PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Strategic Location

• Located in the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
• Falls under uMkhanyakude District Municipality.
• Unique “beach and bush” destination offering pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and rich natural surroundings.

Project Overview

• Redevelopment and commercialisation of Cape Vidal resort under iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s PPP programme.
• Existing facilities include chalets, a retail shop, fuel station, and 45 campsites (capacity 288 people).
• Accommodation capacity ~162 people in chalets, plus campsites with ablutions and power points.
• Private investor to receive a 30-year concession to build, operate, maintain, and transfer the resort.

Development Vision & Objectives

• Support iSimangaliso’s commercialisation strategy for tourism assets through PPPs.
• Boost regional and local tourism with upgraded and expanded facilities.
• Ensure revenue-sharing with iSimangaliso to support conservation management.
• Promote local community economic benefits through jobs, procurement, skills development, and training.

Scope

• Replace existing log cabin chalets with new modern units.
• Redevelop and expand the retail shop.
• Refurbish the resort and fuel station.
• Introduce new hospitality, recreational, and eco-tourism facilities under PPP agreement.

Benefits

• 149 jobs expected during construction and 89 permanent jobs during operations.
• Revenue sharing for conservation funding.
• Community benefit through mandatory partnerships and local procurement.
• Attraction of private sector expertise in resort management and tourism operations.

Project Value

• Estimated investment: R130 million+.
• 30-year concession period.

Timeline

• July 2025: Feasibility studies approved by National Treasury.
• Nov 2025: Pre-qualification of bidders (RFQ issued, evaluated, and shortlisted).
• Jan 2026: Draft RFP and draft PPP Agreement submitted for TA:IIA approval.
• Mar 2026: Request for Proposals (RFP) issued and advertised.

Investment Invitation

• Open to tourism investors seeking long-term concession opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Structured under National Treasury’s PPP Toolkit and PFMA regulations.