Tourism · Conservation · Private Investment
iSimangaliso Commercialisation and PPP Programme
Unlocking investment opportunities within and around a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The iSimangaliso Commercialisation and Public-Private Partnership Programme seeks to unlock investment opportunities within and around the iSimangaliso Wetland Park through strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors.
The programme promotes environmentally sustainable commercial developments that support biodiversity conservation while generating economic growth and employment for surrounding communities.
Investment opportunities will complement the World Heritage Site and expand the district's tourism offering.
Project Status
In development
Estimated Investment
R4 Billion
Source: DDM One Plan One Budget 2026/27, adopted by Council 29 July 2026.
Visitors
290 000+ against a target of 215 000
Revenue
R29.9 million against R27.5 million budgeted
Employment
635 jobs against a target of 350
Audit Outcome
Third consecutive clean audit
Source: iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, latest published annual performance. Employment reflects the Authority’s own complement.
The Park covers 358 534 hectares across five ecosystems and four Ramsar sites, running from the Mozambican border south to Maphelane, on an asset base of R965.7 million. Because visitor numbers are outrunning the Authority’s plan, the opportunity is commercial: accommodation, guided activities, visitor facilities, food services and transfers, alongside cultural and community tourism product.
Key Investment Opportunities
Strategic Outcomes
- Increase tourism investment.
- Diversify tourism products.
- Support biodiversity conservation.
- Create long-term employment.
- Increase tourism revenue.
Interested in this project?
Get in touch with the Invest uMkhanyakude team to request the full project brief.