Celebrating the KZN South Coast Remarkable Women Entrepreneurs in Agribusiness
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 13 September 2024 PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 13 September 2024 Celebrating the KZN South Coast Remarkable Women Entrepreneurs in Agribusiness South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is proud to highlight the remarkable contributions of women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector on the KZN South Coast. The KZN South Coast’s exceptional soil quality and subtropical climate create ideal conditions for lucrative agricultural investments. With high-yield, diverse crop potential including macadamias, bananas, sugar cane, mushrooms, and coffee the region offers abundant opportunities for investors to tap into profitable, niche agricultural markets and achieve strong returns. As we celebrate their achievements, we hope to inspire other women to explore the exciting opportunities in agriculture, showcasing two exceptional businesses Ubumbano Homestead and Oatlands Mushrooms. Ubumbano Homestead: Pioneers of Sustainable Farming Ubumbano Homestead has become a beacon of sustainable farming practices, produced high-quality organic crops and contributed to the local economy. What started as a small-scale venture has evolved into a thriving agribusiness, employing local community members and promoting eco-friendly farming techniques. “Our journey at Ubumbano Homestead has been one of learning, resilience, and growth. We’ve proven that with passion and dedication, it’s possible to overcome challenges in this industry. Agribusiness offers endless opportunities, and we want to encourage other women to step into this sector. By working together, women can bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and innovation to agriculture. It’s an industry with the potential to provide not just financial stability but also a way to impact food security and sustainable development,” said Nolwazi and Nellie Zama Ubumbano Homestead. Oatlands Mushrooms: Leading the Way in Specialty Farming Oatlands Mushrooms has carved a niche in specialty farming, growing high-quality mushrooms for both local and national markets. Through innovation and a commitment to excellence, the business has gained a reputation for delivering premium products, while supporting the local workforce and contributing to the region’s agribusiness growth. “Agriculture has long been seen as a male-dominated industry, but we’re here to change that narrative. At Oatlands Mushrooms, we’ve demonstrated that women can thrive in this field. We encourage other women to explore agribusiness because it’s an industry that welcomes innovation, provides financial empowerment, and has room for growth. By supporting one another, women in agriculture can achieve incredible success, “said Asanda Mkhize of Oatlands Mushrooms Manager: Finance, HR and Administration, Deborah Ludick, applauds the efforts of these inspiring women, “We are incredibly proud to showcase the achievements of Ubumbano Homestead and Oatlands Mushrooms. These businesses demonstrate the immense potential of women in agribusiness, breaking barriers and shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. We hope their stories encourage more women to enter the sector, where they can not only succeed but also create jobs, support communities, and drive innovation. SCTIE is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and ensuring that the KZN South Coast remains a hub for agricultural excellence.” For more information on these businesses and other opportunities in the agribusiness sector, please contact SCTIE. 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. Keep updated on the KZN South Coast by following the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise – SCTIE page on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. Watch why the KZN South Coast is a top investment destination here. Check out the latest Southern Explorer Route Guide for the KZN South Coast here. Follow the hashtags #uncover #uncoverkznsouthcoast #uncoverpotential #kznsouthcoast! And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. To purchase goods sold or secure services from 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. /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 South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise) Ubumbano Homestead Directors, Nelly Zama and Nolwazi Zama Nolwazi Zama from Ubumbano Homestead Fruits from Ubumbano Homestead Asanda Mkhize , the director/owner for Oatlands Mushrooms Oatlands Mushrooms 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.
Marine Drive Rehabilitation Reaches 50% Milestone
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 19 September 2024 Marine Drive Rehabilitation Reaches 50% Milestone The ongoing rehabilitation of Marine Drive continues to progress with the project now at the halfway mark. According to the contractor, approximately 50% of the subbase and base course as well as 20% of the auxiliary works have been completed. This R600-million project, which includes provisions for local Targeted Enterprises and Training, is set for completion in January 2026, weather permitting. So far, the rehabilitation has created 282 local jobs, alongside providing training to 35 national youth scheme students in civil engineering activities. Minor work currently underway, include the installation of kerbing, concrete side drains, guardrails and subsoil drains along the 25km stretch of the road, along Marine Drive. Major construction is taking place with stop-and-go systems between the following sections: Southbroom to Pistols Saloon: Work commenced on 18th March 2024 and is expected to be completed by mid-October 2024. Chefs on Marine to Waffle House: Work commenced on 8 April 2024 with expected completion by the end of October 2024. Bosveld Butchery to Margate Police Station: Work started on 15th July 2024, with expected completion by mid-November 2024. Margate Main Robot (Sasol Garage) to Builders Warehouse: Work began on 26th August 2024, and completion is expected by mid-November 2024. Future Work In addition, 50% of the rehabilitation from Uvongo to Shelly Beach has been completed. The remaining work is scheduled to begin in mid-October and will take approximately three weeks to complete. Other key areas such as the stretch from My Happy Place Coffee Shop to Port Shepstone will undergo asphalt replacement from mid-October 2024 to mid-2025. Asphalt overlay works are scheduled to commence in mid-2025 with completion expected by the end of 2025. Stop-and-go systems will only be implemented during the day. “The Marine Drive Rehabilitation is crucial for the development and connectivity of the KZN South Coast, not only for residents but for tourism and investment prospects as well. The progress achieved so far is commendable, and we remain optimistic about the long-term benefits this project will bring to our region,” commented Deborah Ludick, Manager: Finance, HR, and Administration at South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise. Please note that all project timelines are subject to change due to unforeseen weather conditions, service delays, or other factors such as flooding. Regular updates will be provided as the project progresses. Ends 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. Keep updated on the KZN South Coast by following the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise – SCTIE page on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. Watch why the KZN South Coast is a top investment destination here. Check out the latest Southern Explorer Route Guide for the KZN South Coast here. Follow the hashtags #uncover #uncoverkznsouthcoast #uncoverpotential #kznsouthcoast! And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. To purchase goods sold or secure services from 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. 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.