Page 137 - UGU Dstrct Mun IDP Report '21-22

same period. The performance of subsectors within agriculture has varied. Commercial timber plantations are situated in the high rainfall areas in Harding, in the northern areas of former Vulamehlo and in the central areas of Umzumbe and former Ezinqoleni. Commercial timber plantations are situated in the high rainfall areas in Harding, in the northern areas of former Vulamehlo and in the central areas of Umzumbe and former Ezinqoleni. The general decline is disturbing though, as the agricultural sector in the Ugu district should be performing strongly due to a large number of favourable conditions. These include: rainfall of +/- 1100 mm per annum; abundant water supply in high flow periods, which could be conserved in off-stream storage for supplementary irrigation; a large labour supply and specialized infrastructure.
The key agricultural activities taking place in the district include: sugar cane production and milling; timber production and processing for pulp and sawn timber; bananas for local and international markets; macadamia nuts for local and international markets; limited coffee production for local consumption and livestock for commercial and subsistence farming (beef, dairy, poultry, piggeries and goats). There is high demand for vegetables in the area and vegetable farming also offers export opportunities. Commercial plantations are situated in the high rainfall areas in Harding, in the north areas of Umdoni LM and in the central areas of Umzumbe and the Ray Nkonyeni.
About 200 small sawmills process the municipality’s extensive wattle, gum and pine trees plantations. Expansion of the forestry and timber industry in the Ugu district means adding value by manufacturing timber products such as doors, windows, furniture and the like. There are a number of businesses successfully exporting timber products of high quality (to ISO9000 standards) and taking advantage of the exchange rates.
3.6.9.2 Subsistence Farming
Subsistence farming areas exhibit low levels of crop and stock farming, largely due to the small number of dams in the district. The subsistence farming practice is mainly found within tribal land. Emerging agricultural sector face major challenges such as a lack of access to sufficient capital and operational funds, experience and equipment. The small-scale farmers also battle to access formal markets and compete with established commercial farmers. Ugu district is characterised largely by needy rural interior falling under the Ingonyama Trust with some large commercial farms and many struggling subsistence farmers. The subsistence farming areas exhibit low levels of livestock and poultry due to a very few small dams that are in the district. Small scale farmers are also found in areas like Hlokozi, KwaJali, Ezingolweni and Umzumbe.
3.6.10 Tourism
The Tourism industry is a key contributor to the KZN and Ugu economy which is buoyant with the major activities based on the sea and associated activities. The development and implementation in the Ugu region is driven and headed by the Ugu South Coast Tourism Entity. The reputation of the area’s tourism sector is based on some of the following aspects:
• Approximately 115km of pristine coastline with seven Blue Flag Beaches
• The world renown Aliwal Shoal as well as many other diving spots
• A variety of opportunities for fishing, both surf and off shore
• Numerous adventure activities on offer such as the Big Swing at Oribi Gorge
• A number of pristine, top class golf courses
• Excellent scenery, landscapes and nature reserves
• An increasing number of events for both sports people and the general public
• Accommodation establishments such as the Blue Marlin Hotel
• Agritourism
• Sport and religious tourism through Ugu Sports and leisure Centre which serves as a multi-purpose centre with a potential
to promote sports and religious tourism in the district with benefits to the hospitality and food industry
There are also a number of key events that entice both repeat and new visitors to the region, some of these include:
• Africa Bike Week
• The Sardine Run (and events surrounding it)
• ABSA Easter Festival
• Joberg2C and Sani2C (both finish in Scottburgh)
• Hibiscus Coast Marathon
• Ugu Jazz Festival
• Margate Beach Festival
IDP REVIEW 135