which are world-class dive sites: Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The annual Sardine Run, considered the world’s greatest biomass migration, is a huge drawcard for international visitors, with the annual humpback whale migration only growing year-on-year as these populations increase. Diving, ocean safaris and deep-sea fishing excursions are all thriving, with ample opportunity to grow. Along the 120km coastal stretch are 58 golden beaches, six of which hold international Blue Flag status and another five earning pilot status. Beyond the attraction of swimming and relaxing, this is considered one of the country’s top surfing destinations with investment opportunities in national and international surfing competitions and events. With Oribi Gorge and Umtamvuna Gorge; Lake Eland Game Reserve; and numerous nature reserves, the KZN South Coast sets the scene for adventure tourism! The destination is already home to the award-winning Wild 5 Adventures which includes The Wild Swing into the gorge, the Wild Slide abseil adventure, quad biking, white water rafting and more. The trend in adventure tourism is only set to grow, and the KZN South Coast is proving the ideal location. There are also many cultural gems hidden along the KZN South Coast just waiting to be unearthed by keen-eyed investors. The Nightingale shipwreck in Trafalgar; the São Joao shipwreck and monument in Port Edward ; museums, art galleries and the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre are just a selection of the historic sites within the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom. 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, Instagram and Twitter: infosouthcoast and YouTube: SouthCoastTourism. To access previous SCTIE press releases, visit: https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/press-release/. /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) Weza Hiking Trail. Port Shepstone Country Club. Umzumbe River Trail. Blue Flag beach, pictured: Marina Beach. Lake Eland Game Reserve. About South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) SCTIE was established as the official economic development arm of the KZN South Coast. It is a legal entity of the Ugu District Municipality with executive powers, serving Ugu District and its family of municipalities. The entity is committed to identifying and unlocking the full tourism and investment potential of the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’ which stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. The spirit of adventure can be discovered among the 35 nature trails, 58 beaches – 6 Blue Flag – three Marine Protected Areas at Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks and Trafalgar, two iconic gorges – Oribi Gorge and Umtamvuna Gorge – and game reserves. These all set the scene for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, fishing, beach horse rides,
The sky’s the limit for investment on the KZN South Coast with reopening of Margate Airport
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 28 November 2022 The sky’s the limit for investment on the KZN South Coast with reopening of Margate Airport With construction complete on the highly anticipated Margate Airport, businesses on the KZN South Coast are gearing up for increased interest as lucrative investment opportunities open up. On Saturday, 26 November, the MEC for the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Siboniso Duma, officially opened the airport following its R11-million upgrade. “Improving accessibility to the KZN South Coast is not only a priority for increasing the number of tourists to our destination, but also to position the region to attract investors,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “The renovation of Margate Airport creates great prospects for businesses based here, as well as those located beyond the Margate borders, while also opening up the logistics sector.” The upgrade was undertaken in partnership with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), and the private sector. This forms part of EDTEA’s commitment to modernising small airports, such as this one, for an easy flow of passengers, while also making attractive destinations for future investments. The municipal-owned Margate Airport has undergone extensive refurbishment, upgrading the airport to a Category 4. This elevated position allows for two scheduled flights daily – morning and afternoon – (except Saturdays) with an aircraft capacity of 47 passengers. This renovation focus was more on the land side of the airport which included an infrastructure upgrade and extension of the terminal building, the restrooms, parking areas and the commercial precinct. The total investment created 800 temporary jobs with the potential to create hundreds more permanent jobs. The regional airport now boasts investment opportunities in the form of aviation schools, hangars, restaurants and hotels, as well as car hire agencies. In terms of accessibility, the KZN South Coast is incredibly well positioned, with the N2 connecting the region with the provincial economic hub, Durban, as well as King Shaka International Airport just 190km south for access to the international market. This is also facilitated through Durban Port, the country’s second-largest port and the busiest port in Africa. Port Shepstone, just an hour-and-a-half south of Durban, has grown to become the economic hub on the KZN South Coast. With the proximity of the airport, this is an ideal base for those seeking investment opportunities in the transport sector, whether road, air or sea. Its location also makes it a gateway to the Eastern Cape, connecting the economies of these regions. “The Margate Airport also improves inter-provincial leisure travel opportunities, bringing our local communities into mainstream tourism. This inclusive growth within the tourism sector is a national drive which SCTIE is committed to achieving through projects such as these,” continued Mangcu. 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. To access previous SCTIE press releases, visit: https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/press-release/. /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) Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Mayor, Cllr. Skhumbuzo Mqadi and MEC for the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Siboniso Duma Nhlakanipho Nkontwana (HOD: the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs), Mpumi Mpofu, CEO of the Airports Company South Africa, Cllr Sboniso Maphumulo (Speaker of Umzumbe Municipality), Cllr. Skhumbuzo Mqadi (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Mayor), Siboniso Duma (MEC for the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs) and Cllr. Phumlile Mthiyane (Ugu District Municipality Mayor). Phelisa Mangcu (CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise), Mpumi Mpofu (CEO of Airports Company South Africa) and Mr. Khetha Zulu (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Acting Municipal Manager). MEC for the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Siboniso Duma. Cllr. Zodwa Mzindle (Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Speaker). Thabi Msomi (SCTIE Visitor Services Officer) and Vanessa Gounden (SCTIE Coordinator: Tourism Marketing). Mr. Miles van der Mole (CEO of Cemair). Asogan Reddy and Darren Govender from Law Enforcement with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Mayor, Cllr. Skhumbuzo Mqadi. 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 for ‘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 a number of high-profile events including the 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 Jones Communications For more information please contact: Olivia Jones Communications Cell: 083 653
Key opportunities unlocked on the KZN South Coast for local and international investors
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 09 November 2022 Key opportunities unlocked on the KZN South Coast for local and international investors KwaZulu-Natal is the second-largest productive province in South Africa boasting a wealth of investment opportunities. And the KZN South Coast, with its prime location and impressive sector growth, is ready to welcome international and local investors looking for some hidden gems. “South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise [SCTIE] is working with a number of partners and stakeholders to uncover areas with real investment potential,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE. “Port Shepstone, as the region’s economic hub, provides the perfect starting point for access into the local economies, from real estate, agriculture and manufacturing to tourism and the ocean economy. We believe there are many reasons that make this an attractive region for investment, among them our favourable exchange rate, the low cost per square metre of real estate, our human capital and the impressive coastal real estate options available.” Investment opportunities uncovered Agriculture and aquaculture are two areas with massive growth potential such as the R10-million Madlala Agriculture Project, a cash crop development awaiting suitable investors. Then there’s the R18.4-million Amandawe Aquaculture Facility for the production of vegetables, herbs and fish in KwaCele Tribal Authority. With the KZN South Coast a major contributor to South Africa’s billion-rand sugar industry, and macadamia farming fast becoming a leading contributor to the country’s exports, investors would do well to consider the KwaXolo Community Project / Mkoba Macadamia Farm start-up. Key partners in this project are owners of Outlook Farm, the Packhams, and the South African Cane Growers’ Association who have provided farmers with agricultural input and extension support, ensuring that the project is sustainable and best practice is maintained. Real estate development is another profitable sector with the KZN South Coast’s subtropical climate and seaside location making it a prime destination. In Umntetweni, the R163-million John Manson Park provides an investment opportunity for those with long-term vision. This involves the development of residential units, a 1 000-seater conference facility, level offices, a 100-room hotel, an amphitheatre, a waterpark, a public auditorium and restaurant facilities. SCTIE will oversee the implementation of the project, from concept to completion. To find out more about KZN South Coast’s many tourism and investment opportunities, contact 039 682 7944, email info@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za. To access previous SCTIE press releases, visit https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/press-release/. /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. (Images: Supplied by SCTIE) The KZN South Coast, which extends from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding, is ideally located in terms of access to key national economic hubs while also offering international access. Along the N2 the region is connected to nearby Durban and King Shaka International Airport, with the newly renovated Margate Airport providing further investment opportunities. The region is well known for its timber production, with several plantations around the Harding area inland. The dominant species are pine, eucalyptus and wattle, although the KZN South Coast has recently seen a boom in the moringa and tea tree industry the past few years. In addition to John Mason Park, other developments such as Renishaw Coastal Precinct and Serenity Hills are offering great potential for investment, particularly with the area’s subtropical climate, fantastic swimming beaches, laidback lifestyle, and cost-effective market. (Pictured: Renishaw Hills) Timber farming is well-established around the Harding and Braemer area, with further growth anticipated in this sector. The past few years have seen the introduction of macadamia nut farming in the region, offering highly attractive investment opportunities for this almost insatiable global demand. 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 for ‘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 a number of high-profile events including the 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 Jones Communications For more information please contact: Olivia Jones Communications Cell: 083 653 1720 Email: media@oliviajones.co.za