This Content is for Subscribers Only
Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa outlined a major push to unlock growth along the Eastern Seaboard during his address at the Eastern Seaboard Development Investment Summit in Mthatha. He said the initiative emphasized a decisive shift in South Africa’s development path and aims to revive long-marginalized coastal regions through coordinated investment and planning.
What Happened
The summit brought together government leaders, investors, traditional authorities, and development partners to map out the next phase of the Eastern Seaboard Development (ESD) programme.
Minister Hlabisa described the region as a high-potential growth corridor with opportunities in tourism, the ocean economy, agro-processing, renewable energy, ICT, logistics, and green industrialisation.
He noted that the District Development Model has already set a strong base through catalytic projects, spatial plans, integrated transport strategies, and investment-ready pipelines.
Official Response
During his address, Minister Hlabisa stressed that lasting transformation will rely on strong cooperation across sectors.
“This Summit represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a more inclusive, balanced and prosperous economy. Let us seize this moment to turn plans into projects, and projects into meaningful change for our communities,” he said.
He also announced new enablers that will accelerate implementation, including a Special Purpose Vehicle for investment coordination, an Investment Facilitation Task Team, and a Programme Management Office to ensure accountability and measurable progress.
Community Impact
Local leaders welcomed the approach, saying the framework offers a practical route to jobs, infrastructure upgrades, and long-term coastal development.
Stakeholders agreed that the initiative could shift the economic trajectory of rural coastal districts by linking investment to community-driven priorities. The summit’s resolutions will now guide early rollout phases and anchor future investor engagement.
