Opportunity Issue 88 - Sept-Oct 2018

PROFILE
The iLembe Vineyards project is said to be "the perfect
combination between agriculture and tourism". Please
tell us more about this project.
The journey of the project started in 2011 with the assistance of
funding from the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and
Traditional Affairs (COGTA). It is indeed the perfect combination
of agriculture and tourism as the local cultivator, Villard Blanc, is
planted in our iLembe Vineyards in Maphumulo, Mandeni and
Ndwedwe. This has obviously led to job creation for the locals.
In order to grow the Seventeen Eighty-Seven brand, we have
extended the range by bringing other SA cultivars and we
now have Rose, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
and Sauvignon Blanc. Named after the birth year of King
Shaka and also known as the “Jewel of the Zulu Kingdom”,
Seventeen Eighty-Seven has been well received in the market
and we are still going to push it further and expand our distribution
channels to ensure that we reach other domestic
and international markets.
How has tourism contributed to economic development
and job creation?
The past year saw a record of over 800 000 tourists visiting the
iLembe District, contributing over R3 billion to the economy
of the region. Attractions such as the Ballito Junction Mall
remain very key drivers behind such tourism numbers in the
region as well as ensuring the viable that economic activity
in general. As the shopping destination, the mall attracted 12
million visitors during its first year of operating. This means
that other than tourists from outside the region and outside the
country, the mall has become the favourite shopping destination
for locals, which is very key for the growth of the local
economy as well as job creation.
Another milestone for the mall within its first year was
winning the prestigious South African Council of Shopping
Centres’ Retail Design and Development Award (RDDA) in
2017 for a new retail property development. This gave further
testimony to the significance of the mall as the new tourism
and lifestyle offering in the region.
It must be noted though that as a destination there are
many other tourist offerings besides shopping; these include
the beach, cultural, history and adventure tourism. The region
is also close King Shaka International Airport making it
extremely accessible for holidaymakers.
How does the flagship National Schools Nutrition
Programme benefit farmers and learners?
As per our mandate, Enterprise iLembe procures vegetables
from farmers, preferably within the iLembe District,
to supply to schools for the National Schools Nutrition
Programme. Currently approximately 63% of the 180
tons required for the programme are procured from local
farmers. A total of 119 farmers, which are mostly co-ops
and SMMEs, supply fresh produce to the 406 schools in the
district. This has been achieved through the setting up of
agri-hubs in Mandeni, KwaMaphulo and Ndwedwe. These
hubs are responsible for the distribution of fresh produced
to schools.
This is a key programme for Enterprise iLembe as it talks
directly to the empowerment of local communities. Agriculture
has proven to be one of the most sustainable sectors for
regional SMMEs provided there is a market for them to supply
their fresh produce, and the NSNP creates that market space.
We are also looking at how best we can ensure 100% local
supply whilst ensuring compliance.
Contact Details: Physical Address: Sangweni Tourism Centre, Cnr. Link Road & Ballito Drive, Ballito, KZN, SA 4420 | Postal
Address: PO Box 593 Ballito 4420 | Tel: +27 (0) 32 946 1256 | Email: info@enterpriseilembe.co.za |
Web: www.enterpriseilembe.co.za
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