R16-billion Blythedale estate development to boost North Coast economy

The KZN government and eLan Foundation claim tens of thousands temporary jobs are expected to be created through the Shift Africa Blythedale development project.

It forms part of the larger R16-billion, 982 hectare Blythedale Coastal Estate development which will include schools, a shopping centre, retirement village, beach resort hotel, upmarket housing and apartments.

The construction of about 3 000 low income social housing units is also included in the plans.

About 72 hectares have been designated for this purpose on the south-east side of New Guelderland, north-east of KwaDukuza and directly inland from Prince’s Grant Golf Estate.

The Blythedale Estate has previously been dogged by downturns in the property market and conflicts with the local community.

An earlier venture ended when the Zwelabantu Dube Community successfully claimed the land from eLan Estates and the project went into business rescue. eLan Estates and the Zwelabantu Dube Community now co-own the land.

Elan Property Group CEO, Mark Taylor, said they had learned a lot over their years as developers, especially from Simbithi Eco Estate.

He noted that in many cases locally hired labour had been sourced from areas such as Shaka’s Head, but upon completion of developments these workers returned home again without jobs, something which needed to change.

He said the hope was that the construction of the new estate would not only provide job opportunities, but skills development that comes with it will equip workers to start their own businesses afterwards.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership at Simbithi last Wednesday, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said the economic spin-offs will be significant as apart from the temporary jobs created, an estimated 18 000 permanent jobs would be created in sectors such as security, domestic services, landscaping and others.

“This project will help reduce unemployment and provide skills training for especially youth and women. The eLan Group has been given a database of young people who have been trained by the Department of Social Development. Some of these trainees are ex-offenders who deserve another chance,” said Zikalala.

The Shift Africa Project’s duration is estimated to be 15 years.

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