New Buy Local members extend rural and township tourism on the KZN South Coast
Tourism is the lifeblood of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast economy, and while significant strides are being made in various key investment sectors, there is still massive potential yet to be uncovered for tourism beyond the coast.
Two new Buy Local members, Monate Outdoor Activities and Kasified Eksperience, are providing visitors with completely unique cultural and adventure experiences in townships and beyond.
“There is so much investment potential in the township economy and we are so happy to celebrate the inclusion of new offerings such as the Kasified Eksperience,” says Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of the South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “Likewise, our rural tourism offerings are showing incredible promise, with the tourism trends focused on nature-based, adventure activities such as those offered by Monate Outdoor Activities. By joining our Buy Local campaign, they will receive extensive support in the form of networking, marketing and collaborations, further strengthening the sector.”
Monate Outdoor Activities offers visitors great hiking trails, camping and outdoor adventures with township packages on offer. In addition to extending the tourism offering, it is creating impactful employment opportunities for local tour guides.
Founder of Monate Outdoor Activities, Mbongeni Mthembu, who recently received a recognition award for being a social entrepreneur from the Mangosuthu University of Technology, says the team ensures a fun-filled vacation: “We started in March 2020 and have continued to grow, offering deals on hikes, outdoor activities and everything from township tours to the Margate nightlife.”
Another Buy Local member offering dynamic tourism activities is Kasified Eksperience, a township tourism organisation that focuses on shisanyama and local events in Gamalakhe. It recently hosted top artists such as DJ Thukzin and Khuzani & Mlindo at the Ugu Maskandi Music Festival. The team has also launched Kasified Extreme, offering great outdoor experiences such as quad biking, paintball and biking trails.
Buy Local membership
Buy Local forms part of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s Buy Back SA initiative that encourages local business support. Companies that qualify for the Buy Local membership include those providing products and services of high quality, with at least 50% of the cost of production of products or services incurred within KZN South Coast. The business needs to currently create employment opportunities for people within the region, or intend to create such opportunities in future.
Once signed up, Buy Local members enjoy extensive marketing exposure across all of SCTIE’s offline and digital marketing channels; business support and networking opportunities; as well as member credibility and valuable information sharing. Beyond the direct membership benefits, being part of the Buy Local campaign means enjoying a stronger local and national economy, while attracting more investment.
The Buy Local campaign continues to support the rural sector’s inclusion in the mainstream tourism economy by developing platforms and business connections for small, medium and micro enterprises, such as those between crafters, farmers and growers with retailers.
To support the Buy Local campaign, find out more about members, or to become a member, visit the KZN South Coast website or click here for a membership form.
