Enterprise iLembe is an Economic Development Agency of the iLembe District Municipality mandated to drive economic development and promote trade and investment in the region.

The agency is a registered company in terms of Company’s Act of 1978 and established in terms of the Municipal Systems Act (Section 86C) and is accordingly restricted to act as a municipal entity (Systems Act: Chapter 8A & MFMA Chapter 10 & 11).

The philosophy that drives Enterprise iLembe is built on global best practice principles in local economic development. “Local economic development is a participatory process where local people from all sectors work together to stimulate local commercial activity, resulting in a resilient and sustainable economy. It is a tool to help create sustainable jobs and improve the quality of life for everyone, including the poor and marginalised.”

iLembe District is located on the KZN North Coast and is one of the eleven district municipalities of the KwaZulu-Natal province and is also the smallest district municipality in the province, with a total population of approximately 606 000. “Being strategically located between the two major South African harbours of Durban and Richards Bay, iLembe District is located on the primary development corridor in the province of KZN. The close proximity to King Shaka International Airport and Dube TradePort also connects the district directly to both national and international markets,” said Linda Mncube, Chief Executive Officer at Enterprise iLembe Development Agency.

The iLembe District Municipality covers approximately 3 260 square kilometres and is divided into four local municipalities.
• KwaDukuza Local Municipality
• Ndwedwe Local Municipality
• Mandeni Local Municipality
• Maphumulo Local Municipality

Economic Sectors
Notwithstanding the third wave of Covid-19 infections and the recent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, Enterprise iLembe is upbeat about its potential to draw significant economic investment into the iLembe District region.

iLembe District is well-known as a fast-developing premier lifestyle destination and as the home of innovative entrepreneurs and start-ups in tourism, agriculture, property, construction, manufacturing sectors. Renewable energy is an emerging sector that is showing great promise.

The District has seen the emergence of new economic drivers in the information and communications technology sector, which creates further opportunities for inclusive growth and job creation. “We have an instrumental role in ensuring businesses and citizens of iLembe have greater access to the opportunities presented by digital technologies, especially in a global economy that is becoming increasingly digital,” commented Mncube.

“We are mindful that we also have an instrumental role in ensuring businesses and citizens of iLembe have greater access to the opportunities presented by all sectors, including tourism. We will, therefore, need to find ways to grow the tourism sector in a manner that creates business and employment opportunities across the district with future projects such as the KwaShuShu Hotspring project in Maphumulo, the Nokukhanya Luthuli Street in KwaDukuza and the Sibudu Caves project in Ndwedwe,” Mncube said.

He said potential travellers are urged to explore the exquisite and tranquil KZN North Coast with fun and affordable things to do. “Visitors can explore different traditional cultural experiences, animal and reptile farms, nature reserves, walking paths, beach walks and scuba diving, as well as museums, art galleries and art and craft markets.”

Business Incubator Facility
Enterprise iLembe has a Business Incubator Facility aimed at providing assistance for the start-up and growth stages of entrepreneurs or SMMEs in the district, assisting them with access to technical and business-related skills, necessary for the business growth process.

The incubation project has the potential to enhance the viability of small businesses and strengthen local economic development, including youth-focused projects that have the potential to reduce unemployment in the iLembe District. “It is essentially the one-stop shop for all business-related information, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations and facilitating access to funding for SMMEs within the district,” said Mncube.

Partnerships
Mncube said Enterprise iLembe is grateful to the various sector departments as well as the iLembe family of municipalities for the support received to make the investor experience a seamless and hassle free one. “Enterprise iLembe has the critical mandate of driving and facilitating economic development and growth in the iLembe District. This mandate cannot be executed in isolation and it is, therefore, important that partnerships are developed and maintained with all players, including local municipalities, the private sector, government departments, the local community and international organisations.

“We welcome local, national and international support to our iLembe District and look forward to building more collaborative partnerships with other business investors to sustain economic growth and to create business and employment opportunities,” said Mncube.

Full Name of Company: iLembe Management Development Agency T/A Enterprise iLembe
Nature of Business: Economic Development Agency
Date Established: 2006
No. of Employees: 27

VISION
To be a leading economic development agency that enables the iLembe district to be a destination of choice for investment, business and tourism.

MISSION
Working with business, communities and government to drive economic development in the iLembe District to ensure inclusive economic growth and job creation

KEY PERSONNEL
CEO: Linda Mncube
Manager: Tourism, Marketing & Investment Promotion: Cheryl Peters
Chief Financial Officer: Sinegugu Mthembu

CONTACT DETAILS
Physical Address: Corner Ballito Drive & Link Rd, Ballito
Postal Address: P.O. Box 593, Ballito, 4420, KZN
Tel: +27 (0)32 946 1256
Fax: +27 (0)32 946 3515
E-mail: info@enterpriseilembe.co.za
Website: www.enterpriseilembe.co.za