The KZN South Coast, extending from Umkomaas to Port Edward, presents lucrative investment opportunities, both locally and internationally. Through its collaborative approach, South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is working with stakeholders to identify and package these unique opportunities for investors.

Deborah Ludick Manager, Acting CEO of SCTIE, said the entity is committed to uncovering investment potential in the region: “There are so many diverse investment opportunities present on the KZN South Coast and we’re on hand to connect investors with such key offerings and reduce the barriers to investing in the region. We’ve outlined 20 reasons why investing in the KZN South Coast is a positive move in 2024.”

1. Manufacturing
This is a key growth sector on the KZN South Coast, with several sub-sectors now primed for investment. Among these are wooden products, including handmade furniture, as well as textiles through CTM (cut, make, trim) manufacturing.

2. Property
The coastal semigration trend is driving property investment towards the shore and the KZN South Coast is primed for investment. It has several eco-focused developments offering secure, quality estate living. Among them are multi-million-rand developments Renishaw Coastal Precinct, Serenity Hills, Bahari Bay, Injabulo Lifestyle Estate, and the Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate – many of which are attracting international investors.

3. Ocean Economy
The subtropical climate, Blue Flag beaches, 3 Marine Protected Areas, and 2 world-renowned dive sites open significant potential in the ocean’s tourism economy. There is also significant investment opportunity in the fisheries and boating sectors with licensed commercial and subsistence fishers, multiple launch sites, wholesale distributors, and multiple species of fish, making this a viable maritime market.

4. Agriculture
The subtropical climate and great soil quality make the KZN South Coast a top agriculture destination with sugar cane, macadamia nuts, coffee, bananas, and a variety of vegetables successfully grown here. Alongside the investment potential in this sector, there is an opportunity for investment in agricultural tourism with the Agri Tourism Route a popular tourism offering.

5. Filming
The exquisite natural scenery, year-round subtropical climate, and ease of accessibility are establishing the KZN South Coast as a premier film production destination. The region plays host to the annual Ugu International Film Festivals with the KZN Film Fund established to stimulate the province’s film industry growth.

6. Trade Support
The KZN South Coast is supported by the Eastern Seaboard Development, a project that aims to strengthen economic linkages between provinces, as well as The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) that opens the region to the continental market.

7. Renewable Energy
A feasibility study had been undertaken as part of the Eastern Seaboard Development plans for the Ugu District Municipality, considering different energy types – onshore and offshore wind, hydroelectric, biofuels and solar – which are available to investors, enabling them to decide which option would best suit their needs.

8. Margate Airport
The KZN South Coast is located around 45 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and has the in-house Margate Airport which has just undergone a R11m upgrade. The municipal-owned airport is now upgraded to a Category 4, with an extension of the terminal building, the restrooms, parking areas, and the commercial precinct. This revamp supports the logistics investment potential of the region.

9. N2 Advancements
Accessibility to the region is improved by the revamp of the road network, starting with the N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) project that connects KZN with the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga. Upon completion, travel time is expected to be drastically reduced by 1.5 to three hours because of the shorter route and flatter alignment.

10. Local Road Upgrades
The roads are further bolstered by the R580-million upgrade of the P395 in Port Shepstone. The 25km road between Southbroom and Port Shepstone will be rehabilitated over 30 months, improving accessibility to Port Shepstone, which is located just an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Durban.

11. Business Hub
Port Shepstone, the region’s economic hub is the seat for both Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality and Ugu District Municipality. Port Shepstone is a well-established tourism destination and, with great accommodation and facilities, the region is also a growing MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences and events) destination. The many services available have positioned this as the ideal location for investor headquarters.

12. New Mall
The R550-million Port Shepstone Mall is currently being developed with completion anticipated for October 2024. Located in the town centre, this is a catalytic project set to be the main service hub of the district – with parking for public transport, 30 000m² of retail space and public facilities.

13. Techno Hub
Run by Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, the Port Shepstone Techno Hub is the first of four such hubs, which are set to stimulate the region’s economy by providing a collaborative space for investors and entrepreneurs.

14. Competitive Workforce
The KZN South Coast is supported by a skilled yet affordable workforce to further enhance its appeal to investors seeking high returns.

15. Ifafa Industrial Park
This Greenfield project is earmarked for development on SCTIE-owned land. The 91.4ha farmland is located along the N2 freeway in Umdoni Local Municipality making it well-suited for light industrial business opportunities. The vision for this project, valued at over R50 million, is to secure private investors to create an industrial park, using green design principles, establishing it as a landmark development in the KZN South Coast.

16. John Mason Park
This Umtentweni development will include residential units, a conference facility, offices, a hotel, an amphitheatre, a waterpark, a public auditorium, and restaurant facilities valued at over R650 million. Currently in the pre-feasibility stage, a developer has been appointed for this mixed-use project which will be overseen by SCTIE.

17. Umzumbe River Trails
The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), in partnership with Umzumbe Local Municipality and traditional authorities, has developed this 71km hike as a cultural eco-tourism asset for the KZN South Coast. Phase 1, which includes route identification, mapping, clearing, signage, and viewing platforms, has been completed, with Phase 2 currently in progress. Private investors are needed to further this unique tourism asset, valued at R43.1 million, which will include seven accommodation establishments along the trail.

18. KwaXolo Caves Adventures
The EDTEA in partnership with Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality and KwaXolo Tribal Authority, have developed this cultural, eco-tourism adventure asset – valued at R15 million - that takes visitors to view the historic Khoisan rock art. Phase 1 of the project, owned by the KwaXolo Trust, is completed, with an administrative building, fencing, paving and infrastructure-enabling infrastructure in place. Phase 2, which includes a zipline, high-wire bridge, and extended via the Ferrata system, is nearly complete, with plans for Phase 3 – a restaurant, curio shop, and picnic sites - already approved.

19. Tidy Towns
Tidy Towns is an active citizen initiative which is supported by a number of community members and businesses between Shelly Beach and Margate. Tidy Towns has worked closely with the local authorities and, with the help of supporters and other voluntary organisations, have raised funds and provided teams to aid in the beautification of the destination. Communities are invested in improving the KZN South Coast and making it an attractive investment destination.

20. One Stop Shop
Investment in the region is supported by the Ugu District One Stop Shop which creates a welcoming environment for investors by assisting in fast-tracking projects and reducing government red tape. This assists in regulatory matters such as company registrations, visa and environmental impact assessment applications, as well as sourcing funding. Through the One Stop Shop, potential investors will enjoy the support needed to benefit from this region.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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 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.