Development Update
1. SMME Development and Support
Occupational Health and Safety Training
Forty tourism SMEs received certificates on 30 March 2025 after completing free occupational health and safety training. We led this programme in collaboration with NDT and EDTEA through the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan, to establish universal safety practices and encourage business compliance with health regulations.
Financial Management and Compliance Workshop
On 13 March 2025, SCTIE and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) hosted a financial management and compliance workshop for 20 SMEs in Port Shepstone and online. The session focused on improving financial literacy and business administration.
Tourism Grading Programme
In February 2025, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) offered free grading for eligible tourism businesses, which we promoted locally. This initiative supports quality standards ahead of the G20 Summit.
Women Advancement Fund
In January 2025, we encouraged women-owned SMEs to apply for funding through the KZN Premier’s Women Advancement Fund, aimed at supporting and growing female-led businesses.
Tourist Guides Association Support
We assisted the KZN South Coast Tourist Guides Association in submitting annual NPO reports to the Department of Social Development. The association includes women and people with disabilities in its leadership.
2. Youth Support
Tourism Monitors Programme
From March 2024 to 17 March 2025, 25 youth participated in the Ugu District Tourism Monitors Programme, which was funded by NDT and implemented by ourselves and Tourism World Academy. The programme enhanced tourism safety through deployment and mentorship.
Food and Beverage Quality Assurers Programme
On 25 February 2025, 18 participants graduated from the 2023/2024 programme, with 14 securing employment through host businesses.
Assistant Chef Programme (Ray Nkonyeni)
Funded by CATHSSETA and implemented by ourselves, LMC and EDTEA, this three-month programme concluded in December 2024. During this time, 18 students completed training, with one securing a one-year renewable contract at the Grove Restaurant in Margate.
Ongoing Youth Programmes we support include:
- Professional Cookery in Umdoni funded by CATHSSETA in partnership with Tourism World Academy: 12 interns
- Tour Guiding in Umzumbe funded by NDT in partnership with Tourism World Academy: 30 interns
- NSF Project in all 4 Ugu Municipalities funded by National Skills Fund with Tourism World Academy: 56 interns
- Tourism Graduate Development in Ray Nkonyeni in partnership with EDTEA: 5 interns (1 is from Umzumbe, 1 from Umuziwabantu, 1 from Umdoni and 2 from Ray Nkonyeni)
3. Tourism Product Support
Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre
We received approval on 20 March 2025 to install two tourism road signs on the provincial Sipofu Road.
KwaNdwalane Experience
On 18 March 2025, we worked with the SA Red Cross to conduct safety training for guides on this adventure trail featuring cliffs, forest, and waterfalls.
KwaXolo Caves Adventures (Phase 2)
Construction is underway on a multipurpose visitor facility (restaurant, ablutions, etc.). Despite weather delays, the site remains open. As of 14 March 2025, 40% of work was complete. Seven approved tourism signs will be installed on roads P284, P732, and D1095 by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year.
Onsite Labour (as of 14 March 2025):
- 4 males (under 35)
- 2 males (over 35)
- 6 females (under 35)
- 3 females (over 35)
- 1 CLO, 1 Safety Officer
Total: 17 workers
4. Stakeholder Engagement
Area Tourism Committee AGMs
We are conducting AGMs across the KZN South Coast to renew committees and report back to stakeholders. The first was held on 20 March in Umdoni, attended by 20 local tourism businesses. These meetings lay the groundwork for a District Tourism Forum.
KZN Tourism Master Plan Implementation and Monitoring Committee Meeting
On 27 and 28 March, we hosted a provincial committee meeting with EDTEA attended by 40 delegates. Activities included site visits at Umdoni, Umzumbe and Ray Nkonyeni, and a formal session at Sugar Beach Holiday Resort, which offered the venue free in support of tourism.