PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
17 March 2023

Launch of Mission Tourism Route on the KZN South Coast

The KZN South Coast has a rich cultural history, forming part of the many tourism excursions and adventures found here. With incredible religious sites dating back to the 1800s, this experience is set to attract attention with the launch of the Mission Tourism Route on Tuesday, 14 March.

Launched by South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), media and key stakeholders such as Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and tour operators got a first-hand experience of the Mission Tourism Route that included The Capuchin Adoration Convent in Pumula; Maris Stella Mission at Oshabeni; Assisi Mission at Oshabeni; and Maria Trost Mission in St Faiths.

“We have noted that a growing source of tourism interest currently, is the origins of Mariannhill and its constellation of outlying mission stations, many of which are found within the KZN South Coast,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “The launch of a dedicated Mission Tourism Route not only opens up a new avenue of tourism to our region while providing our visitors with exciting new offerings, it expands our tourism footprint further into the hinterland, opening up the rural tourism economy.”

The Mission Tourism Route touches on the history of Roman Catholic Mission Stations within the region and the interesting story of the Trappist monks. It starts in 1880 with the enigmatic Austrian monk, Franz Pfanner, who arrived in KwaZulu-Natal with around 30 monks of the Trappist order. Two years after establishing Mariannhill, Pfanner started setting up outstations to reach people in rural areas, providing education and skills training.

The missions’ long history of serving the local communities continues today, with a local school and orphanage benefitting from the work done by these selfless individuals. The establishment of the Mission Tourism Package will further support these efforts, providing an important opportunity for contributing towards social responsibility. The Mission Tourism Route is also an ideal way for historians, religious devotees, educationalists, retreats, and other interested visitors to discover more about the KZN South Coast’s rich, multi-cultural history. Other Missions found within our KZN South Coast of various religious denominations are to be introduced and included in future Mission Tour packages.

What’s included in the Mission Tourism Package?

Visitors will depart from Port Shepstone for the first stop, The Capuchin Way Mission for a tour of the property, and more on the operational history of this unique site. Then it’s on to Maris Stella Mission which includes a viewing of the incredible craftsmanship of the mission’s interior, murals, and alters. The third stop is Assisi Mission where visitors can learn more about the ongoing work from nuns residing here. Finally, there’s a tour of the beautiful Maria Trost Mission constructed entirely out of local stone.

The tour group will then proceed to the historic Spillers Wharf along the Umzimkhulu River in Port Shepstone. After a tour of the wharf and some insight into its history, visitors will enjoy lunch at Fish on the River.

To find out more about the Mission Tourism Package and other tourism events and sites, simply download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores. Follow the hashtags #workhardplayhard #kznsouthcoast #extendyourstay #seakznsouthcoast #bleisure #bleisuretravel

To find out more about the KZN South Coast’s tourism offerings, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores; visit the South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn; the SCTIE website to check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more! And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases.

/ENDS

All images are complimentary for media use, provided the correct image credit is included and the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied.

 

High resolution images are available upon request.

(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)

Sister Carmen and Father Paul of Capuchin Adoration Convent with Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE.

Thabi Msomi from SCTIE at Capuchin Adoration Convent.

Assisi Mission.

Capuchin Adoration Convent.

Capuchin Adoration Convent.

Father Mncwabe of Maria Trost Mission with Mandy Massey, the tourist guide.

Father Mvelase of Assisi Mission with the sisters.

Maria Trost Mission.

Pupils from Maris Stella Primary School welcoming visitors.

SCTIE team, media, and stakeholders with Maris Stella Primary School principal & teachers.

Sister Carmen of Capuchin Adoration Convent with Zama Nkomo from SCTIE.

Sister Kheswa of Assisi Mission with Thabi Msomi from SCTIE.

Sthandiwe Langa at Maris Stella in one of the old nun’s bedrooms.

Sister Carmen of Capuchin Adoration Convent.

Sthandiwe Langa learning about the history of Assisi Mission.

About KZN South Coast

Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing Agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za