UMgungundlovu Economic Development Agency UMEDA

UMgungundlovu Economic Development Agency UMEDA The uMgungundlovu Economic Development Agency (UMEDA), is a State Owned Entity, owned entirely by the uMgungundlovu District Municipality (UMDM).

The Agency hosted the Moses Kotane Research Institute for a consultation session focused on strengthening market intelli...
16/09/2026

The Agency hosted the Moses Kotane Research Institute for a consultation session focused on strengthening market intelligence, economic research, and data-driven investment promotion.

Mr Sandile Gabela, General Manager: Trade and Investment at UMEDA, outlined UMEDA’s mandate and highlighted the importance of reliable economic data in supporting investment promotion and facilitation within the district.

The engagement explored:

• Key economic sectors and markets in the district
• Data sources and research tools used by UMEDA
• Opportunities for data analysis and research support
• Future collaboration and knowledge sharing between UMEDA and the Institute

The engagement reaffirmed the importance of research, reliable data, and strategic partnerships in supporting investment promotion and sustainable economic development in the KZN Midlands.

15/09/2026

🎬 FILM WORKSHOP & NETWORKING EVENT! 🎥

Join us on Friday, 18 September 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM for an exciting session on The 48 Hour Film Project, filmmaking, industry insights and networking.

📍 UMEDA House, Maritzburg Showgrounds
💻 Can’t attend in person? Join us online via Microsoft Teams:

👉 Join the meeting: [https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/329968096209158?p=b9fBpkER09bARqzwYe](https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/329968096209158?p=b9fBpkER09bARqzwYe)

Meeting ID:329 968 096 209 158
Passcode: VC7cZ9xL

Registration required | Free entry | Refreshments provided

On the 10th of September 2026 UMEDA conducted a site visit to three sites within the Richmond Local Municipality to expl...
11/09/2026

On the 10th of September 2026 UMEDA conducted a site visit to three sites within the Richmond Local Municipality to explore opportunities for the development of a potential h**p and cannabis tourism route.

The visit included a meeting with uNdabezitha Mkhize in Nhlazuka to discuss opportunities within the h**p and cannabis sector and areas where UMEDA could provide support. The Agency also visited Serendipity Farm and Minova Green, which are tourism accommodation establishments offering a range of activities and experiences.

The site visits provided an opportunity to assess the tourism potential of the area and explore how existing h**p and cannabis-related activities could be incorporated into a tourism route. The proposed route has the potential to offer visitors a unique experience while contributing to local economic development, tourism growth, and the promotion of local enterprises.

Today, UMEDA hosted the EDP Committee Meeting at the UMEDA offices, where members came together to review and discuss th...
08/09/2026

Today, UMEDA hosted the EDP Committee Meeting at the UMEDA offices, where members came together to review and discuss the progress made during August 2026.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on key activities, assess progress against planned initiatives, and strengthen coordination towards advancing economic development within the uMgungundlovu District.

Following the my recent y, committee members had the opportunity to tour and explore the UMEDA Midlands Film Office, gaining insight into its role in supporting and promoting the local creative economy and film industry.

The visit concluded with an engaging movie screening, providing a fitting opportunity to experience the work and environment of the Film Office firsthand.

Don’t think twice.... grab this incredible opportunity to participate in The 48 Hour Film Project! Follow the instructio...
04/09/2026

Don’t think twice.... grab this incredible opportunity to participate in The 48 Hour Film Project! Follow the instructions on the poster below and stand a chance to be among the lucky teams selected to receive support for the project.

-How to Apply:
Visit our website and complete the application form:
www.umedamidlandsfilmoffice.com

This is one Mooi River Botique Small Scale Farm. Farm Size (50 H/a) specialising on the following farming aspects: 1. Sh...
30/08/2026

This is one Mooi River Botique Small Scale Farm. Farm Size (50 H/a) specialising on the following farming aspects:
1. Sheep Farming
2. Goat Farming
3. Fish Farming
4. Chicken Farming

UMEDA is facilitating an expansion plan of occupying approximately 1000 h/a farm giving rise to A Multi Purpose Farming Model, part of the considered value chain is an inclusion of the fertiliser and animal feed component.

The ultimate goal is to supply big establishments such as rainbow chickens, as well as other big retail outlets in and outside the country especially the neighbourhood countries in the SADEC region leveraging from the AGOA initiatives.

On 26 August 2026, UMEDA’s General Manager for Trade and Investment, Mr Sandile Gabela, visited Mountain View Broilers i...
27/08/2026

On 26 August 2026, UMEDA’s General Manager for Trade and Investment, Mr Sandile Gabela, visited Mountain View Broilers in Richmond, engaging with Mr Johan Hendrik Van Wyk on the farm’s significant contribution to the poultry value chain.

Mountain View Broilers demonstrates the scale and potential of Richmond’s agricultural sector, producing an impressive 42 tons of poultry per day and approximately 342 000 chickens daily, with its products supplied to Rainbow Chicken.

The visit forms part of UMEDA’s Social Compact Agriculture Sub-Committee initiative, whose purpose is to identify and promote an Anchor Farms Production Model in the District. The model seeks to classify farms according to their areas of specialisation, enabling farms to focus on specific agricultural products or components while strengthening linkages across the broader value chain.

UMEDA is advocating for the promotion of and assistance in onboarding black and emerging farmers, including cooperatives, while opening opportunities within the industry for black farmers and emerging cooperatives to participate meaningfully in the poultry value chain.

Through this approach, UMEDA is exploring the potential to position Richmond as a specialised poultry hub, where farms and supporting enterprises can contribute to different components of the poultry value chain, including production, feed, processing, logistics and related services.

The success of establishments such as Mountain View Broilers demonstrates that Richmond has the potential to develop a strong, specialised agricultural economy, attract investment, create employment and unlock opportunities for local businesses and communities.

By identifying Anchor Farms and building around their areas of specialisation, UMEDA is working towards a more integrated, productive and inclusive agricultural value chain in the uMgungundlovu District.

His Worship the Mayor of UMgungundlovu District Municipality, Councillor Mzi Zuma, has emphasised the critical role of c...
26/08/2026

His Worship the Mayor of UMgungundlovu District Municipality, Councillor Mzi Zuma, has emphasised the critical role of cooperatives and small businesses in growing the local economy, creating jobs and empowering communities at the Youth-Owned Cooperative Indaba held in ward 8 under Msunduzi Local Municipality.

The Mayor highlighted the District Municipality’s commitment to supporting SMMEs, including the recently advertised SMME support programme, which aims to provide much-needed assistance to emerging businesses and strengthen their contribution to economic development.

The uMgungundlovu Economic Development Agency also shared how it supports communities across the uMgungundlovu District by connecting businesses and community members with relevant government departments and stakeholders, helping to fast-track responses and access to available opportunities and support.

UMEDA further highlighted its One Stop Shop services, which assist emerging businesses with key compliance requirements, including business registration, tax compliance, CSD registration and other essential business support services.

The Agency welcomed Mr Douglas Mann who is the Public Affairs Officer at the Consulate General of the United States of A...
26/08/2026

The Agency welcomed Mr Douglas Mann who is the Public Affairs Officer at the Consulate General of the United States of America, accompanied by Mr Skhumbuzo Majola, for an engagement focused on economic development, youth empowerment and opportunities within the creative economy.

Mr Mann encouraged the youth of uMgungundlovu District to pursue their passions and make use of the opportunities available to them, particularly within the creative industry. He highlighted the potential for young people to turn their talents, creativity and ideas into meaningful economic opportunities.

He further noted that the U.S. private sector has identified significant potential and opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal, creating opportunities for stronger engagement, investment and collaboration.

UMEDA CEO Mr Michael Newton welcomed the engagement and expressed the Agency’s readiness to explore collaboration with the American side to drive investment, unlock opportunities and contribute to growing the economy of the uMgungundlovu District. He also expressed the Agency’s interest in strengthening the relationship and exploring opportunities that could bring greater U.S. engagement and presence into the District.

UMEDA was privileged to be invited by uMgungundlovu FM to speak about the establishment of the UMEDA Midlands Film Offic...
24/08/2026

UMEDA was privileged to be invited by uMgungundlovu FM to speak about the establishment of the UMEDA Midlands Film Office and the opportunities it seeks to unlock within the district.

Representing UMEDA, Phiwokuhle Dladla highlighted that the film industry extends far beyond what is seen on screen. It is a broad economic ecosystem that creates opportunities across numerous industries, including technical services, accommodation, transport, catering, security, equipment hire, creative services and many others.

As part of establishing the Film Office, UMEDA is developing a database of local service providers, businesses, skilled individuals and creative talent across the uMgungundlovu District. The aim is to ensure that when production companies seek to film within the district, the Film Office is able to connect them with local businesses and skilled individuals who can support their productions.

Through this initiative, UMEDA seeks to ensure that attracting film productions into the district translates into local economic development, increased business opportunities, skills exposure and meaningful opportunities for the people of uMgungundlovu.

The vision is not simply to bring productions to the district, but to build a local film ecosystem that allows our communities and businesses to participate in and benefit from the economic opportunities that come with them.

Address

UMEDA House, Royal Show Grounds, Chief Albert Luthuli St, Town Hill
Pietermaritzburg
3201

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27333423396

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