Umdoni aims to grow economy
Investors, traditional leaders, municipal leaders and business folk gathered at the Cutty Sark Hotel in Scottburgh for the 2025 Umdoni Investment Conference last week.
This two-day event was aimed at forging and maintaining partnerships in order to work together towards building a sustainable economy for Umdoni through major investments.
Umdoni Local Municipality hopes to bring more investments in tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, commercial, retail, resort, high middle income residential and education.
Mayor Mbali Cele-Luthuli said that the municipality has identified a need for the Umdoni economy to grow in order to fight against the triple challenges government is facing – unemployment, poverty and inequality.
'The municipality is of the view that this conference will serve as an initial step to engage investors and showcase the potential Umdoni possesses as an investment worthy area,' she said.
'Our vision is to attain investments and further enhance the urban environment economy and unleash the economic potential of the rural hinterland of Umdoni.'
The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, also attended.
He mentioned government's determination to improve economic and social infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams and fibre networks to support Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME's) and industrialisation.
'The department is ready to partner with municipalities like Umdoni that are clear in their vision and aligned with national priorities. Infrastructure is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about jobs, inclusion, and dignity,' he said.
Zikalala suggested that investment projects brought by the private sector will complement the municipality's vision of transforming Umdoni into the 'Jewel of the South Coast' by 2030.
He also mentioned that plans are on track for the construction of a small craft harbour in Ray Nkonyeni District Municipality.
The development, which will include a boat launching site, fisheries and related facilities, is expected to cost close to R1b and will create thousands of work opportunities.
He said the department is still investigating the site of a second small harbour development in KZN.
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