DPWI Increases Momentum on Small Harbours Development in Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality

Article by Tseke Masemola, Pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

31 October 2025

South Africa’s vision for a thriving oceans economy took a tangible step forward on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, where Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala led a focused oversight programme on the development of new small harbours along the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality’s coastline. The visit centred on the rollout of Spatial and Economic Development Frameworks (SEDFs) for Port Shepstone, Port Edward and Hibberdene, a coastal investment corridor designed to unlock tourism, marine activity, and local economic participation.

Senior government officials, including Acting Director-General Lwazi Mahlangu, Deputy Director-General, Luyanda Kafile, and provincial and local leadership, joined the Deputy Minister in assessing progress on the Spatial and Economic Development Frameworks (SEDFs) for new Tier 1 and Tier 2 harbour sites. Deputy Minister engaged technical teams and municipal stakeholders on the readiness milestones, and programme delivery.

The oversight visit highlighted the strategic intention to transform the South Coast into a marine-based economic hub, strengthening township-to-seafront integration, boosting small-scale fishing and aquaculture value chains, and catalysing tourism-driven urban renewal, anchored around harbour precincts.

Delivering his keynote address to community representatives and local leadership, DM Zikalala underscored the importance of inclusive coastal development. “Our task is to ensure coastal communities, especially those previously excluded,” he said. The SEDF estimates a R4.41 billion economic injection, a R1.85 billion contribution to KwaZulu-Natal’s GDP, and the creation of over 5 800 temporary jobs and 1 200 long-term employment opportunities, with 71% of SMME opportunities set to benefit black and women-owned enterprises.

Community engagement formed a key part of the programme, reflecting government’s commitment to collaborative development and transparent delivery. With Port Shepstone identified as the flagship harbour, supported by Port Edward and Hibberdene, the initiative signals a transformative shift for the South Coast. A significant step which aims to drive costal-linked economic growth, empower local communities, and lay the foundation for a globally competitive oceans economy, built on inclusion, sustainability, and shared prosperity.