Coastal development to create jobs and skills

Written by Kgaogelo Letsebe

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Government and the eLan Foundation’s Shift Africa have partnered to ensure a multi-billion rand development creates not only employment, but also future opportunities for 100 000 young people.

The eLan Foundation is the non-profit organisation of the property and development company eLan Property Group. It was formed in 2019 to improve the lives of communities in which the company operates.

The recent job opportunities are a result of the property group’s R16-billion Blythedale Coastal Estate Resort development in the Ilembe District. The estate will include schools, a shopping centre, a retirement village, a beach resort hotel, upmarket housing and apartments.

The project will also include the construction of 3 000 low-income social housing units.

Speaking at the project launch, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala said the project will help reduce unemployment and provide skills training, especially for youth and women. “This will be the biggest resort in Southern Africa and, as such, will yield more business opportunities for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).”

He added that the foundation had been provided with a database of young people who have been trained by the Department of Social Development.

He urged business sector to continue working with government to implement high-impact projects that will reduce unemployment and ensure skills development.

eLan Chief Executive Officer Mark Taylor said that the construction of the new estate will provide job opportunities, while the skills development project will equip workers to start their own businesses.

He said the partnership will lead to the incubation of 4 000 small businesses, with guaranteed contracts. “There is also the development of entry-level programmes, which will serve as a gateway to occupationally directed skills development.”

KZN MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza said it is up to our generation to demand that leaders from government, business and communities fulfil their commitments, and take action to better the lives of all.

“As we hold hands today as the public and private sector, we are making history and fulfilling that promise.”

She encouraged people to use all opportunities that come their way to empower themselves.