King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, government departments, parastatals and traditional leaders gathered together at Coffee Bay Ocean View Hotel on the 13th of April 2015 for a report back session. The session followed a summit that was held on the 19th and 20th of November 2015 for Coffee Bay Town development.
The main purpose of the meeting was to bring together and engage all the relevant stakeholders regarding Coffee Bay development implementation plan. Making opening remarks Executive Mayor of KSD Municipality, Cllr Nonkoliso Ngqongwa said that this has been a vision of KSD Council to develop a small town in Coffee Bay. “We took a resolution as Council in 2011 to declare Coffee Bay as a town. This area is rich with natural resources and has a great potential to change the lives of the communities around it”. She further added that the government could not sit back and watch people being stroked by poverty while living in the area that can turn their situation around.
Key projects that are aimed to drive the economy were outlined including small scale fisheries, fish factory, development of small harbor, vegetable Tunnel production, upgrading of Wild Coast Hiking Trail and declare hole in the Hole in the Wall as a Heritage site. Like any other towns the plans to build hospitals, schools and other offices are in place.
In giving the word of support the Deputy Minister of Labour, Chief Patekile Holomisa who is also a chief in the area welcomed this massive development that will improve people’s lives but also urged that the ownership of land must remain to the people of Coffee Bay. “The Land belongs to Tshezi clan and it is the only asset they have in this partnership. Therefore the development must not be done at their expense. The Tshezi Clan has to lease their land on a short/long term basis” he said.
Talking at the summit Chief Ngwenyathi of kwaTshezi appreciated the plans to develop Coffee Bay. “The community is eagerly waiting to have this town as it will bring job opportunities and improve the lives of our communities” said the chief.
Community Forum Chairperson Mr. Mxhamli Mkhetheni echoed chief’s words saying that they are excited about the development of Coffee Bay town. Expressing his excitement he said “We are happy about this development planned for our area as it will create jobs for youth”.
A Coffee Bay investment summit will be held to lobby more investors to come on board.
A declaration pledging to fight for social justice in communities, promoting an inclusive economy and endeavor to erase the legacy of the past was signed by stakeholders.
King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
