Development Update
We continue to support rural tourism and community upskilling, helping local residents, women, youth, and people with disabilities access the tourism economy. Through targeted programmes, capacity-building workshops, and hands-on training, we aim to grow the skills of local communities, develop sustainable tourism products, and create opportunities for small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs to thrive.
1. SMME Development and Support
Africa’s Travel Indaba Exhibition (12 to 15 May 2025)
In partnership with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDA), we enabled local women-owned tourism businesses to apply for the prestigious Africa’s Travel Indaba exhibition. Sunny Rock Self-Catering from Southbroom was among the successful KZN South Coast applicants.
Access to Market Capacity Building Workshop (28 May 2025)
We joined the Co-operatives Capacity Building Workshop, hosted by EDTEA Ugu District, to equip cooperatives with skills to market and sell their products effectively. Participants included women, youth, and people with disabilities.
Inkundla Theatre Festival (30 May 2025)
We participated in the 14th Inkundla Theatre Festival at Uvongo Town Hall, which showcased dance, comedy, storytelling, and youth-led performances.
Six local crafters were also given a platform to exhibit and sell their products during the festival.
2. Youth Support
In-Service Training for DUT Tourism Students (June to December 2025)
In partnership with Durban University of Technology (DUT), SCTIE facilitated in-service training for nine Ugu District eco-tourism students. Students are hosted by local hospitality establishments for six months under the NSFAS-funded programme, which encourages work-integrated learning and potential employment post-training.
Other Youth Programmes Ongoing on the KZN South Coast:
- Professional Cookery Programme: Umdoni Municipality training 12 interns
- Tour Guiding: Umzumbe Municipality training 30 interns
- National Skills Fund (NSF) Project: all Ugu District Municipalities training 56 interns
- Tourism Graduate Development Project: Ray Nkonyeni Municipality with 5 graduates
3. Tourism Product Support
KwaXolo Caves Adventures – Signage Installation
We facilitated the installation of brown tourism directional signs for KwaXolo Caves Adventures:
- Provincial Roads: 8 signs installed by KZN DOT (11 to 12 June 2025).
- District Roads: 6 signs installed in 2020.
- National Roads (R61, Southbroom): 2 signs installed by SANRAL in 2022.
This completes the signage project in line with the MOA between ourselves and KwaXolo Caves Adventures, ensuring compliance with approvals from the relevant authorities.
4. Stakeholder Relations and Engagements
Media and Developmental Communication Networking Session (11 April 2025)
We participated in a session hosted by GCIS and Gagasi FM at Margate Hotel to strengthen relations between the media and government.
Community Outreach and Youth Awareness Programme (23 April 2025)
We participated in the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Youth Office outreach at Mphelelwa Community Hall, promoting community involvement, ownership, and the preservation of cultural heritage in KwaNzimakwe and KwaXolo.
KZN Tourism Master Plan – Implementation and Monitoring Committee Meeting (16 May 2025)
We contributed to discussions during the quarterly meeting chaired by EDTEA, supporting the monitoring and implementation of the provincial tourism strategy.
Area Tourism Committees (2 June 2025)
Following the Umdoni Area Tourism AGM, we hosted a committee meeting where Advocate Brijraj (Umdoni Business Chamber) was re-elected Chairperson and Paul De Beer (Seaside Escape Self-Catering) was re-elected Vice Chairperson.