𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗜𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘!

There’s a new wave of hope rolling over the South Coast, and this time, it’s not one we’re bracing for, but one we’re ready to ride.

After years of frustration for local entrepreneurs and tourism operators caught in unstable, month-to-month leases, the tide has finally turned.
Minister Dean Macpherson, together with KZN MEC Martin Meyer, has announced the handover of 15 coastal properties from the national Department of Public Works to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

It’s a game-changing moment for our coastline, and the community knows it.

Local DA leader Riona Gokool, MPL and DA Ugu South Constituency Head, called it “a victory for collaboration, transparency, and progress, and most importantly, a victory for the people of the South Coast.”

💡 From Red Tape to Real Results

For years, beachfront businesses operated under unstable leases that made it nearly impossible to invest or grow. Each month was uncertain. Plans were delayed. Jobs were lost.

Venues like Mariners Restaurant in Southbroom became symbols of that struggle, ready to rebuild after the freak waves of 2023, but held back by lease limbo and endless waiting.

That changes now.
With the termination of the 2016 management agreement and the direct involvement of the provincial department, business owners can finally breathe.

No more confusion about who’s in charge.
No more stalled opportunities.
No more watching good properties fall into ruin.

🏖️ Why It Matters

The South Coast is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s greatest assets, a coastline packed with natural beauty, family-run businesses, and proud communities who’ve held on through tough times.

But while locals kept the faith, bureaucracy held the region back. With this handover, a new foundation for investment and accountability is being built.

Entrepreneurs will get long-term lease security.

Jobs can return to the communities that need them most.

Investors can finally step forward, knowing the system is fair and transparent.

The DA in Ugu South has welcomed the move, pledging to support the provincial department in restoring proper lease management and ensuring that local businesses, not outsiders ,benefit from the reform.

“This is about restoring livelihoods, creating opportunities for our youth, and using tourism’s 16.9% contribution to our economy as a lever for real growth,” said Gokool.

⚓ The Bigger Picture

Minister Macpherson summed it up best: “The state has been a barrier to private investment for too long. We’re removing those barriers so businesses can invest confidently and create jobs.”

It’s not just an announcement, it’s a turning point.
The handover marks a shift from frustration to action, from uncertainty to clarity, and from broken systems to bold collaboration.

Hibberdene Beach property
Portion 15 of Erf 677 Hibberdene at the main beach.
Umtentweni Beach Kiosk
Erf 89 Umtentweni located at Umtentweni’s main beach near Port Shepstone.
Southport Beach site
The Captain’s Anchor restaurant premises at Southport main beach. This site was previously leased and noted in municipal documents for refurbishment.
Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club
The boating and club facility on Shelly Beach near Margate.
St. Michael’s on Sea Beach Restaurant in Uvongo
The well known beachfront restaurant site at St Mike’s also home to C Bali.
Additional St. Michael’s Beach portion in Uvongo
A second portion of Erf 2209 featuring another beachfront structure on the same St Mike’s site.
Lucien Beach Kiosk in Margate
A beachfront kiosk on Portion of Erf 3378 at Lucien Beach one of Margate’s Blue Flag beaches.
Margate Swimming Pool Kiosk
Snack kiosk located at the Margate tidal pool area also on Portion of Erf 3378.
Margate Beachfront Restaurant
The main beachfront restaurant space at Margate central beach forming part of the same Erf 3378 precinct.
Ramsgate Beach Restaurant
A restaurant site at Ramsgate main beach Portion 1 of Erf 418.
Southbroom Main Beach Restaurant
A café and restaurant site at the main beach in Southbroom.
Additional Southbroom Beach Site
Portion of Erf 668 Southbroom containing a second beachfront structure or kiosk.
Marina Beach Property
Portion of the remainder of Erf 362 at Marina Beach near San Lameer.
Port Edward Beach Kiosk
The seaside kiosk at Port Edward’s main beach adjacent to Erf 1023.
Port Edward Ski Boat Club
The small craft harbour and ski boat club facilities at Port Edward also adjacent to Erf 1023.