Upgrades for Kosi Bay and Charters Creek

Kosi Bay Tourism Resort and Charters Creek to create much-needed jobs, boost local economy

2 hours ago

Mbuso Kunene 2 minutes read

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Narend Singh performed the ribbon-cutting during the official handover of the Charters Creek facility to Black Mussel Cracker

Two private investors have partnered with the iSimangaliso Wetland Park authority to develop two of its key tourism assets.

The Kosi Bay Tourism Resort concession has been awarded to women-owned Tranquillity Exotic Space, while Charters Creek – a tourism site on the Western Shores – will be operated by Black Mussel Cracker.

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This forms part of the State-owned entity’s transformative business strategy, with the new deals announced to amaKhosi and government officials at a commercialisation launch in St Lucia on Tuesday.

“The objectives of the launch are to give investors direct exposure to the park’s ecological, cultural and tourism assets; to build investor confidence; generate credible interest in the commercialisation pipeline; and create a networking platform for investors and financiers,” said iSimangaliso CEO Sibusiso Bukhosini, presenting the park’s business strategy to potential investors, commercial banks and affected community members.

Addressing the gathering, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Narend Singh urged investors to contribute to alleviating the poverty status of uMkhanyakude District while doing business in the region.

“I’m hoping the investors in this area will take their corporate social responsibility seriously. While they invest in equipment and infrastructure at the facilities we’ve seen, they also invest in the community because we want to see corporate social responsibility moving forward.

“We have a responsibility to develop this entire community. uMkhanyakude District has one of the highest levels of poverty, and we want to turn that around,” said Singh.

New developments in the pipeline

Kosi Bay Tourism Resort, which is a 20-year concession, is expected to create 50 jobs during the upgrading and development phase, followed by 90 permanent positions once operational.

Charters Creek is a 40-year lease projected to employ 100 people during its development phase, and a further 180 when it reaches full operational capacity.

Anticipated employment and business opportunities lie in areas such as laundry services, maintenance, game drives, tour guiding and security

“As we embark on this journey, we look forward to building a strong relationship that delivers tangible results, creates lasting value, and contributes positively to the communities and economy we serve,” said Dr Thami Mbonambi of Black Mussel Cracker.

Tranquillity Exotic Space co-founder Thabi Shange said the company was delighted to develop and operate Kosi Bay Tourism Resort.

“As you know, this industry is already overpopulated with white men. So to get into the space, and for such a long time, is very important. We’re looking forward to when we can actually begin to operate,” said Shange.

The park confirmed that tenders for its Cape Vidal and Mkhuze Game Reserve facilities would be advertised this month, opening the door for further private-sector participation in its tourism offerings.

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