Sixty percent of the world's coffee supply comes from smallholder farmers. Those with access to quality trees suited to their farms are not only more profitable but more likely to remain in farming — a reality that is now being strengthened on the KZN South Coast through provincial support, says the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE).

The roadshow started at Beaver Creek Coffee Estate in Port Edward, where MEC Zondi and dignitaries were hosted by third-generation farmer Dylan Cumming, before moving to the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre for the signing of the transformative Ugu District Social Compact. This marks a collective commitment to revive coffee farming in the region, encouraging smallholder farmers to plant coffee trees and participate in the value chain, adds the enterprise.

"Coffee, unlike traditional crops, thrives on smaller parcels of land, making it well-suited to rural development farming models," says Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). "Through this Ugu District Social Compact, we are strengthening our partnerships to encourage communities to grow, process and invest in coffee farming, creating sustainable livelihoods and positioning the KZN South Coast as a leading agri-investment destination."

Dr Sibiya says the established coffee growing sector boded well for future farmers, "On the KZN South Coast, we already produce world-class coffee that is transported across the country, with beneficiation throughout the value chain. The Ugu District Social Compact is an important step to strengthen this sector. With the right conditions and support, coffee doesn't require a large landholding; our climate and soils provide the perfect foundation for small-scale, high-value farming."

Building on Established Coffee Leaders

Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and Mpenjati Coffee Farm are already leading the way in showcasing the sector's potential and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Both are flagship stops on SCTIE's Agri Tours, attracting visitors who want to experience authentic coffee production first-hand, says the enterprise.

Beaver Creek Coffee Estate (Port Edward)

The family-run Beaver Creek Coffee Estate is South Africa's longest-standing coffee farm and part of the RedBerry Coffee Collective, which has partnered with vida e caffè to supply locally grown RedBerry coffee at stores across KwaZulu-Natal. The Collective is already supporting nearly 50 members nationwide, assisting with agronomic services, processing and market access, adds the enterprise.

"Coffee demand globally is rising, and South Africa can play a much bigger role in meeting that need," says Dylan Cumming, Co-Founder of RedBerry Coffee Collective. "The signing of this social compact is a milestone for rural development. Coffee is an inclusive sector where small growers are central, making it a catalyst for agrarian reform, value creation and job creation. Through strong public–private partnerships, we can build a coffee value chain that not only attracts investment but also creates lasting opportunities for rural communities and positions South Africa as a serious player in the global coffee market."

Mpenjati Coffee Farm

Spanning 55 hectares along the Mpenjati River, this is South Africa's largest coffee farm. Owned by Des and Leigh Wichmann, Mpenjati Coffee Farm produces premium single-origin beans while offering processing tours, a coffee shop and a roastery that supplies outlets nationwide, says the enterprise.

The team, who works closely with Theo Le Roux from @thecaffeinecommunity and Cuppa Cafe in Pretoria, is of a unified belief that, for too long, South Africa has been a nation of coffee consumers, not creators, adds the enterprise.

"We import around R2.5-billion worth of coffee every year, but this is money that bypasses local communities," says Des Wichmann, Owner of Mpenjati Coffee Farm. "We believe there's a revolution brewing, built on empowerment and growth. By supporting smallholder farmers with seedlings and a guaranteed market, we can transform backyards into thriving farms and build a vibrant coffee economy that could create 50 000 jobs within the next 10 to 15 years. Coffee is no longer just a commodity; it's fast becoming a catalyst for positive change."

He says, from rural farms to urban barista schools, South Africa's coffee revolution is being built on people, "The sector is investing in free training programmes, expanding processing capacity and promoting local roasters such as Toro Coffee, Coffee Sorcery and Robin Chat Roastery, who are defining a distinct South African coffee profile. Tourism is also a key driver, with initiatives like our upcoming docuseries Grounded: The South African Coffee Revolution expected to attract both local and international audiences to the country's coffee culture."

By shifting their focus from importing to creating, Wichmann explains, they are unlocking the incredible potential of the region's people and land, "We are transforming coffee from a commodity into a catalyst for positive economic change, ensuring that every cup poured contributes to a more prosperous and equitable South Africa."

Unlock More Growth in KZN South Coast

The coffee sector is just one of many investment avenues on the KZN South Coast. There are agriculture value-add opportunities that enhance local production and export potential, as well as key manufacturing areas including agri-processing, textile production and building materials, supported by strategic positioning and infrastructure. The maritime and oceans economy offers avenues in tourism, boat-building, and coastal logistics, says the enterprise.

In the logistics sector, the area is ripe for investment, with Margate Airport offering potential for storage, cargo handling and warehousing solutions. This is supported by the region's inclusion in the Eastern Seaboard Development, which further strengthens the investment case for the region. At the centre is the Port Shepstone commercial and business hub, making the KZN South Coast not only a tourism gem but a thriving economic ecosystem, adds the enterprise.

Green investors will find a welcoming landscape in renewable energy and the green economy, with solar and wind potential that aligns with sustainability goals. The hinterland tourism sector, anchored by attractions like KwaXolo Caves Adventures and Umzumbe River Trails, continues to expand to include other cultural and nature-based experiences, says the enterprise.

The property sector is well-established with quality developments including Renishaw Coastal Precinct, Serenity Hills and Umdoni Point Coastal Lifestyle Village signing a ground-breaking MoU with SCTIE. Other examples include Bahari Bay, Injabulo Lifestyle Estate, and Ekubo Coastal Estate, concludes the enterprise.

For more information, visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. You can also follow South Coast Tourism on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor