Historic small harbour programme launches in KwaZulu-Natal

Tags

---

05-11-2025
Read : 7 times
NovaNews
Source

The first phase of South Africa’s groundbreaking small harbour construction programme was officially launched in Port Shepstone last week, marking a historic milestone as the first small harbours to be built by a democratic government since 1994.

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala unveiled the ambitious initiative on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, handing over Spatial Economic Development Frameworks (SEDFs) that will guide the placement of new port infrastructure in previously neglected coastal communities.

The programme represents a significant shift in maritime development, addressing the reality that all existing harbours in the country were constructed before democracy, with the majority concentrated in the Western Cape.

The Port Shepstone development alone is projected to deliver substantial economic benefits during construction, with estimates showing R4.41-billion in additional business sales and R1.85-billion added to GDP. The project is expected to create approximately 5,808 jobs within the KwaZulu-Natal economy.

The Port Shepstone development alone is projected to deliver substantial economic benefits during construction, with estimates showing R4.41-billion in additional business sales and R1.85-billion added to GDP.

The chosen Port Shepstone site sits strategically less than one kilometre south-east of the town’s central business district and Oribi Plaza shopping centre, positioning it at the centre of existing commercial and transport networks.

Development will follow a comprehensive three-stage framework beginning with pre-implementation feasibility studies, followed by planning and concept development, and concluding with design and construction phases.

Beyond Port Shepstone, the programme has identified two additional high-impact sites in KwaZulu-Natal: Port Edward and Hiberdene. The Eastern Cape’s Port St Johns has already received its SEDF submission, while Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape is next in line.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure emphasised that the initiative directly addresses past inequities by investing in infrastructure within neglected coastal towns. The programme aligns with national priorities for job creation and regional economic development while ensuring inclusive access to maritime infrastructure.

Officials noted the project complements broader coastal development efforts, including Smart City Development initiatives, demonstrating government commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable coastal economies.

The launch signals what the department called “a turning point for the people of Ugu and Port Shepstone,” representing a new era of equitable coastal development across South Africa’s extensive shoreline.