Small Harbour Developments Signal New Era for Coastal Marine Tourism in South Africa

South Africa is laying the groundwork for a new wave of coastal economic development with the completion of Spatial and Economic Development Frameworks (SEDFs) for the first three sites in its ambitious Small Harbours Programme. This initiative, led by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), is closely aligned with the country’s Operation Phakisa blueprint for unlocking the oceans economy.

The first three priority harbour sites—Port Nolloth (Northern Cape), Port St Johns (Eastern Cape), and Port Shepstone(KwaZulu-Natal)—mark a major strategic shift from the Western Cape-centric infrastructure model. These harbours are being developed not only to support small-scale fisheries but to unlock potential for marine tourism, local enterprise, and marina development—key themes at the African Boating Conference 2025.

Tangible Progress and Phased Development

The completed SEDFs include economic viability studies, phasing plans, socio-economic assessments, and site-specific development options. These frameworks are guiding the proclamation of new harbours, with Port St Johns already entering the implementation phase, including slipway rehabilitation and basic service infrastructure.

Port Nolloth and Port Shepstone are also progressing through de-proclamation and planning processes, with broader visions to catalyze growth in underdeveloped coastal regions. A multi-year development plan is underway, with emphasis on inclusive access, public-private partnerships, and empowerment of local communities.

A second tier of 22 additional sites has been identified across the country. SEDFs for five of these are currently being developed, with completion targeted for Q3 2025/26.

Marine Tourism and Marina Potential

With growing demand for recreational boating access, these harbour developments present a unique opportunity to expand South Africa’s marina infrastructure. Existing yacht clubs and small boating operators have expressed concerns over escalating lease costs in commercial harbours—making the new harbours a critical release valve for marine tourism growth and a driver of coastal destination development. Each harbour is envisioned as a multi-use facility—incorporating zones for fishing, business, tourism, cultural craft markets, and potentially, mixed-use accommodation. This model holds transformative potential for rural towns, creating jobs and positioning new nodes along the South African cruising and charter route.

Public Investment and SMME Empowerment

So far, R5.1 million has been invested in rehabilitating existing fishing harbours, including dredging, slipway repair, and removal of sunken vessels. Over R137 million has been channelled into infrastructure upgrades in the Western Cape, directly empowering more than 100 SMMEs.

The upcoming phase will focus on state asset optimisation, with Hout Bay and Saldanha Bay identified for potential developer partnerships. Transactional advisors are being appointed to structure PPP frameworks, with the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) expected to generate revenue through long-term leasing and operational models.

Opportunities Ahead

Marina development and marine tourism are key themes at the upcoming The African Boating Conference, and positive developments like these will be under discussion at the event. For many stakeholders, the proposed harbour projects represent a foundational moment—one that could unlock new cruising destinations, attract tourism investment, and bring inclusive prosperity to coastal communities long left behind.