Small and medium-sized enterprises (small and medium-sized enterprises) make up 91% of the country's formal enterprises, and the National Development Plan outlines this sector as a key driver of job creation. With an ongoing drive to support small and medium-sized businesses, by increasing the tourism and investment potential of KZN South Coast, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprises (SCTIE) provides dedicated training and support to local businesses.
“The KZN South Coast has important potential with abundant talent and a huge number of tourism assets. Our mission is to further develop these through training and skill development, while linking investors with these businesses to grow these businesses,” explained Dr. Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE.
“In the past few years, many tourism operators with outlying businesses have been receiving dedicated training, exposing notable investment opportunities. We firmly believe that this is the time to invest in the tourism assets of the KZN South Coast.
SCTIE's tourism development is working with the government sector to integrate rural communities into the mainstream tourism economy through uplifting programs. The beneficiaries will receive training and certification, and development of tourism assets including:
・Qualifications for tour guides and tour operators
・Tour packages and asset development
・Customer service and online booking workshop
・Skill development in bookkeeping and management
・Health and Safety Certification
・Product development and marketing
・Networking opportunities
・First aid training
KZN South Coast Tourism Assets and Investment Potentials
One such example is Kwanzimakwe's experience specializing in education and cultural exchange programs through Msenti Arts Academy, and a 4×4 multi-trail adventure run by Iseluleko Adventure Tours.
The organization, which has been operating since 2007, has been running an exchange program with Norway for the past decade, with various tour packages being developed through SCTIE. The organization has five full-time employees, with 35 part-time employees helping during their peak period.
Victor Jaca, the guide to Kwanzimakwe Experience, has established a multi-trail adventure through SCTIE's development programme and has benefited from marketing exposures, including a feature on the 2024 African Travel Indava.
Similarly, the Kuwaxolo Cave adventure has grown significantly over the past three years, offering visitors mountain hiking to these historic caves and nearby waterfalls, introducing suspension bridges and group camping experiences. This property can be further unlocked as there is a possibility of accommodation, restaurants, or meetings.
“I started to tour the beach and gained a love and passion for sightseeing,” recalls Shaun Makhanya, Kwaxolo's lead guide, who currently has three full-time employees and four interns. “Then I was offered the opportunity to extend the tour to the meanders of the Durban and Midlands until the Kuwaxolo Cave adventure was developed and to be part of it. Sctie's training is life-changing and tourism is useful for the economy, so it's about ensuring that networking and business provide unique services.”
Another unique cultural experience, the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Center offers cultural and nature-guided tours, Indigenous music, dance, festivals, seminars, workshops and storytelling productions. Tour guide Howard Musomi has been running for nine years and says that support from SCTIE solidified the tourism asset. “We have solid products now and we have a professional website.”
Bongmusa Dladla of NPS Adventures said they wanted to start with their love for the untouched landscape and share it with those who want to explore the Kwaqabe region.
Leaning towards the trends in adventure tourism, they have been offering hiking, quad cycling, paintball and overnight stays since 2019, with a focus on customer service promoting success.
The fertile agricultural sector of the KZN South Coast has also been transformed into a growing tourism asset through SCTIE's Agri-Tours package. Participating in this was the Ubumbano Agri Cooperative, which began as a family-run cooperative in 2017, and grew into a mixed farming venture that grows choice-grade produce.
Owner Norwaj Nzama says that by including it in agriculture, marketing and small business development, it brought the business to a larger audience and significantly increased the investment potential.
Now is the time: visit, invest, thrive on the KZN South Coast!
Visit the KZN South Coast website to learn more about these and other investment opportunities. Following on to sightseeing on the South Coast on Facebook. A YouTube South Coast Tourism and Investment Company. @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; South Coast tourism and investment company on LinkedIn. Click here to check out our previous SCTIE press releases. Find out why the KZN South Coast is a top tourist destination here.
For more information about these and more investment opportunities, contact SCTIE, the one-stop shop on the KZN South Coast. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
To purchase sales or secure services from these and other purchases from local businesses, please visit the online directory of the SCTIE website. To purchase local members or join the campaign, purchase local tags at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for membership forms.
Follow the hashtag #nowistthetime #nowistthetimetoinvest
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