Tourism
The municipality strives to develop tourism destinations in collaboration with investors where all communities will have access to high levels of transportation services, roads and socio-economic opportunities.
The Eastern Cape is a stunning part of South Africa, known for its beaches, mountains, wildlife reserves and historical sites. This makes it a major tourist destination, which can benefit businesses in the hospitality, recreation and retail sectors.
Heritage and hospitality
Tourism is important to the friendly communities of Mnquma Municipality. The small town of Butterworth is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Visitors can go for day walks to the nearby villages and experience the hospitality of traditional Xhosa lifestyle. Gcuwa Dam provides for a man-made lake, perfect for boating and fishing.
Beaches
Mazeppa Bay and Wavecrest beaches are located eastwards of the peaceful Centane Area, 40 km outside Butterworth.
Mnquma provides the perfect setting for family holidays and provides opportunities for discerning investors.
A Tourism Information Centre provides visitors with information about the area’s attractions and also serves as a marketing channels local tourist products and services.
Both the N2 Wild Coast development and Eastern Seaboard development are creating opportunities for future economic growth in the region. Find out more here…
Oceans Economy
Mnquma municipality is bordered by the Kei River mouth in the south and by the Qora River mouth in the north and has a shoreline of approximately 40.3 km, which provides opportunities to invest in the Oceans Economy.
This coastline is part of the Eastern Cape’s famous Wild Coast, which has an abundance of natural beauty and -resources that should be developed in a sustainable and equitable manner.
Potential investors are encouraged to explore opportunities available and discuss their objectives with the municipality. Don’t miss out on the vast potential of this region.
Property Development
The municipality is available to discuss potential property developments in the region. Two examples of recent investments in this sector are briefly highlighted below.
Ibika Development
Ibika Junction was rezoned as a business hub due to investor interest and based on its strategic location. A developer signed a lease agreement with the land owner and Mnquma Local Municipality (a portion of the land belongs to the municipality).
The First Phase of the development is completed, which include a petrol station and small retail complex. A sod-turning event for the Second Phase Development was held and the construction of a Super Spar and a liquor store is ongoing.
Ndabakazi Rural Development
Ndabakazi Junction is defined in the IDP as a mixed-use development node due to its strategic location and high impact project area. A developer went into a partnership with Amahlubi Development Trust with the purpose of starting a mixed-use development in the area.
Phase one of the project is completed and constitutes a BP garage, truck canopy and small retail complex. Phase Two is under way, the developer is currently engaging with Spar and Pick ‘n Pay.
Invest in Mnquma
Interested potential investors are invited to explore opportunities and discuss their investment objectives with the local municipality. Mnquma has ideal opportunities available for discerning investors.
Municipal investment profiling: A digital approach
In 2023, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA introduced the “Investment Profile Template Guide for Municipalities in South Africa” to help municipalities present their investment potential. Research showed only 15% of South African municipalities had investment profiles at the time.
However, limited financial and human resources have hindered digital promotion and investment attraction. SALGA has launched a programme to assist municipalities with digital initiatives, and the following municipalities are included in the first phase:
- City of Ekurhuleni (Gauteng)
- West Coast District Municipality (Western Cape)
- Mnquma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape)
- Matjhabeng Local Municipality (Free State)
The main objective of this project is to provide municipalities with a platform to market themselves as investment destinations to both domestic and foreign investors using an already existing platform and access to the Global Africa Network audience.
