South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise Welcomes Dynamic New CEO, Dr Sibiya, to Lead Investment and Tourism Growth
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 15 October 2024 South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise Welcomes Dynamic New CEO, Dr Sibiya, to Lead Investment and Tourism Growth South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya as its new Chief Executive Officer, ushering in an era of innovative leadership focused on transforming the KZN South Coast into the region’s premier investment and tourism destination. With over 13 years of experience in both public and private sectors, Dr. Sibiya brings a wealth of knowledge in accounting, development economics, finance and investments. His strong educational background includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management and Governance (Cum Laude), an MBA majoring in economics, a Master of Finance and Investments focusing on econometrics and a PhD in Business Administration. Strategic Vision and Goals Dr Sibiya’s appointment is aligned with SCTIE’s clear strategic vision: to elevate the South Coast as KZN’s leading regional investment and tourism hub. His primary focus will be to: Diversify regional investment portfolios, identifying and packaging lucrative opportunities. Create an investor-friendly environment, establishing the South Coast as a sought-after destination for both local and international investors. Expand the district’s tourism sector by increasing tourist numbers and enhancing the geographical spread of visitors across the region. Leverage world-class tourism infrastructure to ensure global competitiveness. A Focus on the Eastern Seaboard Development (ESD) and Regional Growth Dr. Sibiya is committed to fostering regional integration and sustainable growth, with a particular focus on the Eastern Seaboard Development (ESD) and the District Development Model (DDM). His strategic involvement aims to drive nodal developments and stimulate economic growth by tapping into the natural resources and cultural wealth of the region. “We are excited to see how Dr Sibiya will guide the South Coast into a new era of growth. His leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the realisation of our ambitious goals for both investment and tourism,” remarked SCTIE Board Chairman, Mr. Sandile Dlomo. Building a Local Inclusive Tourism Economy One of Dr Sibiya’s key priorities is to create an inclusive value chain that supports local SMEs. He envisions a tourism model where the region’s rich cultural heritage becomes a driving force for economic empowerment. “Our aim is to ensure that small local businesses, such as basket weavers and traditional artisans, have access to national and international markets. We will create a database of all individuals and enterprises involved in our tourism value chain to ensure they benefit from this growing sector,” stated Dr. Sibiya. Looking Ahead SCTIE was founded to fill a gap in marketing and investment attraction for the Ugu District Municipality, and with Dr Sibiya at the helm, the future looks bright for the region. His leadership will guide SCTIE through its three-pillar cycle of investment promotion, participation and aftercare, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity. As Dr Sibiya passionately expresses, “Let’s strive and see beyond limitations, and together, bring prosperity to our South Coast region and its people.” SCTIE is confident that under Dr Sibiya’s leadership, the KZN South Coast will flourish as a destination of choice for both tourists and investors, bringing meaningful economic growth to the region. Keep updated 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. Check out the latest Southern Explorer Route Guide for the KZN South Coast here. Follow the hashtags #uncover #uncoverkznsouthcoast #uncoveradventure #kznsouthcoast /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 image is available upon request. (Image: Supplied by SCTIE) IMAGE CAPTION: It’s a new era for South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) as the organisation welcomes a new CEO at the helm, Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya. He is excited to realise his vision of transforming the KZN South Coast into the region’s top investment and tourism destination by creating an investor-friendly environment that supports an inclusive tourism economy. 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 birds 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 has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series. Copy prepared by: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) Image taken & supplied by: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) Issued on behalf of: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) Press release disseminated by: Olivia Jones Communications For more information please contact: Olivia Jones Communications Cell: 083 653 1720