Wild Coast Sun supports local SMME development

The KwaZulu-Natal resort is intent on providing an endless summer for female-run businesses in the region.

Wild Coast Sun is helping drive development of the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) sector in and around Port Edward, empowering locals with equipment and training to grow into respected suppliers.

Siphokazi Nogojela of Poshy A Printing and Branding, and Pamela Gumede of GPN Amangunie are beneficiaries of Wild Coast Sun’s Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme, which is aimed at growing sustainable local businesses and creating shared economic growth in the region.

Siphokazi Nogojela

Self-taught graphic designer Nogojela may be just 28, but she is determined to build a business that not only offers her a living, but also creates employment for others.  She started her printing and branding business in 2016 without any machinery or business experience. In September last year, she started working with Wild Coast Sun, who assisted her with an industrial printing machine, and in-house graphic design training. She now employs five staff members between her offices at Msizazwe and Wild Coast Sun.

“I am challenged daily to come up with creative ideas for signage and posters,” Nogojela said. “Having my own printing machine means we can handle all jobs in-house and our customer base has grown to include schools and more businesses.”

Poshy A handles all artwork, designs, and printing of digital posters for the resort. “All vinyl signage printing is now done in-house, which means a quicker turnaround time and the benefit of being able to customise,” said Bandile Mdliva, SED and Community Liaison Manager at Wild Coast Sun.

Pamela Gumede

In 2018, Gumede worked as a Wild Coast Sun seamstress, spending her days altering uniforms and mending linen, while harbouring a dream of owning a sewing business. After matriculating, she studied fashion design at the Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion in Durban and worked for various designers before landing back in her Port Edward hometown.

“In 2021, I submitted a business plan to Wild Coast Sun. The resort has been my ticket to achieving my dreams. I can’t thank them enough for providing me with four sewing machines and rent-free office space – I am now my own boss and run my own sewing business, employing four seamstresses,” Gumede said.

The business is currently working on an order for 700 sheets and 1 700 pillows. “I grew up in an entrepreneurial household. My mother is my role model and I learned how to be a strong woman because of her. I started needlework in school, and by the age of 18, was forced to sew my own clothes because shop-bought clothing did not fit my very slim frame.

“I must give credit to Wild Coast Sun for always doing its best for our community. As it equips small businesses, we can hire locals in the community. I dream of having an empire one day that provides clothing to the masses.”

Since an SMME conference was hosted at the resort last year, Sun International has taken several small suppliers under its wing to provide services and receive training and support. Wild Coast Sun has brought 15 new SMMEs on board over the past 18 months.