Revitalising Port Shepstone: New harbour project to drive sustainable economic growth
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi alongside Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Sihle Zikalala during the stakeholder consultation session on the development of small harbours.
Image: KZN EDTEA / Facebook
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi, together with Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, held a briefing session in Port Shepstone to launch the Small Harbour Development project. The initiative aims to create job opportunities, boost economic growth, and enable local communities to access maritime opportunities.
Led by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the event also featured the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional Leaders and the mayor of the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Zodwa Mzindle.
Port Shepstone has been identified as the first site where new small harbours will be constructed. The proposed harbour will be located less than one kilometre southeast of the town’s central business district and the Oribi Plaza shopping centre, making it an ideal location between local commerce and the transport network.
Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, during his keynote address for the launch of small harbours in Port Shepstone.
Image: EDTEA KZN / Facebook
Zikalala said the programme aims to create job opportunities for disadvantaged communities and provide greater access to coastal areas.
“The small harbours will help create work and business opportunities in industries such as fisheries, tourism, transport, and logistics, while also promoting property development, including hospitality. These are sectors that benefit from the marine economy,” said Zikalala.
The construction of these small harbours is expected to generate an estimated R4.41 billion in additional business revenue, contribute about R1.85 billion to the GDP, and create around 5,808 jobs within the KwaZulu-Natal economy.
Zondi expressed his support for the initiative, emphasising its positive impact on community livelihoods.
“It is about creating platforms for economic participation, local enterprise development, tourism expansion, and sustainable livelihoods for our coastal communities,” said Zondi.
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